Ezra 10:4

The appeal to Ezra.

Arise Not a reference to Ezra's prostration but a summons to energetic action, Joshua 1:2; Judges 4:14; 1 Samuel 16:12 and often.

forthis matterbelongeth unto thee:] R.V. for the matter &c. Literally -for this matter is upon thee". Cf. Nehemiah 13:13, -And their business was (lit. and it was upon them) to distribute unto their brethren". Isaiah 9:6, -And the government shall be upon his shoulder". Ezra was marked out for the duty, partly because he had so publicly testified to his condemnation of the people's sin, partly because he had received the royal commission -to teach" them that knew not the laws of his God (Ezra 7:25).

we alsowill be with thee R.V. and we are with thee. The R.V. gives the full meaning, by placing only a comma after -thee". The lead in the work was Ezra's, but Shechaniah and his friends were ready to cooperate at once in the reform. The present tense is therefore more appropriate than the future.

be of good courage, and doit] Literally, -be strong, and do". The responsibility of initiative required especial courage, when the policy would inevitably produce widespread discontent with no material compensation. David uses the same words to Solomon when entrusting to him the work of constructing the Temple. 1 Chronicles 28:10, -Take heed now; for the Lord hath chosen thee to build an house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it": cf. 2 Chronicles 19:11, -Deal courageously" (Heb. Be strong and do), are the words of encouragement given to Amariah, Zebadiah and the Levites by Jehoshaphat, as he commissioned them to act as judges among the people.