Ezra 9:14 - shall we again break your commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? Wouldn’t you be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there would be no remnant, nor any to escape?
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What does "Ezra 9:14" mean?
This verse from Ezra 9:14 is a powerful expression of remorse and fear in the face of Israel's renewed sin of intermarriage with the surrounding nations who practice idolatry and other "abominations." Let's break it down:
"Shall we again break your commandments...": This acknowledges that Israel has a history of disobeying God's laws, particularly the laws forbidding them from intermarrying with foreign nations.
"...and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations?": "Affinity" here refers to close relationships, especially through marriage. "Abominations" are practices considered detestable and morally wrong in God's eyes, most likely referring to the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding nations. Ezra and those with him see these relationships as a form of joining and participating in these practices.
"Wouldn’t you be angry with us until you had consumed us...": This expresses a deep fear of God's righteous anger. They recognize that their repeated disobedience warrants severe punishment, even complete destruction. The word "consumed" implies a complete and utter destruction.
"...so that there would be no remnant, nor any to escape?": This concludes the verse with the acknowledgement that a total annihilation would be in their destiny if they continued down this road. They are fearing they would be completely wiped out, leaving no one to rebuild or carry on their legacy.
In summary, the verse is a plea that expresses the following:
Acknowledgment of Guilt: They confess their past and present disobedience.
Recognition of the Severity of the Sin: They understand that intermarriage with idolatrous nations is not just a social issue but a direct violation of God's commands and a participation in detestable practices.
Fear of Divine Wrath: They know that their actions deserve God's judgment and fear complete annihilation as a consequence.
Implied Plea for Mercy: Although not explicitly stated, the verse implies a desperate plea for God to have mercy and not destroy them completely. It's a moment of realization and a turning point, hopefully leading to repentance and reform.
Context within Ezra 9:
This verse is part of Ezra's prayer after he learns that many Israelites, including priests and Levites, have intermarried with the people of the land. Ezra tears his clothes, pulls out his hair, and sits appalled because this transgression threatens the very core of their covenant with God and jeopardizes their future as a nation. He fears that they are repeating the sins that led to the Babylonian exile.
Ezra 9:14 - shall we again break your commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? Wouldn’t you be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there would be no remnant, nor any to escape?
What does "Ezra 9:14" mean?
This verse from Ezra 9:14 is a powerful expression of remorse and fear in the face of Israel's renewed sin of intermarriage with the surrounding nations who practice idolatry and other "abominations." Let's break it down:
"Shall we again break your commandments...": This acknowledges that Israel has a history of disobeying God's laws, particularly the laws forbidding them from intermarrying with foreign nations.
"...and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations?": "Affinity" here refers to close relationships, especially through marriage. "Abominations" are practices considered detestable and morally wrong in God's eyes, most likely referring to the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding nations. Ezra and those with him see these relationships as a form of joining and participating in these practices.
"Wouldn’t you be angry with us until you had consumed us...": This expresses a deep fear of God's righteous anger. They recognize that their repeated disobedience warrants severe punishment, even complete destruction. The word "consumed" implies a complete and utter destruction.
"...so that there would be no remnant, nor any to escape?": This concludes the verse with the acknowledgement that a total annihilation would be in their destiny if they continued down this road. They are fearing they would be completely wiped out, leaving no one to rebuild or carry on their legacy.
In summary, the verse is a plea that expresses the following:
Acknowledgment of Guilt: They confess their past and present disobedience.
Recognition of the Severity of the Sin: They understand that intermarriage with idolatrous nations is not just a social issue but a direct violation of God's commands and a participation in detestable practices.
Fear of Divine Wrath: They know that their actions deserve God's judgment and fear complete annihilation as a consequence.
Implied Plea for Mercy: Although not explicitly stated, the verse implies a desperate plea for God to have mercy and not destroy them completely. It's a moment of realization and a turning point, hopefully leading to repentance and reform.
Context within Ezra 9:
This verse is part of Ezra's prayer after he learns that many Israelites, including priests and Levites, have intermarried with the people of the land. Ezra tears his clothes, pulls out his hair, and sits appalled because this transgression threatens the very core of their covenant with God and jeopardizes their future as a nation. He fears that they are repeating the sins that led to the Babylonian exile.