Ezr 9:11-12 | MHM | STEP | v. 11 : Ezra confesses that their sin is especially serious because it goes against God’s clear command: We have forsaken thy commandments (Ezra 9:10 ). God had told them not to marry people from other nations (Genesis 34:14; Ezra 9:11-12 ). Breaking such a clear law is very serious in God’s eyes.

‏ Ezra 9:11-12

v. 11: Ezra confesses that their sin is especially serious because it goes against God’s clear command: We have forsaken thy commandments (Ezra 9:10 ^a). God had told them not to marry people from other nations (Genesis 34:14; Ezra 9:11-12 ^b). Breaking such a clear law is very serious in God’s eyes.

v. 12: Ezra also admits that God has punished them less than they deserved. Even though their suffering was great, it was not as much as their sins deserved (Isaiah 40:2 ^c). Ezra is amazed that, after all God’s mercy, they would sin again and risk even greater punishment.