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NASB | Ezra 9:3 When I heard about this matter, I tore my garment and my robe, and pulled some of the hair from my head and my beard, and sat down appalled. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ezra 9:3 When I heard this, I tore my clothing and my robe [in grief], I pulled out some of the hair from my head and my beard, and sat down appalled [at the shame of it]. |
Bible Question: In Ezra 9:3, Ezra tears his clothes- his garment and his robe- and even pulls some hair from his own head and beard. This is a common way to express grief, distress, or humiliation (v.5). Tearing of one's clothes can also be found in Gen. 37:29,34; Josh. 7:6; Judges 11:35; 2 Sam. 13:19; 2 Chr. 34:27; Esth. 4:1; Job 1:20; Isaiah 36:22; Jer. 41:5; and Matt. 26:65. When Ezra says that he pulled some hair away from his own head and beard, it is unique in the Bible where a person would do this. We read about the shaving of one's head or beard (Job 1:20, Jer. 41:5, 47:5, Ezek. 7:18, Amos 8:10). When Nehemiah was confronted with the same problem of intermarriage, he puled out the hair of the offending parties (Neh. 13:25) instead of his own. What is the full significance of the 'tearing' of one's clothes or robes and why? |
Bible Answer: Regarding the rending of the garments: These external acts speak of intensity of emotion and feeling. All the scriptures no doubt reveal a physical rending/tearing. But, my intent is to get to the meaning behind the acts. It is my conviction that behind our study of the “letter” is the significance of the spirit of the matter. The “spirit” of the acts speak to me of being equated with brokenness, mourning in spirit, and humility (being contrite or poor and needy in spirit/heart). There is no doubt a lot of tradition and meaning to the physical acts but God in the scripture following says “Let’s get to the ‘heart’ of the matter”. Joel 2:12-13a (NAS) “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “Return to Me with all your heart, And with fasting, weeping, and mourning; And rend your heart and not your garments.” Passion and emotion is a wonderful study but let’s remember that Essau sought for repentance with tears (Heb 12:16), and he did not find it. Being sorry is not enough, grief is not enough. God wants to see us seek in spirit and truth. |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Ezra 9:3 | Author | ||
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Makarios | ||
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K. Samuel | ||
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K. Samuel | ||
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K. Samuel |