This verse from 1 Esdras 8:82 (also numbered as 9:10 in some versions) is a heartfelt expression of remorse and confession from the people of Israel to God. Let's break it down:
"And now, O Lord, what shall we say, having these things?" This is a question born of shame and awareness of their wrongdoing. "These things" refers to the blessings, the renewed covenant, the temple that has been rebuilt, and the opportunity to return to God's law. They recognize they have received God's grace and are asking, "What can we possibly say to justify ourselves, after receiving all this, and yet still failing?" It reveals a profound sense of guilt and a feeling of being speechless in the face of God's generosity and their own subsequent failures.
"For we have transgressed your commandments, which you gave by the hand of your servants the prophets, saying," This is the core of their confession. They acknowledge their disobedience to God's explicit laws, which were communicated through the prophets. They recognize the gravity of their actions because these were not just general guidelines, but direct commands from God delivered through divinely appointed messengers.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Acknowledgement of God's blessings: They recognize the undeserved grace and favor they have received.
Deep remorse and shame: They are acutely aware of their failure to live up to God's standards despite these blessings.
Confession of disobedience: They openly admit to breaking God's commandments.
Recognition of divine authority: They accept the prophets as God's representatives and the laws they conveyed as coming directly from God.
Powerlessness and humility: They feel unable to defend their actions and approach God with a contrite spirit.
This verse is a powerful example of repentance and highlights the importance of obedience to God's word. The people are humbled by their own failings and seek forgiveness despite feeling unworthy. They are at a loss for words to justify their actions, signifying their complete surrender to God's judgment and mercy.
This verse from 1 Esdras 8:82 (also numbered as 9:10 in some versions) is a heartfelt expression of remorse and confession from the people of Israel to God. Let's break it down:
"And now, O Lord, what shall we say, having these things?" This is a question born of shame and awareness of their wrongdoing. "These things" refers to the blessings, the renewed covenant, the temple that has been rebuilt, and the opportunity to return to God's law. They recognize they have received God's grace and are asking, "What can we possibly say to justify ourselves, after receiving all this, and yet still failing?" It reveals a profound sense of guilt and a feeling of being speechless in the face of God's generosity and their own subsequent failures.
"For we have transgressed your commandments, which you gave by the hand of your servants the prophets, saying," This is the core of their confession. They acknowledge their disobedience to God's explicit laws, which were communicated through the prophets. They recognize the gravity of their actions because these were not just general guidelines, but direct commands from God delivered through divinely appointed messengers.
In essence, the verse signifies:
Acknowledgement of God's blessings: They recognize the undeserved grace and favor they have received.
Deep remorse and shame: They are acutely aware of their failure to live up to God's standards despite these blessings.
Confession of disobedience: They openly admit to breaking God's commandments.
Recognition of divine authority: They accept the prophets as God's representatives and the laws they conveyed as coming directly from God.
Powerlessness and humility: They feel unable to defend their actions and approach God with a contrite spirit.
This verse is a powerful example of repentance and highlights the importance of obedience to God's word. The people are humbled by their own failings and seek forgiveness despite feeling unworthy. They are at a loss for words to justify their actions, signifying their complete surrender to God's judgment and mercy.