Attribution. These verses were added to 5 Ezra when it was placed before 4 Ezra.
Ezra: The biblical Ezra was not a prophet, but a scribe
and priest. The tradition that he was also a prophet is found in
. Ezra's genealogy
(list of ancestors) is similar, but not identical, to those found in Ezra 7.1–5 and 1 Esd 8.1–2
In the reign of Artaxerxes: Ezra probably lived during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465–24 BCE), but these prophecies were written in his name centuries later.
Israel's sins and God's mercy.
Like the prophets
of the Hebrew Scriptures,
Ezra is called by God to denounce the people of Israel for their sins, and to remind them of all that God has done for them.
In Ezra 9.3
, Ezra pulls out some of his hair and his beard in a traditional sign of mourning, because of the faithlessness of the Israelites.
This verse is obscure, but the point is clear: in the past, God took Israel's side against their enemies.
God contrasts his merciful actions for Israel's sake (drawn from Exodus and Numbers) with the people's lack of faith and gratitude.
God's rejection of Israel.
Other nations: Other ancient authorities read “another nation.”
The author may have experienced violent conflicts between Jews and Christians, which could have motivated him to write this
He emphasizes the self-destructive nature of Israel's disobedience.
God has done everything in his power to preserve the covenant.
As a hen:
Compare Mt 23.37
God's rejection of superficial displays of piety is a common theme among the Hebrew prophets.
Although the theme of Israel's mistreatment of the prophets appears in 2 Chr 36.15–16
, the closest parallel to this verse is Lk 11.49–51
Your house refers to the Temple
; compare Mt 23.38
. Note the numerous parallels between this passage and Mt 23.29–39
The transfer of Israel's privileges.
The benefits of the covenant
will be taken from Israel and given to a people that will come, presumably the Christians.
The verse is obscure, but clearly a contrast with v. 32
The people coming from the east: This verse may allude to a Jewish tradition about the return of the ten lost tribes of Israel from far in the east (compare 13.39–50
), but if so, the motif
has been given a new meaning by the Christian author.
The patriarchs of Genesis and the minor prophets
are symbolic of the spiritual heritage of Israel which is to be handed over to the Christians; compare Lk 13.28–29
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