Ezra 10:6

King James Version (KJV)

Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

Johanan the son of Eliashib - Eliashib was high priest, and was succeeded in that office by his son Joiada, Nehemiah 12:10. Probably Johanan here is the same as Jonathan in Nehemiah, who was the son of Joiada, and grandson of Eliashib. Some suppose that Johanan and Joiada were two names for the same person.

Was this helpful?

Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

The “chamber of Johanan” was probably one of those attached externally to the temple (see 1 Kings 6:5-6). Eliashib was the grandson of Jeshua Ezra 3:2, and was high priest under Nehemiah Nehemiah 3:1. He could assign chambers in the temple to whomever he pleased (see Nehemiah 13:4-5).

Was this helpful?

Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

There is hope concerning people, when they are convinced, not only that it is good to part with their sins, but that it is necessary; we must do it, or we are undone. So rich is the mercy, and so plenteous the redemption of God, that there is hope for the vilest who hear the gospel, and are willing to accept of free salvation. When sinners mourn for their sins, and tremble at the word of God, there is hope that they will forsake them. To affect others with godly sorrow or love to God, we must ourselves be affected. It was carefully agreed how this affair should be carried on. That which is hastily resolved on seldom proves lasting.

Was this helpful?

Ellen G. White
Prophets and Kings, 622

The sorrow of Ezra and his associates over the evils that had insidiously crept into the very heart of the Lord's work, wrought repentance. Many of those who had sinned were deeply affected. “The people wept very sore.” Ezra 10:1. In a limited degree they began to realize the heinousness of sin and the horror with which God regards it. They saw the sacredness of the law spoken at Sinai, and many trembled at the thought of their transgressions. PK 622.1

One of those present, Shechaniah by name, acknowledged as true all the words spoken by Ezra. “We have trespassed against our God,” he confessed, “and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.” Shechaniah proposed that all who had transgressed should make a covenant with God to forsake their sin and to be adjudged “according to the law.” “Arise,” he bade Ezra; “for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage.” “Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word.” Verses 2-5. PK 622.2

This was the beginning of a wonderful reformation. With infinite patience and tact, and with a careful consideration for the rights and welfare of every individual concerned, Ezra and his associates strove to lead the penitent of Israel into the right way. Above all else, Ezra was a teacher of the law; and as he gave personal attention to the examination of every case, he sought to impress the people with the holiness of this law and the blessings to be gained through obedience. PK 622.3

Read in context »

Was this helpful?

Cross References

the chamber

Johanan

he did eat