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).

“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.

Israel’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).

Obedience 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).

The 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.

Ezra 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.