עזרא, פרק ט׳, פסוק ד׳

Ezra's severe reaction to the sins of the people creates a deep resonance within the community. Seeing him in such distress, individuals who share his profound shock at the state of the nation begin to gather around him. These are people who carry a deep reverence and fear for the fulfillment of God's words [מצודת דוד]. The betrayal committed by the returning exiles touches them to the core [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. They do not simply gather as bystanders; they unite with a clear purpose, determined to work together to remove the sin and repair the spiritual damage [מצודת דוד].

As the crowd forms, Ezra remains completely paralyzed and struck silent by grief [מצודת ציון]. He sits in this state of mute shock well into the afternoon [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This timeframe specifically aligns with the daily afternoon sacrifice, a moment dedicated to bringing a gift and tribute to God [מצודת דוד].