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.
Ezra's prayer continues with historical confession: 'Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day.' This acknowledges multi-generational sin—current violations aren't isolated failures but ongoing patterns. The phrase 'for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands' interprets exile theologically. God used pagan rulers to judge covenant violation. The list of punishments—'to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face'—recounts covenant curses (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28).
Historical Context
The confession 'since the days of our fathers' acknowledges that pre-exilic Israel persistently violated covenant, leading to exile (586 BC). Ezra doesn't minimize past sins or claim the returnees are better. The phrase 'confusion of face' means shame and disgrace. The acknowledgment that 'our kings and our priests' led in sin shows that leaders bear special responsibility. Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets had warned repeatedly that persistent sin would bring exile. Now, barely eighty years after return, similar sins recurred.
Questions for Reflection
How does confessing multi-generational sin demonstrate understanding that current failures often repeat historical patterns?
What does acknowledging that leaders 'have been chief in this trespass' (v. 2) teach about greater accountability for those in authority?
Analysis & Commentary
Ezra's prayer continues with historical confession: 'Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day.' This acknowledges multi-generational sin—current violations aren't isolated failures but ongoing patterns. The phrase 'for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands' interprets exile theologically. God used pagan rulers to judge covenant violation. The list of punishments—'to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face'—recounts covenant curses (Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28).