This verse from 1 Esdras 9:11 (which corresponds to Ezra 10:13 in the canonical Book of Ezra) reflects a situation of communal repentance and practical challenges. Let's break it down:
"But forasmuch as the multitude is great..." This emphasizes the sheer number of people involved in the problem. This is a massive issue affecting many.
"...and it is foul weather, so that we can't stand without..." This introduces a practical difficulty. The weather is bad, likely rainy and unpleasant, making it hard to conduct the necessary proceedings outdoors. This highlights that the repentance and required action cannot be done quickly or easily in the conditions available.
"...and this is not a work of one day or two..." This underscores the complexity and scale of the task at hand. It's not a simple problem that can be resolved quickly. It will require sustained effort.
"...seeing our sin in these things is spread far:" This clarifies the nature of the problem: widespread sin. Specifically, this refers to the sin of intermarriage with foreign women, a practice considered a violation of God's law and a threat to the purity of the Israelite faith and identity. The fact that it "is spread far" means it's a deeply ingrained and prevalent issue within the community.
In Summary:
The verse acknowledges the enormity of the problem of intermarriage and the logistical challenges faced in addressing it. The large number of people involved, the unfavorable weather conditions, and the widespread nature of the sin all point to a long and difficult process of repentance, reform, and resolution. The community recognizes the seriousness of their transgression and the need for thorough and sustained action, even amidst adversity. It highlights the tension between the need for immediate action and the practical constraints that impede it.
This verse from 1 Esdras 9:11 (which corresponds to Ezra 10:13 in the canonical Book of Ezra) reflects a situation of communal repentance and practical challenges. Let's break it down:
"But forasmuch as the multitude is great..." This emphasizes the sheer number of people involved in the problem. This is a massive issue affecting many.
"...and it is foul weather, so that we can't stand without..." This introduces a practical difficulty. The weather is bad, likely rainy and unpleasant, making it hard to conduct the necessary proceedings outdoors. This highlights that the repentance and required action cannot be done quickly or easily in the conditions available.
"...and this is not a work of one day or two..." This underscores the complexity and scale of the task at hand. It's not a simple problem that can be resolved quickly. It will require sustained effort.
"...seeing our sin in these things is spread far:" This clarifies the nature of the problem: widespread sin. Specifically, this refers to the sin of intermarriage with foreign women, a practice considered a violation of God's law and a threat to the purity of the Israelite faith and identity. The fact that it "is spread far" means it's a deeply ingrained and prevalent issue within the community.
In Summary:
The verse acknowledges the enormity of the problem of intermarriage and the logistical challenges faced in addressing it. The large number of people involved, the unfavorable weather conditions, and the widespread nature of the sin all point to a long and difficult process of repentance, reform, and resolution. The community recognizes the seriousness of their transgression and the need for thorough and sustained action, even amidst adversity. It highlights the tension between the need for immediate action and the practical constraints that impede it.