This verse from 2 Esdras 15:19 depicts a grim scenario of societal breakdown and extreme hardship. Let's break it down:
"A man shall have no pity upon his neighbor..." This highlights the breakdown of social bonds and empathy. Extreme scarcity and desperation erode the natural inclination to help others. Self-preservation becomes the dominant instinct.
"...but shall make an assault on their houses with the sword, and plunder their goods..." This describes the violent consequences of the lack of resources. People resort to raiding and looting their neighbors' homes, using violence to obtain food and other necessities. The mention of the "sword" emphasizes the severity of the conflict and the breakdown of law and order.
"...because of the lack of bread, and for great tribulation." This explains the underlying cause of the violence and lack of compassion. "Lack of bread" symbolizes severe famine and scarcity of essential resources. "Great tribulation" refers to a period of immense suffering and hardship. The verse attributes the horrific actions directly to these desperate conditions.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a society collapsing under the weight of famine and suffering. The desperation for basic necessities drives people to commit acts of violence and cruelty against their neighbors, highlighting the breakdown of moral values and social order in the face of extreme hardship.
Context within 2 Esdras:
It's essential to understand this verse within the context of the entire book of 2 Esdras. It's an apocalyptic text that deals with themes of judgment, the end times, and the suffering of God's people. Chapters 15 and 16, in particular, are often considered additions to the original core of the book and contain prophecies of wars, plagues, and widespread devastation.
This verse contributes to the overall apocalyptic vision of widespread chaos and destruction as a precursor to the coming of God's kingdom. It serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining faithful during times of trial.
This verse from 2 Esdras 15:19 depicts a grim scenario of societal breakdown and extreme hardship. Let's break it down:
"A man shall have no pity upon his neighbor..." This highlights the breakdown of social bonds and empathy. Extreme scarcity and desperation erode the natural inclination to help others. Self-preservation becomes the dominant instinct.
"...but shall make an assault on their houses with the sword, and plunder their goods..." This describes the violent consequences of the lack of resources. People resort to raiding and looting their neighbors' homes, using violence to obtain food and other necessities. The mention of the "sword" emphasizes the severity of the conflict and the breakdown of law and order.
"...because of the lack of bread, and for great tribulation." This explains the underlying cause of the violence and lack of compassion. "Lack of bread" symbolizes severe famine and scarcity of essential resources. "Great tribulation" refers to a period of immense suffering and hardship. The verse attributes the horrific actions directly to these desperate conditions.
In essence, the verse paints a picture of a society collapsing under the weight of famine and suffering. The desperation for basic necessities drives people to commit acts of violence and cruelty against their neighbors, highlighting the breakdown of moral values and social order in the face of extreme hardship.
Context within 2 Esdras:
It's essential to understand this verse within the context of the entire book of 2 Esdras. It's an apocalyptic text that deals with themes of judgment, the end times, and the suffering of God's people. Chapters 15 and 16, in particular, are often considered additions to the original core of the book and contain prophecies of wars, plagues, and widespread devastation.
This verse contributes to the overall apocalyptic vision of widespread chaos and destruction as a precursor to the coming of God's kingdom. It serves as a warning about the consequences of sin and the importance of remaining faithful during times of trial.