Definition: O LORD God of Israel, thou [art] righteous: for we remain yet escaped, as [it is] this day: behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 9:15. It’s a really important and somewhat dramatic passage in the Old Testament. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse expresses a profound sense of regret and desperation from God to the people of Israel. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Ezra 9:15 O LORD God of Israel, thou [are] righteous:” – This is a way of saying “God, you are just/right.” It's a statement of acknowledging that God sees them as good and worthy. "for we remain yet escaped:" - This is the key part. They’re still alive , but they’ve made a terrible mistake. “Escaped” means they haven't been punished or condemned. “as this day:” – This emphasizes that it’s not just a temporary situation, but a significant problem. It's happening now . “behold, we [are] before thee in our trespasses:” - "Behold" is a word meaning “see” or “notice.” They are seeing their wrongdoings – they’re aware of their mistakes and the consequences of those mistakes. “Trespasses” means breaking rules or laws – basically, they've violated God's law. “for we cannot stand before thee because of this:” - This is the most crucial part. They cannot forgive themselves, cannot be reconciled with God, and cannot continue to live in a way that pleases him. They’re facing a consequence they can't overcome – they’ve fallen short of God's will. Overall Meaning: The verse paints a picture of a people who have made a significant error – perhaps a period of rebellion, idolatry, or wickedness. God is acknowledging their state and expressing deep sorrow and a sense that they are unable to find forgiveness or peace with him. It’s a moment of intense repentance and a plea for divine intervention. Why is this important? This passage is significant because it's part of the story of the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It highlights the need for sincere repentance, acknowledging wrongdoing, and seeking forgiveness from God. It’s a foundational moment in understanding how faith can lead to reconciliation with the divine. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (e.g., its symbolism)? Give you a related story or context?