A little space — It is but a little while since God hath delivered us, and yet we are already returned to our sin. A remnant — The far greatest part of the Israelitish nation were yet in captivity. A nail — Some kind of settlement; whereas before we were tossed and removed from place to place as our masters pleased. It is a metaphor from tents, which are fastened by cords and nails, or pins. Holy place — In Jerusalem, called the holy city, Nehemiah 11:1, Nehemiah 11:18; Daniel 9:24, which is peculiarly mentioned, because of the temple, which was the nail that fastened their tents and gave them some hopes of continuing in their land. To lighten — That he might revive and comfort our hearts. For as darkness is often put for a state of sorrow and affliction, so light is put for joy and comfort. In bondage — For we are not quite delivered, being even here in subjection to our former lords.
Related Commentaries of Ezra 9:8
Ezra 9:8
8 And now for a little spacec grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.