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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Ezra 9:9 Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia, giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/ezra/9-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/15_Ezr_09_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Ezra 9:9 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia, giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/ezra/9-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/ezra/9-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/ezra/">Ezra</a> > <a href="/ezra/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/ezra/9-8.htm" title="Ezra 9:8">◄</a> Ezra 9:9 <a href="/ezra/9-10.htm" title="Ezra 9:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/ezra/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/ezra/9.htm">New International Version</a> Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/nlt/ezra/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> For we were slaves, but in his unfailing love our God did not abandon us in our slavery. Instead, he caused the kings of Persia to treat us favorably. He revived us so we could rebuild the Temple of our God and repair its ruins. He has given us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/esv/ezra/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/bsb/ezra/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia, giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/kjv/ezra/9.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/ezra/9.htm">New King James Version</a> For we were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended mercy to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to repair the house of our God, to rebuild its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb_/ezra/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not abandoned us, but has extended favor to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to erect the house of our God, to restore its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb/ezra/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220For we are slaves; yet in our bondage our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to raise up the house of our God, to restore its ruins and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb77/ezra/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “For we are slaves; yet in our bondage, our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to raise up the house of our God, to restore its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/lsb/ezra/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> For we are slaves; yet in our slavery our God has not forsaken us, but has extended lovingkindness to us before the kings of Persia, to give us reviving to raise up the house of our God, to restore its waste places, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/amp/ezra/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> For we are slaves; yet our God has not abandoned us in our bondage, but has extended lovingkindness to us before the kings of Persia, to revive us to rebuild the house of our God, to repair the site of its ruins and to give us a wall [of protection] in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/csb/ezra/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us in the presence of the Persian kings, giving us relief, so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/hcsb/ezra/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. He has extended grace to us in the presence of the Persian kings, giving us new life, so that we can rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/asv/ezra/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> For we are bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended lovingkindness 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 ruins thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/cev/ezra/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> We are slaves, but you have never turned your back on us. You love us, and because of you, the kings of Persia have helped us. It's as though you have given us new life! You let us rebuild your temple and live safely in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/erv/ezra/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> For we are 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 ruins thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/gwt/ezra/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We are slaves, but our God hasn't abandoned us in our slavery. Instead, he has made the kings of Persia treat us kindly. He did this to give us an opportunity to rebuild our God's temple and restore its ruins and to give us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/gnt/ezra/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> We were slaves, but you did not leave us in slavery. You made the emperors of Persia favor us and permit us to go on living and to rebuild your Temple, which was in ruins, and to find safety here in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/isv/ezra/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Even though we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our slavery. Instead, he has extended gracious love to us in the presence of the kings of Persia, to grant us revival, to set up the Temple of our God, to repair its damage, and to give us a protective wall for Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/msb/ezra/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia, giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/net/ezra/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Although we are slaves, our God has not abandoned us in our servitude. He has extended kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, in that he has revived us to restore the temple of our God and to raise up its ruins and to give us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/nheb/ezra/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> For we are bondservants; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to 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 