Get upThis phrase is a call to action, urging Ezra to rise from his position of mourning and prayer. In the biblical context, standing up often signifies readiness to act or to take on a responsibility. This mirrors other instances in Scripture where God or His messengers call individuals to rise and fulfill a divine task, such as when God called Moses at the burning bush (
Exodus 3:10) or when Jesus called His disciples to follow Him (
Matthew 4:19).
for this matter is your responsibility
Ezra, as a priest and scribe, held a position of spiritual authority and leadership among the Israelites. His responsibility was to guide the people in adherence to God's laws. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship, where leaders are accountable for the spiritual well-being of their community. The historical context here involves the Israelites' return from Babylonian exile and the need to reestablish their covenant relationship with God, which had been compromised by intermarriage with pagan nations.
and we will support you
This assurance of support highlights the communal aspect of repentance and reform. The people recognized Ezra's leadership but also committed to stand with him in the necessary actions. This reflects the biblical theme of unity and collective responsibility within the body of believers, as seen in the early church's communal life (Acts 2:42-47).
Be strong and take action!
This exhortation echoes God's encouragement to Joshua as he prepared to lead Israel into the Promised Land (Joshua 1:6-9). It emphasizes the need for courage and decisive action in the face of daunting tasks. The call to strength and action is a recurring biblical theme, often associated with faith in God's promises and reliance on His power, as seen in the life of David (1 Samuel 17:45-47) and the apostles (Acts 4:29-31).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
EzraA scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in restoring the law and religious practices among the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe people of Israel who had returned from Babylonian exile and were struggling with issues of intermarriage with foreign nations, which was against the Law of Moses.
3.
JerusalemThe central place of worship for the Israelites and the location where Ezra was leading the reform.
4.
ShecaniahA leader among the Israelites who encouraged Ezra to take action regarding the issue of intermarriage, showing support and urging him to be strong.
5.
Intermarriage CrisisThe event where many Israelites had married foreign women, leading to a crisis of faith and identity, prompting the need for reform and repentance.
Teaching Points
Responsibility in LeadershipGod calls leaders to take responsibility for guiding His people according to His Word. Ezra's example shows the importance of stepping up to address issues within the community.
Community SupportThe support of the community is crucial when undertaking difficult tasks. Just as Shecaniah and others supported Ezra, we should support our leaders in their God-given missions.
Strength and ActionSpiritual strength comes from God, and it is essential to act upon His commands. Ezra's call to be strong and take action is a reminder that faith requires both trust and obedience.
Repentance and ReformTrue repentance involves turning away from sin and making necessary changes. The Israelites' situation teaches us the importance of aligning our lives with God's standards.
Courage in ObedienceObeying God often requires courage, especially when it involves difficult decisions. Ezra's courage in addressing the intermarriage issue is a model for us to follow in our own lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Ezra 10:4?
2.How does Ezra 10:4 encourage us to take responsibility for our actions today?
3.What role does courage play in fulfilling God's commands in Ezra 10:4?
4.How can we "take action" in our faith as Ezra 10:4 instructs?
5.Connect Ezra 10:4 with another Bible verse about leadership and responsibility.
6.How can we support others in their spiritual responsibilities, as seen in Ezra 10:4?
7.How does Ezra 10:4 encourage personal responsibility in spiritual leadership?
8.What historical context led to the events in Ezra 10:4?
9.How does Ezra 10:4 reflect the theme of repentance and reform?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 10?
11.Should Christians allow themselves to be taken advantage of?
12.Numbers 23:19: How do we reconcile 'God is not a man...that he should repent' with passages elsewhere depicting God changing His mind (e.g., Genesis 6:6)?
13.How does the ritual laying on of hands in Numbers 8:10 align or conflict with other priestly consecration rites in the Torah?
14.How can we make ethical decisions effectively?What Does Ezra 10:4 Mean
Get up“Get up” (Ezra 10:4) is a call to rise from passive grief to purposeful obedience.
• God often meets His people in motion. Joshua was told, “Get up! Why have you fallen on your face?” when lingering sorrow hindered progress (Joshua 7:10).
• Jesus said to the paralytic, “Get up, take your mat and go home” (Matthew 9:6), demonstrating that divine authority empowers immediate movement.
•Ephesians 5:14 urges sleepers to “Wake up,” because light and life are found in active fellowship with Christ.
When conviction touches the heart, the next faithful step is to stand, ready to obey.
for this matter is your responsibilityIsrael’s mixed marriages violated God’s explicit commands (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Ezra, as priest and scribe, carried unique accountability:
• Leadership always bears weight—“To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
•James 4:17 reminds every believer that knowing the right course obligates us to act.
• Like Solomon charged by David, “The LORD has chosen you…be strong and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:10).
Responsibility here is personal yet public: Ezra must lead repentance, draft a covenant, and guide reform (Ezra 10:3, 5).
and we will support youObedience is rarely a solo venture. God knits hearts together for mutual strength.
• Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands so Israel prevailed (Exodus 17:12).
• “Bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) mirrors the people’s pledge to stand with Ezra.
•Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 pictures companions who lift the fallen and withstand attack together.
Israel promises practical help—gathering in Jerusalem, separating from foreign wives, and enforcing covenant faithfulness (Ezra 10:7-8, 14).
Be strong and take actionThe final charge echoes God’s timeless encouragement:
• “Be strong and courageous…for the LORD your God is with you” (Joshua 1:9).
• “Be strong, do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded” (2 Chronicles 15:7).
• Paul commands, “Be alert, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Strength here is moral resolve, not mere muscle. Action means decisive steps—calling the assembly, investigating cases, and executing reform (Ezra 10:6-17). God supplies power; His people supply willing hands.
summaryEzra 10:4 moves in four deliberate beats: rise from passivity, accept God-given responsibility, rely on the support of the faithful community, and press forward with courageous action. The verse reminds every believer that conviction must translate into concrete obedience, that leadership is accountable before God, that fellowship buttresses faithfulness, and that true strength is proven in decisive, holy steps.
Verse 4. -
Thismatter belongeth unto thee. Ezra's commission was to "let judgment be executed on those who would not do the law of God" (
Ezra 7:26), and so to constrain them to obedience. It was therefore his place to inquire into the serious matter brought before him, and set it right.
We will be with thee. We, the "very great congregation" which had gathered around Ezra, and of whom Shechaniah was the spokesman, undertake to be with thee, and support thee, in the steps which thou takest in this matter. Only
be ofgood courage, and act.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Get up,ק֛וּם(qūm)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6965:To arise, stand up, standforכִּֽי־(kî-)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunction[this] matter [is]הַדָּבָ֖ר(had·dā·ḇār)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeyour [responsibility],עָלֶ֥יךָ(‘ā·le·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstand weוַאֲנַ֣חְנוּ(wa·’ă·naḥ·nū)Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587:Wewill support you.עִמָּ֑ךְ(‘im·māḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally withBe strongחֲזַ֖ק(ḥă·zaq)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquerand take action!”וַעֲשֵֽׂה׃(wa·‘ă·śêh)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
Links
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OT History: Ezra 10:4 Arise (Ezr. Ez)