Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
So all the men from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin came together in Jerusalem within three days. It was the twentieth day of the ninth month, and all the people sat in the open area in front of God's house, shaking with fear because of this serious situation, and also because of the heavy rain.
The writer is describing how all the men gathered in Jerusalem were trembling - both from fear about the grave spiritual crisis they faced and from sitting in a cold, heavy rainstorm.
📚 Historical Context
During the time of Ezra, the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem from Babylon and were striving to rebuild their community and restore proper worship according to God's laws. In Ezra 10, the people were addressing the serious issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which was considered a violation of the covenant and a threat to their spiritual identity. This gathering took place in the ninth month, during the rainy season, highlighting the urgency and emotional weight of their repentance.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.