Baruch 2:12 - O Lord our God, we have sinned, we have done ungodly, we have dealt unrighteously in all your ordinances.

Generated Verse: Baruch 2:12

What does "Baruch 2:12" mean?


This verse from Baruch 2:12 is a confession of national sin. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:

"O Lord our God": This is a direct address to God, acknowledging His authority and relationship with the people of Israel. It's a call for divine attention and mercy.

"We have sinned": This is a general admission of wrongdoing. It acknowledges that the people have violated God's law and fallen short of His expectations.

"We have done ungodly": This phrase goes beyond mere mistakes. It suggests actions that are contrary to God's nature and character. It speaks to a rejection of godly principles and a choosing of actions that are displeasing to Him.

"We have dealt unrighteously in all your ordinances": This points to specific violations of God's laws and commands. "Ordinances" refer to the rules, statutes, and judgments that God has established for His people to live by. "Dealing unrighteously" means acting unjustly or unfairly in the context of those laws. The phrase "in all" emphasizes the pervasive nature of their disobedience. They weren't just failing in a few areas; they were failing across the board in keeping God's commandments.

In Summary:

The verse is a powerful expression of national repentance. It's an acknowledgment that the people of Israel have collectively fallen short of God's standards. They have not only sinned in general but have specifically violated God's laws and acted in ways that are contrary to His holy nature. It's a plea for mercy and forgiveness based on an honest admission of their wrongdoing.

Context within the Book of Baruch:

The Book of Baruch is a deuterocanonical book of the Bible (accepted by Catholics and Orthodox Christians but not by Protestants). It is written in the context of the Babylonian exile. The people are in exile because of their disobedience to God. The book aims to:

Explain the reasons for the exile (sin).
Encourage repentance and faith in God.
Offer hope for restoration and return to their land.

This verse fits within that context. It's a specific example of the confession of sin that is meant to lead to repentance and, ultimately, God's forgiveness and restoration.