Definition: Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and [when] he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezra 10:6. It's a really interesting and somewhat mysterious part of the book of Ezra. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Ezra is Leading a Mission: The verse describes Ezra, a Jewish leader, embarking on a mission to a specific place – a chamber (likely a room or space) within a temple. He’s Mourning a Sin: The key thing here is that Ezra was grieving because of something terrible that happened before. He felt deeply sorry for the people who had been tricked and led astray by a group of people. He Refused Food & Water: This is crucial. Ezra stopped eating food and drinking water. He essentially chose to withdraw from the normal life of the community to reflect on their wrongdoings. Let's unpack it further – What does this tell us about the situation? A Time of Crisis: The verse comes after a period of trouble, likely involving deception or wrongdoing. Ezra was trying to restore something that had been damaged. Sadness and Reflection: The fact that he stopped eating and drinking shows he was deeply saddened by what happened. He wasn’t just mourning; he was grappling with the consequences of their actions. A Sign of Respect & Remorse: By refusing food and water, Ezra was showing a profound sense of respect for God and his purpose to restore the temple. It suggested a deep awareness of their mistake. What's the Significance? This passage is significant because it’s a moment of intense repentance and remembrance. It highlights the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing and taking responsibility. It’s a story about how leaders can show their commitment to rebuilding and restoring something broken, even when it means making difficult choices. Important Note: The exact details of what happened before are not explicitly stated in the verse. This is part of the mystery and historical context. It suggests that there was a significant event that needed to be addressed. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific aspect of this passage in more detail? Discuss the potential meaning or symbolism behind it?