2 esdras 10:20 - Do not so, but suffer yourself to be prevailed on by reason of the adversities of Sion; and be comforted by reason of the sorrow of Jerusalem.
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What does "2 esdras 10:20" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 10:20 is part of a larger conversation between Ezra and an angel who has taken the form of a grieving woman. The woman is lamenting the loss of her only son. Ezra, attempting to comfort her, reminds her of the far greater tragedy of the destruction of Jerusalem (Sion/Zion).
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Do not so..." - This refers back to the woman's extreme and inconsolable grief. Ezra is telling her to cease or moderate her mourning.
"...but suffer yourself to be prevailed on by reason of the adversities of Sion..." - This is the core of Ezra's argument. He's urging her to allow herself to be influenced or swayed (prevailed on) by the far greater suffering of Zion (Jerusalem). In other words, he's saying, "Don't be so consumed by your personal grief when the entire nation has suffered a devastating loss." He wants her to understand that her personal sorrow is small in comparison to the collective pain of the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people.
"...and be comforted by reason of the sorrow of Jerusalem." - This is the most seemingly contradictory part. How can one find comfort in sorrow? The idea is that by recognizing the shared suffering of the community and participating in the collective mourning for Jerusalem, she can find a sense of solidarity and purpose. It's not about enjoying the sorrow, but finding a strange kind of comfort in knowing she is not alone in her pain. Furthermore, it might suggest that focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually, can provide a sense of hope and direction, thereby alleviating personal grief.
In essence, Ezra is trying to put her personal tragedy into perspective within the context of the much larger national tragedy. He's suggesting that:
1. Her personal grief, while valid, should be tempered by the acknowledgment of the greater suffering of Jerusalem.
2. Sharing in the sorrow of Jerusalem can strangely offer comfort through shared experience and a sense of national identity.
3. Focusing on the collective suffering of Jerusalem and working towards its restoration can provide a purpose that transcends individual sorrow.
The underlying theological point is that loyalty to God and his people must be placed above individual suffering. By aligning oneself with the fate of Jerusalem, one aligns oneself with God's purposes.
2 esdras 10:20 - Do not so, but suffer yourself to be prevailed on by reason of the adversities of Sion; and be comforted by reason of the sorrow of Jerusalem.
What does "2 esdras 10:20" mean?
This verse from 2 Esdras 10:20 is part of a larger conversation between Ezra and an angel who has taken the form of a grieving woman. The woman is lamenting the loss of her only son. Ezra, attempting to comfort her, reminds her of the far greater tragedy of the destruction of Jerusalem (Sion/Zion).
Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"Do not so..." - This refers back to the woman's extreme and inconsolable grief. Ezra is telling her to cease or moderate her mourning.
"...but suffer yourself to be prevailed on by reason of the adversities of Sion..." - This is the core of Ezra's argument. He's urging her to allow herself to be influenced or swayed (prevailed on) by the far greater suffering of Zion (Jerusalem). In other words, he's saying, "Don't be so consumed by your personal grief when the entire nation has suffered a devastating loss." He wants her to understand that her personal sorrow is small in comparison to the collective pain of the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of its people.
"...and be comforted by reason of the sorrow of Jerusalem." - This is the most seemingly contradictory part. How can one find comfort in sorrow? The idea is that by recognizing the shared suffering of the community and participating in the collective mourning for Jerusalem, she can find a sense of solidarity and purpose. It's not about enjoying the sorrow, but finding a strange kind of comfort in knowing she is not alone in her pain. Furthermore, it might suggest that focusing on the rebuilding of Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually, can provide a sense of hope and direction, thereby alleviating personal grief.
In essence, Ezra is trying to put her personal tragedy into perspective within the context of the much larger national tragedy. He's suggesting that:
1. Her personal grief, while valid, should be tempered by the acknowledgment of the greater suffering of Jerusalem.
2. Sharing in the sorrow of Jerusalem can strangely offer comfort through shared experience and a sense of national identity.
3. Focusing on the collective suffering of Jerusalem and working towards its restoration can provide a purpose that transcends individual sorrow.
The underlying theological point is that loyalty to God and his people must be placed above individual suffering. By aligning oneself with the fate of Jerusalem, one aligns oneself with God's purposes.