This verse describes Ezra's reaction to the news of the Israelites intermarrying with foreigners, a practice forbidden by Jewish law. Let's break it down:
"and lodged there": Ezra likely took refuge in a specific location, perhaps a temple chamber or a designated area for mourning. He isolated himself in response to the distressing news.
"and did eat no bread nor drink water": This describes fasting. Abstaining from food and water was a common expression of grief, repentance, and mourning in ancient Jewish tradition.
"mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude": This explains the reason for Ezra's actions. He's deeply saddened and distressed by the widespread sin ("iniquities") of the Israelite people ("the multitude"). The intermarriage was seen as a violation of God's law and a threat to the purity of the Jewish faith.
In essence, the verse depicts Ezra's profound grief and distress over the Israelites' disobedience to God, expressed through a period of fasting and mourning. He is so affected by their sins that he isolates himself and refuses sustenance as a sign of his deep sorrow and repentance. This sets the stage for his subsequent efforts to reform the community and restore adherence to Jewish law.
This verse describes Ezra's reaction to the news of the Israelites intermarrying with foreigners, a practice forbidden by Jewish law. Let's break it down:
"and lodged there": Ezra likely took refuge in a specific location, perhaps a temple chamber or a designated area for mourning. He isolated himself in response to the distressing news.
"and did eat no bread nor drink water": This describes fasting. Abstaining from food and water was a common expression of grief, repentance, and mourning in ancient Jewish tradition.
"mourning for the great iniquities of the multitude": This explains the reason for Ezra's actions. He's deeply saddened and distressed by the widespread sin ("iniquities") of the Israelite people ("the multitude"). The intermarriage was seen as a violation of God's law and a threat to the purity of the Jewish faith.
In essence, the verse depicts Ezra's profound grief and distress over the Israelites' disobedience to God, expressed through a period of fasting and mourning. He is so affected by their sins that he isolates himself and refuses sustenance as a sign of his deep sorrow and repentance. This sets the stage for his subsequent efforts to reform the community and restore adherence to Jewish law.