Definition: Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 9:4. It's a really interesting and somewhat symbolic passage in the Bible. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: This verse comes after a period of trouble and shame for Israel. Imagine they were messing up – perhaps they were disobeying God’s rules, or behaving badly. Ezra was essentially leading a group of people back to the way things should be, and it wasn't going well. What Happened Next: "Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel..." This means there was a large crowd gathered around Ezra – probably people who were feeling scared or worried about what was happening. They were listening to him, and they were reacting with fear. "...because of the transgression of those that had been carried away..." This is the key part. "Transgressed" means they broke a rule or disobeyed God’s instructions. “Those that had been carried away” refers to a group of people who had been misled, perhaps by pride, or a bad influence. Basically, they were on a wrong path. "...I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice." Ezra was so upset and surprised by what he was seeing – the fear and worry of the crowd. He was sitting there in a state of stunned amazement. It's like he was overwhelmed with a feeling of disbelief and sorrow. So, What’s the Big Picture? This verse paints a picture of a time when Israel was facing serious problems due to their disobedience. Ezra was trying to restore order and remind them of God’s laws, but his efforts were met with fear and uncertainty. It's More Than Just a Simple Story: The Bible often uses symbolism to teach its message. This verse is a bit mysterious – it doesn’t tell us exactly what was happening. However, it suggests that even when people are scared or troubled, God is still watching over them and working to restore things back to the right path. It’s about acknowledging our mistakes and striving to do better. In short: Ezra was facing a difficult situation, and his experience shows us that even in times of trouble, faith and hope can be powerful. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage (when it came about)? Explore what this story might mean for us today?