its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/wbt/ezra/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> For we were bond-men; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy to 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 of it, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/web/ezra/9.htm">World English Bible</a> For we are bondservants; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to set up the house of our God, and to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/ezra/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> for we [are] servants, and in our servitude our God has not forsaken us, and stretches out to us kindness before the kings of Persia, to give to us a quickening to lift up the house of our God, and to cause its ruins to cease, and to give to us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/ylt/ezra/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> for servants we are, and in our servitude our God hath not forsaken us, and stretcheth out unto us kindness before the kings of Persia, to give to us a quickening to lift up the house of our God, and to cause its wastes to cease, and to give to us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/slt/ezra/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> For we are servants; and in our servitude God forsook us not, and he extended to us mercy before the kings of Persia, to give to us the preservation of life to set up the house of our God, and to cause its desolations to stand, and to give to us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/ezra/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For we are bondmen, and in our bondage our God hath not forsaken us, but hath extended mercy upon us before the king of the Persians, to give us life, and to set up the house of our God, and rebuild the desolations thereof, and to give us a fence in Juda and Jerusalem. <a href="/cpdv/ezra/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For we are servants, yet in our servitude our God has not forsaken us, but he has inclined mercy upon us in the sight of the king of the Persians, so that he may give us life, and may raise up the house of our God, and repair its desolations, and give us a hedge in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/nabre/ezra/9.htm">New American Bible</a> For slaves we are, but in our slavery our God has not abandoned us; rather, he has turned the good will of the kings of Persia toward us. Thus he has given us new life to raise again the house of our God and restore its ruins, and has granted us a protective wall in Judah and Jerusalem. <a href="/nrsvce/ezra/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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 give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/ezra/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For we are bondmen; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but our God has granted mercy in the sight of the kings of Persia, and has cared for us today, to set up the house of our God and to repair its ruins and to give us a secure place in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/hpbt/ezra/9.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> Because we are Bond Servants, and in our bondage we are not abandoned by our God, and our God gave us favor before the Kings of Persia, and he gave today’s sustenance to us, and to raise up the house of our God, and he will repair her deserted places and he will give to us a fence in Judea and in Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/ezra/9.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> For we are 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 ruins thereof, and to give us a fence in Judah and in Jerusalem. <a href="/sep/ezra/9.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> For we are slaves, yet in our servitude the Lord our God has not deserted us; and he has extended favour to us in the sight of the kings of the Persians, to give us a quickening, that they should raise up the house of our God, and restore the desolate places of it, and to give us a fence in Juda and Jerusalem. <a href="/parallel/ezra/9-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sh6ec6iQe9M?start=2408" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/ezra/9.htm">Ezra's Prayer of Confession</a> …8But now, for a brief moment, grace has come from the LORD our God to preserve for us a remnant and to give us a stake in His holy place. Even in our bondage, our God has given us new life and light to our eyes. 9<a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">Though</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we</a> <a href="/hebrew/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm (N-mp) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">are slaves,</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">our God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">has not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5800.htm" title="5800: ‘ă·zā·ḇā·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3ms:: 1cp) -- To loosen, relinquish, permit. A primitive root; to loosen, i.e. Relinquish, permit, etc.">forsaken us</a> <a href="/hebrew/5659.htm" title="5659: ū·ḇə·‘aḇ·ḏu·ṯê·nū (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-fsc:: 1cp) -- Servitude, bondage. From abad; servitude.">in our bondage,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5186.htm" title="5186: way·yaṭ- (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to stretch or spread out; by implication, to bend away; used in a great variety of application.">but He has extended</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lê·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to us</a> <a href="/hebrew/2617.htm" title="2617: ḥe·seḏ (N-ms) -- Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty. From chacad; kindness; by implication piety: rarely reproof, or Beauty.">grace</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">in the sight</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mal·ḵê (N-mpc) -- King. From malak; a king.">of the kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/6539.htm" title="6539: p̄ā·ras (N-proper-fs) -- A country in W. Asia which conquered