Definition: Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:1. It's a really important passage in the Bible that describes a significant moment after the destruction of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Ezra was Praying: The verse begins with Ezra, a priest, being in a state of deep sorrow and repentance. He was praying fervently. Confessing His Sorrow: He wasn't just praying; he was confessing his remorse and acknowledging the terrible loss that had occurred – the destruction of Jerusalem. This is a crucial part of showing accountability and taking responsibility. A Huge Gathering: Suddenly, a massive crowd of people – men, women, and children – started to gather before the house of God (a temple in Jerusalem). It was an enormous assembly. They Were Weeping: The overwhelming emotion was sadness and grief. They were crying very deeply. What’s Happening - A Symbolic Explanation: This scene is symbolic of a broken relationship between God and his people. The destruction of Jerusalem represented a major betrayal. Ezra's confession and the outpouring of tears were a sign that he understood how deeply wrong he had been and was truly sorry for the pain he caused. Key Takeaway: The verse highlights the importance of repentance, acknowledging wrongdoing, and seeking forgiveness from God. It’s a moment of profound grief and a turning point in the rebuilding process as Ezra begins to restore faith and rebuild the temple. --- Does that explanation make sense? Would you like me to delve deeper into any particular aspect of this verse or explain another passage? For example, we could talk about: The context of the time – what was happening at the time? The significance of the “people weeping” - why was it so important? How this event relates to the rebuilding of Jerusalem?

Definition: And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:10. It’s a really important part of understanding how the Israelites were dealing with a serious problem in their history. Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Situation: Imagine Israel was growing into a big kingdom – a community – and they had people who were married to people outside of their family and community. This is called “strange wives.” It’s a really serious issue because it goes against the rules set by God for how families should be. What Ezra Says: Ezra, as a priest, was speaking to the people in this situation. He's saying: "You have broken the rules! You’ve done something wrong – you’ve married people who aren’t your own family members." The Core of the Message: Transgressed: This means they broke a law or rule. Taken Strange Wife: This is the key part. It means they were involved in relationships with people who weren't their own blood relatives – they were married to people from outside of their community. Why is this a problem? God commanded that families should be built within the community. This practice was seen as a way to weaken the bonds between people and disrupt the order and peace of Israel. It’s considered a major transgression against God's will. In short, Ezra is pointing out a significant mistake – they were engaging in relationships that violated God’s rules and weakened the foundation of their community. Important Note: This verse is part of a larger story about a time when Israel was facing challenges after leaving Egypt. It highlights the importance of following God's laws and maintaining order within the community. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in terms of its historical context? Talk about how this story relates to other biblical stories?

Definition: Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezra 10:11. It's a really important part of understanding how the Jewish community was dealing with a difficult situation in ancient Israel. Here’s what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that Jews needed to turn away from living among people who weren’t Jewish – those who were "strange wives" or “foreigners.” It's a call for repentance and a shift in their way of life. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers…” - This is like saying, “It’s time to acknowledge that we were wrong.” The word "now" suggests this isn't a one-time thing; it’s a necessary step. "...and do his pleasure…" – This is tricky. It doesn’t mean they had to do something specific to please God. It means they needed to show respect and obedience to the divine will. Think of it as acknowledging that there's a higher power guiding them. “…separate yourselves from the people of the land…” – This is saying, “Let’s move away from our current community.” "...and from the strange wives." - This is the crucial part! "Strange wives" refers to those who were married to foreigners—people from other countries. It was a significant problem in ancient Israel because they weren't accepted as full members of the Jewish people. What’s the overall message? Ezra 10:11 is about acknowledging a serious mistake and taking steps to correct it. The Jews were living in a way that wasn’t truly aligned with God’s purpose, and this verse is urging them to repent (change their attitude) and live according to God's will again. It highlights the importance of remembering their origins and returning to the covenant they made with God through Moses. In short: It’s a plea for repentance, separation from an undesirable group, and a return to the original, righteous way of life as described in the Bible. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, I could go into a little more about the context of this time period or what "strange wives" meant.

