John Trapp on Ezra 8:9

Verſe 9. Obadiah the ſonne of Jehiel] This Obadiah, (as alſo Zechariah, verſe 11. and Azgad; verſe 12.) ſealed the Covenant, Nehem. 10. not without oath, and execration. It is both lawful, and in ſome caſes needful, for good people, ſolemnely to binde themſelves to bounden duties. Hereby, ſaith a grave Divine, as true intention, earneſt deſire, prudent jealouſie and holy zeale are manifeſted, ſo is a dull ſpirit much quickened, and the weak, wayward, revolting fleſh bridled and curbed: yea, and bound to her good behaviour.