Ezra 10:2

Shechaniah. Probably an influential man, for he appears here as spokesman for the people. Although his name does not appear among those who had foreign wives, and he must therefore be considered as having been free from this sin, he was deeply distressed by the fact that his father belonged to the transgressors, for it seems probable that his father, Jehiel, is the same person mentioned in verse 26 as among those who had married idolatrous wives. Both are of the family of Elam. Shechaniah may have long felt the evil influence of his father’s foreign (second) wife, and hence could honestly agree with all the words of Ezra. He seems to have been glad that the problem had come to Ezra’s attention, who was as much concerned about the situation as he had been.

There is hope. The penitence of the people, evidenced by their sore weeping, gave hope that they might be led to amend their ways and return to God.