In this chapter we have that grievance redressed which was complained of and lamented in the foregoing chapter. Observe, I. How the people's hearts were prepared for the redress of it by their deep humiliation for the sin, ver. 1. II. How it was proposed to Ezra by Shechaniah, ver. 2-4. III. How the proposal was put in execution. 1. The great men were sworn to stand to it, ver. 5. 2. Ezra appeared first in it, ver. 6. 3. A general assembly was called, ver. 7-9. 4. They all, in compliance with Ezra's exhortation, agreed to the reformation, ver. 10-14. 5. Commissioners were appointed to sit "de die in diem"--day after day, to enquire who had married strange wives and to oblige them to put them away, which was done accordingly (ver. 15-17), and a list of the names of those that were found guilty given in, ver. 18-44.
Ezra's Reformation. (b. c. 456.)