2 esdras 8:17 - therefore will I begin to pray before you for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land;

Generated Verse: 2 esdras 8:17

What does "2 esdras 8:17" mean?


The verse 2 Esdras 8:17, "therefore will I begin to pray before you for myself and for them: for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land;" expresses a deep sense of despair and a commitment to intercessory prayer. Let's break down the meaning:

"therefore will I begin to pray before you for myself and for them": Because of the dire situation he perceives, the speaker (Esdras in this apocalyptic vision) resolves to pray earnestly to God. He prays not only for himself but also for his people ("them"). This indicates a sense of responsibility and solidarity with his community.

"for I see the falls of us that dwell in the land": This is the crucial part explaining why he is praying. The "falls" refers to the moral, spiritual, and potentially physical downfall of the Jewish people residing in the land of Israel (or, metaphorically, in their current exile). He witnesses their sins, their suffering, their impending doom, or a combination of these. The word "falls" implies a descent from a higher state, a deviation from righteousness, and the inevitable consequences that follow. He recognizes their failures.

In essence, the verse means:

Esdras, recognizing the grave spiritual and moral decline of his people and the impending consequences, commits to intercessory prayer for himself and for the Jewish community, hoping to avert disaster and seek God's mercy. It's a declaration of prayer born out of a clear awareness of the people's shortcomings and impending judgment.

Context is important:

The Book of 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Ezra) is an apocalyptic text. It's filled with visions, lamentations, and questions about God's justice and the suffering of the righteous. Esdras is grappling with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people. The "falls" he sees are a consequence of the people's disobedience to God's law, and they are experiencing the resulting punishment.

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