Definition: Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this very important verse from Ezra 10:12. It’s a really significant moment in biblical history! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse describes a pivotal moment when the people of Jerusalem, after a period of rebuilding and perhaps some controversy, were fully committed to following God’s instructions. They weren’t just agreeing – they were affirming that they would do exactly what Ezra had said. Let's unpack it: “Then all the congregation answered…” : This refers to a large group of people – likely the Jewish community in Jerusalem – who were listening to Ezra. “…and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said…” : This is the key part. The people were expressing their agreement and commitment exactly as Ezra had instructed them. It’s like saying, “Yes, we agree with what you've told us.” “As thou hast said, so must we do.” : This is a powerful command. It means that they would immediately and completely follow the instructions given by Ezra. It wasn’t just a polite agreement; it was a firm commitment to obedience. What does this mean in context? This verse is often interpreted as a sign of a significant shift – perhaps after a period of doubt or disagreement, the people were united and ready to wholeheartedly obey God's will. It speaks to: Faith: It highlights the importance of faith and obedience. Unity: It points to a renewed sense of community and commitment to God’s law. Authority: Ezra was given authority – this verse shows that he had the power to command his people. In short, it's a declaration of complete agreement and willingness to follow instructions, signifying a powerful moment of faith and obedience. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the historical context of this verse? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: But the people [are] many, and [it is] a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither [is this] a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:13. It’s a really important passage about a time of great hardship and needing God’s help. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a situation where a large group of people are facing a severe crisis – a long, intense period of rain. They’re struggling so much that they can't simply "do it" – they need God's intervention and support. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “But the people [are] many…” : This means there's a lot of people involved. It wasn’t just a small group; we’re talking about a significant number. “…and [it is] a time of much rain…” : This refers to a prolonged and heavy rainfall – perhaps weeks or months of intense storms. This is the cause of their problem. “and we are not able to stand without, neither [is this] a work of one day or two: : This is the core of the verse. “We” represents the people themselves. "Not able to stand without" means they're struggling to survive – they’re facing immense challenges. "Neither a work of one day or two" suggests that this crisis isn’t going to resolve quickly. It’s a long, ongoing struggle. “for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.” : This is the cause of the problem. The people had broken God's laws – they were doing wrong things (transgressing). They were acting in ways that displeased God. What does it mean practically? This verse speaks to a time when Israel was experiencing a period of spiritual and moral decline. It’s a warning about the importance of following God’s rules and living righteously. It highlights that sin and disobedience can lead to difficult situations, and we need God's help to overcome those challenges. Overall Significance: Ezra 10:13 is a reminder that God’s blessings are often tied to obedience and righteousness. It emphasizes the need for repentance (turning away from wrongdoings) and seeking His guidance when facing difficult times. It’s about recognizing that we can't overcome challenges alone – we need God's help and protection. In short, it’s a call for people to repent of their sins and seek God’s grace to overcome the difficulties they face. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Give you some examples of how this verse might have been interpreted in ancient times?

Definition: Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:14. It’s a really important and complex passage about repentance and judgment in ancient Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Imagine a time when the Jewish people were experiencing a serious problem – they had adopted foreign wives (people from other countries). This was causing division and conflict within their communities. The verse describes a specific gathering where these leaders would be called upon to address this issue. Let Now… What’s Happening? “Let now” is a crucial word here. It means now . It's not just about a plan for the future; it’s about an immediate, urgent situation. The verse says they need to immediately gather together. Standing and Coming Together: The phrase "let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times" is key. It means that these leaders are being called upon to assemble – to meet – with people who had married people from other nations. “Strange wives” refers to those who were marrying people outside of Israel. The Elders and Judges: “And let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times” specifically mentions the elders (religious leaders) and judges. These are responsible for upholding the laws and traditions of the community. They’re being tasked with leading this gathering. The ‘Fierce Wrath’ – The Problem: “Until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us” is where it gets really serious. “Wrath” means intense anger, punishment, or divine condemnation. The verse says that if these leaders fail to address this issue and bring about repentance (turning away from their wrongdoings), God will unleash His wrath upon them. It’s a warning that if they don't change their ways, there will be serious consequences. Overall Meaning: This verse is essentially saying that the Jewish community was in a terrible state due to these foreign marriages. The leaders were being called upon to address this problem and bring about repentance. If they didn’t do so, God would punish them severely with intense anger and possibly even destruction. Important Context (Briefly): Ezra 10:14 is part of a larger story in the Book of Ezra. It describes a period when the Jewish people were experiencing a crisis of faith and repentance after a significant betrayal. The verse highlights the need for leaders to show remorse and take action to restore unity and righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Compare it to another Bible story? Discuss what “repentance” might mean in this context?

Definition: Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this [matter]: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:15. It's a really important passage in the Bible that speaks about a situation involving a disaster and the responsibility of those who were involved. Here's a simple explanation: What it says: “Ezra 10:15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this [matter]: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.” Let’s unpack it: "Ezra 10:15" : This is a specific passage in the book of Ezra, which was written during a time when Israel was rebuilding its temple after a period of exile. It's a record of a specific event and the people involved. “Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this [matter]” : This is key. It tells us that specifically , two individuals – Jonathan and Jahaziah – were tasked with handling something important. The word "employed" means they were given a job to do. The phrase “this [matter]” refers to a specific problem or challenge. We don’t know exactly what the matter was, but it's clearly significant. “and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.” : This tells us that other people – Meshullam and Shabbethai – were also involved in supporting these individuals. They weren’t just bystanders; they provided assistance. What does this verse mean on a deeper level? This verse is about responsibility and accountability. It highlights that even though there was a problem, there were people who stepped up to help resolve it. It suggests: Leadership: The fact that two specific individuals were chosen indicates that leadership was involved in addressing the situation. Duty & Commitment: The verse emphasizes their commitment to completing the task assigned to them. In essence, it's a story about how people are held accountable for helping to solve problems when they arise. It’s a reminder that even when things seem difficult, there are people working to make things right. --- To help me explain this verse further and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., Are you studying the book of Ezra? Are you looking for a general understanding of biblical responsibility?) Do you have any specific questions about this verse? (e.g., Do you want to know more about the people involved? Why was this event important?)

