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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: You have answered your own question quite well by virtue of your included study. I can only suggest that God seems always to desire that we get to the root of the matter. We can analyze the "letter" but let's also seek out the spiritual significance behind the external act. 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.” Let's keep seeking His truth with all our hearts. |
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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 |