Ezra 9

Ezra is informed that the returning exiles—including the priests and Levites—have committed a grave sin by taking foreign wives from the pagan nations, violating God’s clear command. Ezra is utterly devastated. He tears his robe and mantle and pulls hair from his head and beard. He falls to his knees and offers a profound prayer of confession to God, acknowledging that the people have sinned grievously despite God’s mercy in allowing them to return from exile. He begs God not to abandon them again.