Bab. Of foreign origin; Paras, an Eastern country, including its inhabitants.">of Persia,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: lā·ṯeṯ- (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">giving</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/4241.htm" title="4241: miḥ·yāh (N-fs) -- Preservation of life, sustenance. From chayah; preservation of life; hence, sustenance; also the live flesh, i.e. The quick.">new life</a> <a href="/hebrew/7311.htm" title="7311: lə·rō·w·mêm (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To be high or exalted, rise. A primitive root; to be high actively, to rise or raise.">to rebuild</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the house</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of our God</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ū·lə·ha·‘ă·mîḏ (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">and repair</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2723.htm" title="2723: ḥā·rə·ḇō·ṯāw (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- Waste, desolation, ruin. Feminine of choreb; properly, drought, i.e. a desolation.">its ruins,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·lā·ṯeṯ- (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">and giving</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·nū (Prep:: 1cp) -- ">us</a> <a href="/hebrew/1447.htm" title="1447: ḡā·ḏêr (N-ms) -- A wall. From gadar; a circumvallation; by implication, an inclosure.">a wall of protection</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: bî·hū·ḏāh (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">in Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: ū·ḇî·rū·šā·lim (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">and Jerusalem.</a> 10And now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commandments…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/nehemiah/9-36.htm">Nehemiah 9:36-37</a> So here we are today as slaves in the land You gave our fathers to enjoy its fruit and goodness—here we are as slaves! / Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress. <a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Isaiah 44:26-28</a> who confirms the message of His servant and fulfills the counsel of His messengers, who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be inhabited,’ and of the cities of Judah, ‘They will be rebuilt, and I will restore their ruins,’ / who says to the depths of the sea, ‘Be dry, and I will dry up your currents,’ / who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’” <a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10-14</a> For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. / Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/36-22.htm">2 Chronicles 36:22-23</a> In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” <a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Daniel 9:25</a> Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress. <a href="/haggai/1-8.htm">Haggai 1:8-9</a> Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD. / You expected much, but behold, it amounted to little. And what you brought home, I blew away. Why? declares the LORD of Hosts. Because My house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house. <a href="/zechariah/1-16.htm">Zechariah 1:16</a> Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’ <a href="/psalms/126-1.htm">Psalm 126:1-3</a> A song of ascents. When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. / Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. <a href="/isaiah/60-10.htm">Isaiah 60:10</a> Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy. <a href="/jeremiah/31-28.htm">Jeremiah 31:28</a> Just as I watched over them to uproot and tear down, to demolish, destroy, and bring disaster, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” declares the LORD. <a href="/acts/15-16.htm">Acts 15:16</a> ‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, <a href="/ephesians/2-19.htm">Ephesians 2:19-22</a> Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household, / built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. / In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ... <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. <a href="/romans/11-5.htm">Romans 11:5</a> In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Hebrews 12:28</a> Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us be filled with gratitude, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>For we were slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended mercy to 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<a href="/nehemiah/9-36.htm">Nehemiah 9:36,37</a> Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it: … yet our God<a href="/psalms/106-45.htm">Psalm 106:45,46</a> And he remembered for them his covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies… <a href="/psalms/136-23.htm">Psalm 136:23,24</a> Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever: … <a href="/ezekiel/11-16.htm">Ezekiel 11:16</a> Therefore say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Although I have cast them far off among the heathen, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them as a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.in the sight<a href="/ezra/1-1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4,7-11</a> Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, … <a href="/ezra/6-1.htm">Ezra 6:1-12</a> Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon… <a href="/ezra/7-6.htm">Ezra 7:6,8,11-28</a> This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him… to set up<a href="/ezra/6-14.htm">Ezra 6:14,15</a> And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia… <a href="/haggai/1-9.htm">Haggai 1:9</a> Ye looked for much, and, lo, it came to little; and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why? saith the LORD of hosts. Because of mine house that is waste, and ye run every man unto his own house.<a href="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6-10</a> Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts… repair.<a href="/isaiah/5-2.htm">Isaiah 5:2,5</a> And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes… <a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Daniel 9:25</a> Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.