9:6 ashamed and blush. Previously, Ezra had been ashamed to ask Artaxerxes for protection on the return trip (8:22). Now his shame is of a different kind, a shame joined with the guilt that results from sin.

our iniquities . . . our guilt. Ezra is acutely aware of the people’s sin and guilt before God. Note also the sudden shift from “my” to “our.” Though Ezra was not guilty of marrying into paganism, he identified himself with the people in their sin, as did the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Is. 53:12; 2 Cor. 5:21).