Albert Barnes Commentary Ezra 9:8

"And now for a little moment grace hath been showed from Jehovah 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." — Ezra 9:8 (ASV)

The “little space” was more than 60 years, counting from the second year of Darius (Ezra 4:24), or about 80 years, counting from the first year of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1). This does not seem to Ezra much in the “lifetime” of a nation.

A remnant to escape – Rather, “a remnant that has escaped.” The “remnant” is the new community that has returned from the captivity.

A nail – Compare the marginal note and reference. The metaphor is probably drawn from a tent peg, which is driven into the earth to make the tent firm and secure.