Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Etter alt det som er kommet over oss på grunn av våre onde handlinger og vår store skyld, skulle vi da igjen bryte Dine bud og inngå ekteskap med folk som holder på med slik styggedom som avgudsdyrking? Du har ikke utslettet vårt folk, men latt en del av oss overleve. Dersom vi gjorde noe slikt som dette, ville Du ikke da blitt så sint på oss at Du hadde gjort ende på oss alle? Å, Herre, Israels Gud, Du er rettferdig. Nå står vi her foran Deg, resten av Ditt folk som Du har reddet. Se, her er vi i vår skyld, for ingen av oss er helt rene så vi fortjener å bli stående foran Deg.»
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Ezra acknowledges that despite the many bad things the Israelites did, God has been merciful and has not punished them as much as they deserved. He thanks God for the deliverance and forgiveness given to them.
Explained for Children
Imagine you did something really naughty, and your parents decided to give you a small punishment instead of a big one. Ezra is saying that God has done something similar for the Israelites. He forgave them even though they did many wrong things.
Historical Background
The book of Ezra was written after the Babylonian exile, around the 5th century BCE. Ezra, a priest and scribe, wrote about the return of the Israelites to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the temple and restore their faith.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, if someone has wronged you, but they apologize and show genuine remorse, consider forgiving them and giving them a second chance. Just like God forgave the Israelites, we can also forgive others.