John Trapp on Ezra 10:8

Verſe 8. And that whoſoever would not come, &c.] Lawes, if they be not penal and compulſory, will ſoon be ſlighted by lawleſſe, aweleſſe perſons. Howbeit, Flies muſt not be killed upon mens browes with beetles? peccadillo's muſt not be puniſhed, as haynous crimes. Draco made it capital to be idle, to ſteal pot hearbs, &c. Of his Lawes Ariſtotle ſaith that they were not worthy remembrance, but onely for their over-great ſeverity, Ezra's Laws were more mild.

All his ſubſtance ſhall be forfeited] This to men of their mettle, was a forcible motive. When ſome have a loſſe in their riches, it is as it were raked out of their bellies: a piece of their very heart goes with it, Job 20.15. and they are filled with unmedicinable ſorrowes, Eccleſ. 5.

And himſelf ſeparated from the Congregation] Baniſhed the Land, or at leaſt caſt out of the Church. Wo be to thoſe that ſeparate themſelves, Jude 19. Cainites you may call them, Gen. 4.16. Our Church-forſakers, Worſhip-ſcorners, that laſt brood of Beelzebub.