Definition: And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, [with] certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by [their] names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezra 10:16. It's a really important and somewhat complex section of the Bible, and it describes a significant event in Israel’s history. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Imagine that after a long period of rebuilding and focusing on their religious traditions, the people of Israel were struggling with a serious problem – they had lost their way spiritually and were becoming divided. They were essentially drifting away from God's laws and teachings. Here’s what happened in detail: “And the children of the captivity did so.” This refers to a group of people who were considered “captives” – meaning they were exiled or separated from their homeland, which was Israel. It’s a bit of an old story about a group that had fallen out of favor with God. “And Ezra the priest, [with] certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by [their] names…” This tells us who was involved: Ezra, the leader of the priests, and some influential figures from the past. The “house of their fathers” refers to the original, established religious community of Israel. “were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.” This is the crucial part. Ezra and his elders gathered with the leaders of the past to study what had happened. They were essentially looking back at their history and trying to understand why they strayed from God’s guidance. The "first day of the tenth month" was a specific date – it marked a time when they were given a chance to repent (to turn away from their wrongdoings) and begin again. So, what's the big takeaway? This passage is about repentance and restoration. It’s a story about acknowledging past mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and starting anew. It highlights the importance of returning to God after drifting away from him. In essence, it’s a historical record that emphasizes the need for repentance and rebuilding – both spiritually and in terms of community. --- Important Note: Biblical texts often have layers of meaning. This explanation is a simplified interpretation. If you're looking for deeper understanding, you could research the historical context of this period in Israel’s history or delve into the themes of repentance and restoration within the Bible. Would you like me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a larger story or theme in the Bible?

Definition: And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:17. It's a pretty serious statement about a past event in ancient Israel and it carries a lot of weight. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: The Problem: Around 430 BC, there was a period where some people in Israel were having relationships with foreign women – women from other countries. This was happening during a time of great division and unrest within the community. The Action: Ezra and his followers (the priests) took action to stop this. They “made an end” with these strange wives. "Making an end" means they ended them, meaning they removed them from the community. What it Means – A Broad Interpretation: This verse isn't just about a specific number of women. It speaks to a broader issue: a deliberate act of separation and exclusion that damaged the community. It highlights a moment where people prioritized their own desires over loyalty and unity within their group. Here’s what it suggests: Disobedience & Rebellion: It points to a time when some individuals or groups acted against the established rules and traditions of Israel. They were prioritizing personal relationships over the needs of the whole community. A Turning Point: This event is often seen as a turning point in Israel’s history, marking a moment where they needed to reaffirm their commitment to God and to rebuild trust with Him. Important Note: The exact reason for this action isn't always fully understood. It’s part of a larger story about the challenges of maintaining faith and community in ancient times. In short, Ezra 10:17 describes a specific act of exclusion – ending relationships with foreign women – as a consequence of a moment of disobedience and a desire for personal fulfillment. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give you more context about the story behind it? Discuss its significance in the Bible or in Jewish history?

Definition: And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: [namely], of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:18. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in plain terms: The Basic Story: This verse describes a situation that happened during a time of rebuilding and purification in ancient Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Basically, there were some people who had engaged in a forbidden relationship – they were having relationships with women who weren't Jewish. Let’s unpack it layer by layer: “And among the sons of the priests…” : This refers to the Jewish priestly class, specifically the men who held positions of power and authority within the temple. “…there were found that had taken strange wives:” : This is the key part. It means these individuals had engaged in a relationship with women outside of the established Jewish community – they were having relationships with women who weren’t members of their own family or religious group. These relationships were considered scandalous and a violation of Jewish law. "[namely], of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren:” : This identifies who these people are. They are descendants of a man named Jeshua (named after a significant figure in the Old Testament). He was a priest who was involved in this forbidden relationship. "His brethren" means his family members. “Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, Gedaliah:” : This names specific individuals who were part of this group. These are named as men who participated in the forbidden relationships. What’s the Significance? This verse is a sobering reminder of how easily people could stray from God's law and become disconnected from his community. It highlights a period of crisis and moral failings within the Jewish people. Important Note: The Bible doesn't explicitly say why these relationships were happening – it’s a mystery. But it shows that even within a religious community, human weakness and temptation can lead to serious consequences. In short, this verse tells us about a group of men who broke God's rules by having relationships with women outside their Jewish community, and it’s a reminder of the importance of staying connected to our faith. --- Would you like me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Connect this verse to a broader theme in biblical history (like exile or repentance)?