<a href="/zechariah/2-5.htm">Zechariah 2:5</a> For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/9-8.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-10.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-10.htm">Bondservants</a> <a href="/daniel/9-26.htm">Desolations</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Extended</a> <a href="/numbers/22-24.htm">Fence</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-25.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/ezra/8-36.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/8-32.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ezra/7-14.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/ezra/9-7.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/ezra/7-28.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/ezra/7-1.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-10.htm">Repair</a> <a href="/ezra/9-8.htm">Reviving</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-6.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-12.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-10.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/ezra/6-3.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/ezra/5-9.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Bondage</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-36.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/esther/7-4.htm">Bondservants</a> <a href="/psalms/35-17.htm">Desolations</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Extended</a> <a href="/job/10-11.htm">Fence</a> <a href="/ezra/9-10.htm">Forsaken</a> <a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">House</a> <a href="/ezra/10-7.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/ezra/10-7.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-24.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Loving</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Persia</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Repair</a> <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Reviving</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Ruins</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-11.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-36.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/ezra/10-14.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Ezra 9</div>1. <a href="/ezra/9-1.htm">Ezra mourns for the affinity of the people with strangers</a> 5. <a href="/ezra/9-5.htm">He prays unto God, with confession of sins</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/ezra/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/ezra/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Though we are slaves The Israelites were in a state of servitude due to their exile in Babylon, which was a consequence of their disobedience to God. This phrase acknowledges their status as captives, even after returning to their homeland. Historically, the Jews were under the rule of the Persian Empire, which allowed them limited autonomy. This reflects the broader biblical theme of spiritual bondage and the need for deliverance, as seen in <a href="/romans/6-20.htm">Romans 6:20-22</a>, where Paul discusses being slaves to sin before being set free by Christ.Our God has not forsaken us in our bondage Despite their physical and spiritual captivity, God remained faithful to His covenant with Israel. This echoes the promise found in <a href="/deuteronomy/31-6.htm">Deuteronomy 31:6</a>, where God assures His people that He will never leave nor forsake them. It highlights God's enduring mercy and faithfulness, even when His people are unfaithful.But He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia The Persian kings, particularly Cyrus and Darius, played a crucial role in the return of the Jews to Jerusalem. This grace is seen in the edicts that allowed the Jews to return and rebuild the temple (<a href="/ezra/1.htm">Ezra 1:1-4</a>). The favor shown by these kings can be seen as a fulfillment of God's promise to use foreign rulers for His purposes, as prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28 and 45</a>:1.Giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins The rebuilding of the temple was central to the restoration of Jewish worship and identity. The temple represented God's presence among His people, and its reconstruction was a sign of spiritual renewal. This act of rebuilding is a type of Christ, who spoke of His body as the temple (<a href="/john/2-19.htm">John 2:19-21</a>), symbolizing the new covenant and the ultimate restoration through His resurrection.And giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem The wall symbolizes security and divine protection, essential for the survival of the returned exiles. Nehemiah's later efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (<a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">Nehemiah 2:17-18</a>) further emphasize the importance of physical and spiritual fortification. This protection can be seen as a type of Christ, who is our ultimate protector and fortress, as described in <a href="/psalms/18-2.htm">Psalm 18:2</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/ezra.htm">Ezra</a> A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon. He was instrumental in re-establishing the Law of Moses among the people. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a> The people of God who were in exile due to their disobedience but were shown mercy and allowed to return to their homeland. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_kings_of_persia.htm">The Kings of Persia</a> Refers to the Persian rulers, such as Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, who allowed the Israelites to return and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. 4. <a href="/topical/j/judah_and_jerusalem.htm">Judah and Jerusalem</a> The region and city central to Jewish identity and worship, representing the physical and spiritual restoration of the people. