Definition: Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this biblical passage together! This is a really interesting and somewhat complex verse from the book of Ezra, and it's packed with symbolism. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Imagine this as a story about a community facing a crisis – a time when people were breaking God's rules and behaving badly. Ezra was leading the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after a period of exile. Let's unpack each part: Ezra 10:37 (Translation): Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau – This is the key phrase. It’s a list of three specific actions that were happening in the Temple during this time. It sounds like a chaotic mess! Mattaniah (מטניה): This means "to be angry" or "to be enraged." It describes a situation where people were intensely angered and arguing amongst themselves. Mattenai (מטנא): This translates to “to be displeased” or “to be annoyed.” Think of it as feeling irritated or frustrated. Jaasau (עָשַׂו): This means "to do" or "to make." It signifies that these people were actively doing things that were against God's laws and traditions. The Overall Meaning – A Messy Situation: Together, these three actions represent a complete breakdown of order and righteousness within the community. It’s a picture of a situation where people weren't just disagreeing; they were actively breaking something fundamental. It suggests a period of intense conflict and rebellion. Symbolic Significance (This is where it gets deeper, but let’s keep it relatively simple): The verse isn’t just about physical actions. It’s a symbolic representation of a spiritual crisis. It's suggesting that the community was so deeply flawed that they needed to be purified – cleansed – and rebuilt. It points to a need for re-establishing a righteous way of life, something that had been lost or damaged. In essence, Verse 10:37 is a snapshot of a time when the community was grappling with serious problems, needing a complete overhaul of its spirit and behavior. Important Note: Biblical passages are often rich in symbolism. Understanding these symbols can help us grasp the deeper meaning behind them. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further? Give an example of how this story might be interpreted today? Explore a different part of the book of Ezra?