The verse from 2 Esdras 6:35 refers to a period of mourning and prayer that Ezra undertakes after receiving a revelation from God. Let's break down the meaning:
"And it came to pass after this...": This is a common introductory phrase in the Bible (and especially in apocalyptic literature like 2 Esdras) signifying a transition to a new event or stage in the narrative.
"...that I wept again, and fasted seven days in like manner...": Ezra engages in another period of intense mourning (weeping) and fasting (abstaining from food). The phrase "in like manner" suggests he's repeating or continuing a previous practice of weeping and fasting that he had undertaken before. This suggests he's already done a period of mourning and fasting, possibly as part of his preparation to receive divine revelation.
"...that I might fulfil the three weeks which he told me.": The "he" refers to God (or an angel acting as God's messenger). God had previously instructed Ezra to dedicate three weeks to prayer and fasting. This verse indicates that Ezra is completing the full three-week period. The weeping and fasting for seven days is likely the final installment of this longer period of spiritual preparation.
In essence, this verse signifies that Ezra is nearing the end of a prescribed period of mourning and fasting, ordained by God, likely to prepare him for further revelations or to better understand the mysteries of God's plan.
Context within 2 Esdras:
To understand the verse fully, it's important to remember the context of 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra) as a whole. It's an apocalyptic book that wrestles with profound questions about suffering, justice, and God's plan in the aftermath of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra's extended periods of fasting and prayer are essential for receiving answers and guidance during this time of crisis and despair. He is essentially preparing himself to be a vessel for divine communication.
The verse from 2 Esdras 6:35 refers to a period of mourning and prayer that Ezra undertakes after receiving a revelation from God. Let's break down the meaning:
"And it came to pass after this...": This is a common introductory phrase in the Bible (and especially in apocalyptic literature like 2 Esdras) signifying a transition to a new event or stage in the narrative.
"...that I wept again, and fasted seven days in like manner...": Ezra engages in another period of intense mourning (weeping) and fasting (abstaining from food). The phrase "in like manner" suggests he's repeating or continuing a previous practice of weeping and fasting that he had undertaken before. This suggests he's already done a period of mourning and fasting, possibly as part of his preparation to receive divine revelation.
"...that I might fulfil the three weeks which he told me.": The "he" refers to God (or an angel acting as God's messenger). God had previously instructed Ezra to dedicate three weeks to prayer and fasting. This verse indicates that Ezra is completing the full three-week period. The weeping and fasting for seven days is likely the final installment of this longer period of spiritual preparation.
In essence, this verse signifies that Ezra is nearing the end of a prescribed period of mourning and fasting, ordained by God, likely to prepare him for further revelations or to better understand the mysteries of God's plan.
Context within 2 Esdras:
To understand the verse fully, it's important to remember the context of 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra) as a whole. It's an apocalyptic book that wrestles with profound questions about suffering, justice, and God's plan in the aftermath of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra's extended periods of fasting and prayer are essential for receiving answers and guidance during this time of crisis and despair. He is essentially preparing himself to be a vessel for divine communication.