Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.
From the time of our ancestors until now, we have been guilty of great sins. Because of our wrongdoing, we, our kings, and our priests have been handed over to foreign rulers who have conquered us with the sword, taken us captive, robbed us, and brought shame upon us—just as we see today.
Ezra is acknowledging that Israel's long history of disobedience to God has led to generations of defeat, exile, and shame at the hands of foreign nations.
📚 Historical Context
Ezra was a Jewish priest and scribe who returned to Jerusalem around 458 BC after the Babylonian exile. The Jewish people had recently been allowed to return and rebuild their temple, but many were intermarrying with pagan peoples, which violated God's law. Ezra is offering this prayer of confession, recognizing that Israel's pattern of unfaithfulness had led to centuries of conquest by Assyrians, Babylonians, and now Persians.
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