Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.
When Ezra had finished praying and confessing, crying and throwing himself down in front of God's house, a huge crowd of Israelite men, women, and children gathered around him. The people were crying bitterly too.
Ezra's heartbroken prayer and confession before God moved the people so deeply that they gathered around him and wept bitterly alongside him.
📚 Historical Context
This scene occurs after the Jewish exiles had returned from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Ezra, a priest and scribe, had discovered that many of the returned exiles had married foreign women, which violated God's law and threatened to lead Israel back into idolatry. His public display of grief and repentance over this sin created a powerful moment that stirred the entire community to recognize their wrongdoing.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.