Ezra 9:6 - and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens.
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What does "Ezra 9:6" mean?
This verse from Ezra 9:6 expresses profound shame, guilt, and contrition before God on behalf of the speaker (Ezra) and the people of Israel. Let's break it down:
"and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God..." This paints a vivid picture of Ezra's deep humiliation. He feels so overwhelmed by the nation's sin that he can't even bear to look God in the eye. The shame is intensely personal and physical ("blush"). It demonstrates a recognition of unworthiness before a holy God.
"...for our iniquities have increased over our head..." "Iniquities" refers to sins, transgressions, and wickedness. The phrase "increased over our head" suggests that their sins have become an unbearable burden. It can be interpreted in a couple of ways:
Overwhelming weight: The accumulated sins are like a heavy weight pressing down on them, to the point where they are drowning or being crushed by it.
Flood: The sins have risen so high that they are above their heads, engulfing them like a flood.
"...and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens." This further emphasizes the enormity of their sin. The guilt is not just a local problem; it's reached the very heavens, implying it has offended God's holiness and cosmic order. The sins are not hidden or minor; they are blatant and have severe consequences in God's eyes.
In summary, the verse conveys:
A recognition of sin: Ezra acknowledges that the people have committed serious sins.
Deep remorse: He feels intense shame and guilt for their actions.
The magnitude of sin: The language used emphasizes the overwhelming and far-reaching consequences of their wrongdoing.
Humility before God: Ezra's inability to lift his face is a sign of his humble repentance and recognition of God's holiness and justice.
Context within the Book of Ezra:
This verse comes after Ezra learned that many of the Jewish people who had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon had intermarried with non-Jewish people, violating God's commands and threatening to corrupt their faith. Ezra's prayer, which includes this verse, is a powerful expression of grief and repentance for this national sin. It sets the stage for the people's repentance and a renewed commitment to God's law.
Ezra 9:6 - and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities have increased over our head, and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens.
What does "Ezra 9:6" mean?
This verse from Ezra 9:6 expresses profound shame, guilt, and contrition before God on behalf of the speaker (Ezra) and the people of Israel. Let's break it down:
"and I said, “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God..." This paints a vivid picture of Ezra's deep humiliation. He feels so overwhelmed by the nation's sin that he can't even bear to look God in the eye. The shame is intensely personal and physical ("blush"). It demonstrates a recognition of unworthiness before a holy God.
"...for our iniquities have increased over our head..." "Iniquities" refers to sins, transgressions, and wickedness. The phrase "increased over our head" suggests that their sins have become an unbearable burden. It can be interpreted in a couple of ways:
Overwhelming weight: The accumulated sins are like a heavy weight pressing down on them, to the point where they are drowning or being crushed by it.
Flood: The sins have risen so high that they are above their heads, engulfing them like a flood.
"...and our guiltiness has grown up to the heavens." This further emphasizes the enormity of their sin. The guilt is not just a local problem; it's reached the very heavens, implying it has offended God's holiness and cosmic order. The sins are not hidden or minor; they are blatant and have severe consequences in God's eyes.
In summary, the verse conveys:
A recognition of sin: Ezra acknowledges that the people have committed serious sins.
Deep remorse: He feels intense shame and guilt for their actions.
The magnitude of sin: The language used emphasizes the overwhelming and far-reaching consequences of their wrongdoing.
Humility before God: Ezra's inability to lift his face is a sign of his humble repentance and recognition of God's holiness and justice.
Context within the Book of Ezra:
This verse comes after Ezra learned that many of the Jewish people who had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon had intermarried with non-Jewish people, violating God's commands and threatening to corrupt their faith. Ezra's prayer, which includes this verse, is a powerful expression of grief and repentance for this national sin. It sets the stage for the people's repentance and a renewed commitment to God's law.