2 esdras 5:20 - And so I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, like as Uriel the angel commanded me.

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 5:20

What does "2 esdras 5:20" mean?


This verse from 2 Esdras 5:20 describes a period of intense spiritual practice and emotional distress. Let's break it down:

"And so I fasted seven days..." This indicates a deliberate act of abstinence from food for a full week. Fasting in religious contexts is often used as a means of:
Spiritual Cleansing: To purify oneself and become more receptive to divine communication.
Humbling Oneself: To acknowledge one's dependence on God and repent of sins.
Intensifying Prayer: To focus one's mind and spirit on seeking divine guidance or intervention.

"...mourning and weeping..." This signifies deep sorrow and lament. The reason for this mourning is not explicitly stated in this specific verse, but contextually in 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra), the author is distraught over the:
Suffering of Israel: The nation has been conquered and exiled.
Justice of God: The author questions why the righteous suffer while the wicked prosper.
Fate of the World: The author is grappling with the perceived impending doom and the mystery of God's plan.

"...like as Uriel the angel commanded me." This is the key part. Uriel is an angel who serves as a messenger and interpreter of divine mysteries. The author (Ezra) is undertaking this fast and period of mourning because Uriel, acting on behalf of God, instructed him to do so. This indicates that:
The fast is not a spontaneous act: It's a divinely ordained practice.
Ezra is seeking answers from God: The fast is a preparation for receiving revelation and understanding.
Uriel is playing a guiding role: The angel is facilitating the communication between Ezra and God.

In Summary:

2 Esdras 5:20 describes Ezra's intense spiritual preparation for receiving divine revelation. He is fasting and mourning for seven days at the command of the angel Uriel. This suggests a period of deep repentance, seeking understanding of God's will, and grappling with profound existential questions about the suffering of his people and the state of the world. This verse is part of a larger narrative where Ezra receives visions and answers from God through Uriel, addressing his doubts and providing hope for the future.

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