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_temple.htm">The Temple</a> The house of God in Jerusalem, which was central to Jewish worship and identity, symbolizing God's presence among His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_in_adversity.htm">God's Faithfulness in Adversity</a> Despite the Israelites' status as slaves, God did not abandon them. This teaches us that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our circumstances. <a href="/topical/d/divine_favor_through_human_authorities.htm">Divine Favor through Human Authorities</a> God can use secular authorities to accomplish His purposes, as seen with the Persian kings. We should pray for and respect our leaders, trusting God to work through them. <a href="/topical/r/restoration_and_renewal.htm">Restoration and Renewal</a> The rebuilding of the temple and the walls signifies spiritual renewal. We should seek God's help in rebuilding areas of our lives that are in ruins. <a href="/topical/p/protection_and_provision.htm">Protection and Provision</a> God's provision of a "wall of protection" reminds us of His promise to protect and provide for His people. We can trust Him for our security. <a href="/topical/g/gratitude_for_god's_mercy.htm">Gratitude for God's Mercy</a> Recognizing God's mercy in allowing the return from exile should lead to a life of gratitude and obedience. We should regularly reflect on God's mercies in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_ezra_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Ezra 9</a> <a href="/q/is_micah_1_9's_wound_metaphorical_or_literal.htm">Micah 1:9 - Could the description of an incurable wound be metaphorical, or does it imply a literal, historically unrecorded calamity affecting Judah?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_intermarriage_severe_in_ezra_9_3-4.htm">Considering Ezra 9:3-4, why does the text portray intermarriage so severely, when similar unions elsewhere in the Bible are treated with less alarm?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_jer._29_10's_70_years_fit_history.htm">In Jeremiah 29:10, how can we reconcile the 70-year exile timeline with historical records that suggest different lengths for the Babylonian captivity?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_tell_slaves_to_obey.htm">Titus 2:9 - Why does Paul instruct slaves to obey their masters, seemingly endorsing slavery in the process?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/ezra/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 9. - For we were bondsmen. Rather, "we are." The Jews had not recovered their independence. They continued to be the subjects of a despotic monarch, and were therefore 'abddim, "slaves." All the favour shown them by the kings of Persia had not changed this fact. To give us a wall. That is to say, "a shelter." The city wall still lay in ruins (see <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Nehemiah 2:13</a>, etc.). <a href="/commentaries/ezra/9-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Though כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction we אֲנַ֔חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> We are slaves, עֲבָדִ֣ים (‘ă·ḇā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> Slave, servant our God אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative has not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no forsaken us עֲזָבָ֖נוּ (‘ă·zā·ḇā·nū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5800.htm">Strong's 5800: </a> To loosen, relinquish, permit in our bondage, וּבְעַבְדֻ֔תֵנוּ (ū·ḇə·‘aḇ·ḏu·ṯê·nū) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5659.htm">Strong's 5659: </a> Servitude, bondage but He has extended וַֽיַּט־ (way·yaṭ-) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5186.htm">Strong's 5186: </a> To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bend to us עָלֵ֣ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against grace חֶ֡סֶד (ḥe·seḏ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2617.htm">Strong's 2617: </a> Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty in the sight לִפְנֵי֩ (lip̄·nê) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face of the kings מַלְכֵ֨י (mal·ḵê) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king of Persia, פָרַ֜ס (p̄ā·ras) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6539.htm">Strong's 6539: </a> Persia -- a country in west Asia which conquered Babylon giving לָֽתֶת־ (lā·ṯeṯ-) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set us new life מִֽחְיָ֗ה (miḥ·yāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4241.htm">Strong's 4241: </a> Preservation of life, sustenance, the live flesh, the quick to rebuild לְרוֹמֵ֞ם (lə·rō·w·mêm) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7311.htm">Strong's 7311: </a> To be high actively, to rise, raise the house בֵּ֤ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of our God אֱלֹהֵ֙ינוּ֙ (’ĕ·lō·hê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative and repair וּלְהַעֲמִ֣יד (ū·lə·ha·‘ă·mîḏ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> To stand, in various relations its ruins, חָרְבֹתָ֔יו (ḥā·rə·ḇō·ṯāw) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2723.htm">Strong's 2723: </a> Waste, desolation, ruin and giving וְלָֽתֶת־ (wə·lā·ṯeṯ-) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> To give, put, set us לָ֣נוּ (lā·nū) Preposition | first person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_0.htm">Strong's 0: </a> 0 a wall of protection גָדֵ֔ר (ḡā·ḏêr) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1447.htm">Strong's 1447: </a> A circumvallation, an inclosure in Judah בִּֽיהוּדָ֖ה (bî·hū·ḏāh) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites and Jerusalem. וּבִירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃ (ū·ḇî·rū·šā·lim) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/ezra/9-9.htm">Ezra 9:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/ezra/9-9.htm">OT History: Ezra 9:9 For we are bondservants (Ezr. Ez) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/9-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 9:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 9:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/ezra/9-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Ezra 9:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Ezra 9:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>