Ezra 9:9
For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that even in their state of "bondage" and servitude to Persia, God's "steadfast love" was actively at work, not just in the past, but right then. It wasn't just about being allowed to rebuild the temple, but about God's direct provision for their protection and revival through the kings of Persia.
Ezra is deeply troubled, confessing his people's sin of intermarrying with foreigners after returning from exile. He acknowledges their current state as "slaves" to the Persian empire, yet contrasts this with God's incredible grace. Despite their subjugation, God has not abandoned them, but moved kings to show them favor, allowing them to rebuild their temple and offering them protection in their land.
Ezra's confession hits hard: 'For we are bondmen.' This wasn't just a look back; it was their present reality.
The verse corrects any idea that the return from exile meant instant freedom. The people were still subjects, essentially 'slaves' to the Persian Empire. Their status was one of dependence, not sovereignty. This crucial point highlights that God's grace isn't contingent on our perfect circumstances or freedom from hardship. Even while living under foreign rule, they were experiencing God’s active favor.
Despite their status as 'bondmen,' God's 'steadfast love' was actively at work, providing a way forward.
The core of this verse is the incredible 'steadfast love' of God. This isn't a passive emotion but an active, enduring commitment. God extended this love through the kings of Persia, influencing them to grant the exiles 'reviving.' This means God used human rulers as instruments to bring about life and hope, allowing them to rebuild their temple and worship. It’s a powerful reminder that God works sovereignly, even through secular powers, to accomplish His purposes for His people.
God didn't just offer a spiritual revival; He provided tangible 'protection,' described as a 'wall.'
The final phrase, 'to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem,' speaks volumes. This 'wall' wasn't necessarily a literal defensive structure, especially since the city walls were still in ruins. Instead, it signifies divine protection, security, and defense. This protection came through the decrees and favor of the Persian kings, but ultimately, it was God's powerful providence acting as a safeguard. It's the assurance that even in vulnerable circumstances, God surrounds His people with His care, acting as their ultimate hedge against overwhelming opposition.
Understand the original words
chesed · Hebrew Noun
A term denoting the unique, loyal, and covenantal love of God. It is an active, persistent commitment to his people based on his character rather than their merit.
Ezra's words in this verse are spoken during a period when the Jewish people, though returned from Babylonian exile, were still subjects of the Persian Empire. The 'steadfast love' he acknowledges is God's enabling them to survive and rebuild their community and Temple through the favor of Persian kings, despite their continued 'bondage' and the precarious state of Jerusalem.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, many Judeans, including members of the royal family and elite, were deported to Babylon, marking the beginning of the Babylonian Exile.
539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers the Neo-Babylonian Empire, ushering in the Achaemenid Persian Empire and creating a new political reality for the exiles.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree Allowing Return
Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, marking the start of the Second Jewish Temple period.
515 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed and dedicated, a significant milestone in the restoration of Jewish religious life after the exile.
This passage describes dry bones coming to life, mirroring Ezra's thought of God granting 'reviving' to His people, lifting them from a state of spiritual and national death.
Nehemiah 2:11-18This narrative shows the practical 'repairing of ruins' as Nehemiah leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a tangible fulfillment of the protection and restoration Ezra speaks of.
Psalm 80:12The imagery of God's people as a vineyard with broken-down fences ('wall' or 'hedge' in Hebrew) powerfully echoes Ezra's plea for divine protection ('a wall') amidst enemies.
Ezra 1:1-4This decree from Cyrus the Great illustrates the 'steadfast love' and 'mercy' extended 'before the kings of Persia' that allowed the temple's reconstruction and the people's 'reviving'.
pooleEzra 9:9: "For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem."
We were bondmen, i.e. in greater bondage than that in which we now are. Hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, i.e. hath given us to find favour in their eyes. To give us a revivi…
barnesEzra 9:9: "For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem."
We were bondmen - Rather, "we are bondmen" (compare the marginal reference). The Israelites, though returned from the captivity, were still "bondmen." The Persian monarch was their absolute lord and master…
The verse emphasizes that even in their state of "bondage" and servitude to Persia, God's "steadfast love" was actively at work, not just in the past, but right then. It wasn't just about being allowed to rebuild the temple, but about God's direct provision for their protection and revival through the kings of Persia.
Ezra is deeply troubled, confessing his people's sin of intermarrying with foreigners after returning from exile. He acknowledges their current state as "slaves" to the Persian empire, yet contrasts this with God's incredible grace. Despite their subjugation, God has not abandoned them, but moved kings to show them favor, allowing them to rebuild their temple and offering them protection in their land.
Ezra is deeply troubled, confessing his people's sin of intermarrying with foreigners after returning from exile. He acknowledges their current state as "slaves" to the Persian empire, yet contrasts this with God's incredible grace. Despite their subjugation, God has not abandoned them, but moved kings to show them favor, allowing them to rebuild their temple and offering them protection in their land.
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c. 458 BC— this verse
Ezra's Commission and Return
Ezra, a scribe and priest, receives a commission from King Artaxerxes I of Persia to return to Jerusalem, teach the Law, and reform the community.
c. 444 BC
Nehemiah's Commission and Return
Nehemiah, cupbearer to Artaxerxes I, receives permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls, facing opposition from surrounding peoples.
"For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protecti…" — The verse emphasizes that even in their state of "bondage" and servitude to Persia, God's "steadfast love" was actively at work, not just in the past, but right then. It wasn't just about being *allo…
