MPV Commentary

5-15. Ezra fell to his knees and spread out his hands in prayer to the Lord God.

His burden was that he was overwhelmed by the enormity of this sin and the brazen impiety of continuing it despite their recent experience of God's displeasure. Just a short time ago, Israel had been restored to their homeland after facing severe consequences for their actions. However, this restoration only made their sin worse, as they openly disregarded God's explicit commands to eliminate the Canaanites.

Ezra exclaimed that such conduct could only lead to drawing down severe punishment from an offended heaven and ultimately destroying what was left of them unless they repented through a thorough reformation, relying on divine grace.