The verse 1 Esdras 8:90, "Behold, now are we before you in our iniquities, for we can’t stand any longer before you by reason of these things," expresses a deep sense of guilt, shame, and despair before God, brought about by the people's sins. Let's break it down:
"Behold, now are we before you...": This emphasizes the present moment and their immediate situation. They are standing in the presence of God, fully aware of being observed and judged. It's a vulnerable position.
"...in our iniquities...": They acknowledge that they are covered, consumed, or defined by their sins ("iniquities"). It's not just a few isolated incidents, but a pervasive state of wrongdoing. "Iniquities" here refers to serious moral failings, transgressions, and wickedness. They are admitting their collective guilt.
"...for we can’t stand any longer before you by reason of these things.": This is the crux of the verse. Their sins have created a barrier between them and God. They feel utterly unworthy to be in His presence. "Can't stand" implies:
Inability to endure God's judgment: They know they are deserving of punishment.
Spiritual weakness and exhaustion: Their sins have drained them of their spiritual strength. They feel broken and unable to face God.
Lack of confidence or righteousness: They have no moral ground to stand on. They are humbled and penitent.
Overall Meaning:
The verse conveys a profound sense of national repentance and humility. The people are recognizing the severity of their sins and understanding that these sins have made them unfit to stand before a holy God. They are expressing a deep sense of being overwhelmed by the weight of their collective guilt and admitting that they cannot continue in their current state. It's a cry for mercy and forgiveness. This kind of statement is typical of a people who have experienced a devastating event (e.g., exile) and are reflecting on the reasons for their suffering. They attribute it to their failure to follow God's law. The verse is essentially a confession and a plea for God's grace despite their unworthiness.
The verse 1 Esdras 8:90, "Behold, now are we before you in our iniquities, for we can’t stand any longer before you by reason of these things," expresses a deep sense of guilt, shame, and despair before God, brought about by the people's sins. Let's break it down:
"Behold, now are we before you...": This emphasizes the present moment and their immediate situation. They are standing in the presence of God, fully aware of being observed and judged. It's a vulnerable position.
"...in our iniquities...": They acknowledge that they are covered, consumed, or defined by their sins ("iniquities"). It's not just a few isolated incidents, but a pervasive state of wrongdoing. "Iniquities" here refers to serious moral failings, transgressions, and wickedness. They are admitting their collective guilt.
"...for we can’t stand any longer before you by reason of these things.": This is the crux of the verse. Their sins have created a barrier between them and God. They feel utterly unworthy to be in His presence. "Can't stand" implies:
Inability to endure God's judgment: They know they are deserving of punishment.
Spiritual weakness and exhaustion: Their sins have drained them of their spiritual strength. They feel broken and unable to face God.
Lack of confidence or righteousness: They have no moral ground to stand on. They are humbled and penitent.
Overall Meaning:
The verse conveys a profound sense of national repentance and humility. The people are recognizing the severity of their sins and understanding that these sins have made them unfit to stand before a holy God. They are expressing a deep sense of being overwhelmed by the weight of their collective guilt and admitting that they cannot continue in their current state. It's a cry for mercy and forgiveness. This kind of statement is typical of a people who have experienced a devastating event (e.g., exile) and are reflecting on the reasons for their suffering. They attribute it to their failure to follow God's law. The verse is essentially a confession and a plea for God's grace despite their unworthiness.