Definition: And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments,

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 9:10. It's a really important and somewhat dramatic passage in the Book of Ezra. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying, “We messed up! We broke the rules!” It’s acknowledging a significant mistake that has happened to the people of Israel. Let’s unpack it word by word: “Ezra 9:10” : This refers to Ezra, who was a priest and leader during a time when the Israelites were in trouble. “And now, O our God…” : This is a plea – a way of acknowledging that this isn’t just a simple mistake; it's something serious. "Our God" is referring to God himself. “What shall we say after this?” : This is the key question. They’re asking, “What can we do now? What should we say?” It implies a sense of regret and a need for repentance. “for we have forsaken thy commandments” : This is the most crucial part. "Commandments" means rules or laws that God gave to them. The verse says they have abandoned these laws – they’ve broken them. It's like saying, “We ignored what God told us and did something wrong.” In simpler terms: The Israelites were behaving badly and disobeying God’s instructions. They made a mistake that has caused trouble for them. Now, they need to say sorry and try to get back on the right track. What does this mean in context? This verse is part of a larger story about the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem after a period of exile. It’s a moment of deep crisis and a plea for forgiveness. It highlights that even the most powerful people can fall short of their responsibility to God. Important Note: This passage is often interpreted as a call for repentance, acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking reconciliation with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Ezra 9? Discuss the significance of this event in Jewish history? Give you a little background on the situation during which this passage was written?