This verse from 1 Esdras 8:72 (which corresponds to Ezra 9:4 in the Hebrew Bible) describes a scene of deep sorrow and repentance. Let's break it down:
"So all those who were moved at the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, assembled to me...": This refers to people who were touched or affected by the message/law of God. They were likely people who were concerned about the spiritual state of the community and its adherence to God's commandments. The phrase "assembled to me" indicates that the speaker (Ezra in Ezra 9:4) was a central figure, likely a leader or scribe known for his piety and knowledge of the law. People gathered around him, seeking guidance and expressing their shared concern.
"...while I mourned for the iniquity...": The speaker is in a state of mourning or grieving because of "the iniquity." This likely refers to a serious transgression or sin that has been committed by the people of Israel. In the context of Ezra 9, the iniquity is intermarriage with people of foreign nations, which was forbidden by God's law. It was seen as a threat to the religious purity and identity of the Israelite community. The speaker is actively expressing his sorrow and perhaps lamenting the situation.
"...but I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice.": Despite the people gathering around him, the speaker remained still and overwhelmed with grief. The phrase "full of heaviness" further emphasizes the depth of his sorrow and burden. He was so distressed by the sin that he was unable to act or respond immediately. The mention of "until the evening sacrifice" indicates a specific time of day, marking the daily offering made in the temple. The speaker's mourning continued until this significant religious event, suggesting that he was waiting for a divine sign or opportunity to address the situation.
In essence, the verse depicts a scene of communal concern and individual distress. Ezra (the speaker) is deeply saddened by the people's sin, and his grief is so profound that he is paralyzed with sorrow. However, his mourning also attracts others who are sensitive to God's word and concerned about the spiritual health of the nation. The verse sets the stage for Ezra's subsequent actions and prayers as he seeks to address the issue of intermarriage and restore the people to a right relationship with God.
Significance:
Emphasis on Repentance: The verse highlights the importance of recognizing and mourning over sin.
Leadership in Sorrow: Ezra's example shows a leader who identifies with the people's sin and is willing to share in their sorrow.
Hope for Restoration: The mention of the evening sacrifice suggests a hope for divine intervention and the possibility of atonement and restoration.
This verse from 1 Esdras 8:72 (which corresponds to Ezra 9:4 in the Hebrew Bible) describes a scene of deep sorrow and repentance. Let's break it down:
"So all those who were moved at the word of the Lord, the God of Israel, assembled to me...": This refers to people who were touched or affected by the message/law of God. They were likely people who were concerned about the spiritual state of the community and its adherence to God's commandments. The phrase "assembled to me" indicates that the speaker (Ezra in Ezra 9:4) was a central figure, likely a leader or scribe known for his piety and knowledge of the law. People gathered around him, seeking guidance and expressing their shared concern.
"...while I mourned for the iniquity...": The speaker is in a state of mourning or grieving because of "the iniquity." This likely refers to a serious transgression or sin that has been committed by the people of Israel. In the context of Ezra 9, the iniquity is intermarriage with people of foreign nations, which was forbidden by God's law. It was seen as a threat to the religious purity and identity of the Israelite community. The speaker is actively expressing his sorrow and perhaps lamenting the situation.
"...but I sat still full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice.": Despite the people gathering around him, the speaker remained still and overwhelmed with grief. The phrase "full of heaviness" further emphasizes the depth of his sorrow and burden. He was so distressed by the sin that he was unable to act or respond immediately. The mention of "until the evening sacrifice" indicates a specific time of day, marking the daily offering made in the temple. The speaker's mourning continued until this significant religious event, suggesting that he was waiting for a divine sign or opportunity to address the situation.
In essence, the verse depicts a scene of communal concern and individual distress. Ezra (the speaker) is deeply saddened by the people's sin, and his grief is so profound that he is paralyzed with sorrow. However, his mourning also attracts others who are sensitive to God's word and concerned about the spiritual health of the nation. The verse sets the stage for Ezra's subsequent actions and prayers as he seeks to address the issue of intermarriage and restore the people to a right relationship with God.
Significance:
Emphasis on Repentance: The verse highlights the importance of recognizing and mourning over sin.
Leadership in Sorrow: Ezra's example shows a leader who identifies with the people's sin and is willing to share in their sorrow.
Hope for Restoration: The mention of the evening sacrifice suggests a hope for divine intervention and the possibility of atonement and restoration.