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Book of Ezra - Chapter 9 - Verse 11

9:11
Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.

Meaning

This verse speaks of the warning given by God through His prophets regarding the land that the children of Israel were about to possess. It cautions them that the land is unclean due to the filthiness and abominations of the people inhabiting it. The term "unclean" here refers to moral and spiritual defilement caused by the sinful practices and idolatry of the nations in the land. God, through His prophets, instructed the Israelites to be mindful of the pervasive uncleanness that permeated the land, serving as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and a call to maintain purity and holiness before Him.

By emphasizing the extent of the uncleanness from one end to another, God highlighted the magnitude of the wickedness that had taken root in the land. It served as a warning for the children of Israel to remain faithful and obedient to God's commandments, to avoid being influenced or contaminated by the sinful practices of the surrounding nations. Ultimately, this verse underscores the importance of staying true to God's laws and remaining separate from the world's corruption, as a means of honoring and glorifying Him.

Theological Overview

This verse emphasizes the significance of God's commandments delivered through His prophets to the people of Israel. It portrays the land they are about to possess as unclean due to the corrupt practices and abominations of the current inhabitants. The theological interpretation of this verse underscores the importance of holiness and purity in God's eyes. The word "unclean" signifies the spiritual contamination that had spread throughout the land. The prophets served as messengers of God, warning the people of the defilement that existed within the land they were to inherit. Through this verse, God's instructions serve as a reminder to His people to remain separate from the sinful practices of the surrounding nations and to uphold His standards of righteousness. By adhering to God's commands, the Israelites were to maintain their sanctity and avoid being tainted by the impurities of the land. This verse highlights the need for obedience and holiness in fulfilling God's purposes.

American Standard Version

which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land through the uncleanness of the peoples of the lands, through their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their filthiness:
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