Ezra 9:4

There are, collected unto Ezra those who believed in the word of God and dreaded the displeasure consequent upon such transgression. Perhaps the reference is especially to the threats contained in the Law. Cf. Deuteronomy 7:1-4.

every one that trembled at the words&c. cf. Ezra 10:3, -those that tremble at the commandment of our God". Isaiah 66:2, -to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word", and Ezra 9:5, -Hear the word of God, ye that tremble at his word". The dread of the consequences of disobedience rather than horror at the nature of the offence seems here depicted. But if the nature of sin was not yet realised, the sovereignty of a Higher Law was recognised, and -sin is lawlessness" (1 John 3:4).

of those that had been carried away R.V. of them of the captivity. Heb. -haggôlah", the collective abstract name for those who had shared the captivity.

until the evening sacrifice R.V. until the evening oblation. This is the daily evening minkhahor meal offering. See note on Nehemiah 10:33.

It is here mentioned as a common division of the day, as in 1 Kings 18:29. Cf. Jdt 9:1, -about the time that the incense of that evening was offered in Jerusalem". Ezra probably spent the greater part of the day in this posture.