Definition: For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of [those] lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 9:2. It’s a serious message about a past mistake and its consequences. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Situation: Imagine a time when people in ancient Israel were very focused on their own families – particularly their sons. They were taking girls and boys from young women to be married off to other families, essentially creating a situation where the descendants of these people weren't fully integrated into the community. What Ezra is Saying: Ezra is writing in the aftermath of a period of rebuilding and purification after a time of rebellion. He’s saying that this practice – taking children for themselves – was a significant sin committed by those leaders (princes and rulers) at the time. He's highlighting their deliberate action as a problem. The Key Words Explained: “For they have taken…” : This means they actively took these children. “…of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons…” : They were deliberately separating young women from their families and handing them off to other families. "...so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of [those] lands:" : This is a crucial part. "Holy seed" refers to the descendants of God’s chosen people – those who are considered spiritually connected to him. The idea here is that these children were being integrated into the wider community, becoming part of the population. “Yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.” : This means that the leaders (princes and rulers) were the ones who orchestrated and initiated this action. They were actively participating in it – they were the main force behind it. The Overall Message: Ezra is warning about a serious breach of trust and a betrayal of God’s purpose. It’s a reminder that even seemingly small things can have big consequences when people prioritize their own interests over God's will and the well-being of the community. It emphasizes the importance of being faithful to God and maintaining harmony within society. Important Note: The verse is often interpreted as a warning about the dangers of pride, selfishness, and prioritizing personal gain over communal responsibility. --- Resources if you want to learn more: [Bible Gateway](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Ezra%209:2) - This website has detailed explanations and translations of the verse. [Wikipedia - Ezra 9:2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra_9%3A2) – A good overview of the context. Do you want me to delve deeper into a specific aspect of this verse, like its historical context or its theological significance?