1 esdras 8:74 - I said, O Lord, I am ashamed and confounded before your face;

Generated Verse: 1 esdras 8:74

What does "1 esdras 8:74" mean?


The verse "I said, O Lord, I am ashamed and confounded before your face" (1 Esdras 8:74) expresses deep remorse and humility before God. Let's break down the meaning:

"I said, O Lord": This indicates a direct address to God in prayer. The speaker is acknowledging God's authority and turning to Him.

"I am ashamed": Shame is a feeling of deep regret and embarrassment, often stemming from a sense of having done something wrong or immoral.

"and confounded": "Confounded" means to be confused, dismayed, and overwhelmed. It suggests a loss of composure and an inability to face God with confidence.

"before your face": This phrase emphasizes the speaker's awareness of being in God's presence. It heightens the feelings of shame and confusion, as the speaker feels exposed and judged by a holy and all-knowing God.

In essence, the verse signifies:

A profound sense of guilt and unworthiness in the presence of God.
Recognition of personal sin or failure.
An acknowledgement of God's holiness and the speaker's own imperfection.
A feeling of being overwhelmed by the awareness of God's scrutiny.

Context in 1 Esdras:

In 1 Esdras, this verse is spoken by Ezra during a time of national repentance. He is lamenting the sins of the Israelites, particularly their intermarriage with foreign peoples, which he sees as a violation of God's covenant. Ezra's shame and confusion are not solely personal; they reflect the collective guilt of the nation. His prayer is a plea for God's forgiveness and restoration.

The verse conveys a powerful message about the appropriate attitude of those who approach God: humility, repentance, and a recognition of their own shortcomings.

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