Ezra 9:5

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

وعِندَ تَقدِمَةِ المَساء، خَرَجْتُ مِن إِعْيائي وجَثَوتُ على رُكبَتَيَّ بِثَوبي ورِدائي المُمَزَّقَين، وبَسَطتُ يَدَيَّ إِلى الرَّبِّ إِلٰهي،

What Does This Mean?

Ezra is deeply troubled and prays to God during the evening sacrifice. He shows his sorrow by tearing his clothes and kneeling, spreading his hands to God. This shows Ezra's deep repentance and humility before God.

Explained for Children

Imagine feeling really sad because you did something wrong. Ezra felt so bad that he tore his clothes and knelt down to pray to God. It's like when you feel really sorry and want to say sorry really badly. Ezra was doing that, but in his own special way.

Historical Background

Ezra, a priest and scribe, wrote this during the time of the return from the Babylonian exile. The text was written around the 5th century BCE, addressing the Jewish people who had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore their religious practices.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, think of a time when you felt deeply remorseful and needed to reach out to someone. Ezra’s action of tearing his clothes and kneeling can be seen as a way to show his sincerity and deep sorrow. In today’s context, it might mean reaching out to a friend or family member you’ve wronged, with a sincere apology and a willingness to make things right.

Topics

• repentance
• prayer
• humility
• sacrifice
• restoration
• sorrow

Related Verses

• Nehemiah 1:4
• Psalm 35:13
• Daniel 9:18
• Luke 18:13
• 2 Chronicles 36:22

Frequently Asked Questions

What does tearing clothes mean in biblical times?

Tearing clothes was a way to express intense emotions such as grief, anger, or deep sorrow. It's a sign of distress and repentance.

Why did Ezra pray during the evening sacrifice?

The evening sacrifice was a set time for prayer and worship. By praying at this time, Ezra was showing his commitment to God and his desire for forgiveness.

What does it mean to spread out hands to God?

Spreading out hands to God was a posture of prayer, showing openness and sincerity. It symbolizes reaching out to God in humility and need.

How can we apply Ezra's actions in our modern lives?

We can apply Ezra's actions by showing sincerity and humility in our prayers, expressing true repentance for our mistakes, and reaching out to others to make amends.