Ezra's grief.
"Now when these things were done," viz; when the free-will offerings were deposited in the temple, when the sacrifices had been offered, when the king's commissions had been delivered to his lieutenants and the governors of the provinces—when all things promised well, a new cause of trouble arises. "The princes came," etc. (verses 1, 2). Here we have—
I. THE CAUSE OF EZRA'S GRIEF.
1. The law of God was violated.
2. The violation of the law was general.
3. The fact was incontestable.
II. THE DEPTH OF EZRA'S GRIEF (verses 3, 4).
1. He rent his clothes.
2. He plucked off his hair.
3. He sat down astonied.
(a) this zeal for God. This grief for his honour being outraged by sinners.
(b) This purest patriotism which repents vicariously for our people.—J.A.M.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON