Ezra's accomplishment

Ezra deals with the problem of intermarriage (Ezra 9–10)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   problem of intermarriage introduced9:1–2
2. b
   people gather about Ezra, who sits in distress over problem9:3–4
3. c
   Ezra kneels in prayer at temple in self-abasement9:5–15
4. d
   CLIMAX: people agree to resolve problem!10:1–4
5. c′
   Ezra arises from prayer at temple (still) in self-abasement10:5–6
6. b′
   Ezra gathers people; they sit in distress; representatives sit and deal with problem10:7–15
7. a′
   problem of intermarriage resolved; list of those guilty10:16–44