Ezra 9:7

The record of Israelite history, i.e. sin and its retribution. But for their sin, the Israelites would have had a far different history.

Since the days of our fathers The exact phrase hardly occurs elsewhere except Malachi 3:7 -From the days of your fathers ye have turned aside from mine ordinances". The context there seems to show that, though the expression is purposely indefinite, it points back to the time when the Law was first given, and is equivalent to saying -from the first beginnings of the Israelite people".

have webeen in a great trespass R.V. we have been exceedingly guilty. Marg. Heb. in great guiltiness. See note on Ezra 9:6.

we, our kings, and our priests i.e. the nation, with its civil and sacred chiefs. Cf. the fuller category Nehemiah 9:32 -Our kings … our princes … our priests … our prophets … our fathers".

the kings of the lands With special reference to -the kings of Assyria" (Nehemiah 9:32) and Babylon.

sword … captivity … spoil(R.V. spoiling) … confusion of face Life, freedom, property, honour: items of the penalty. -Confusion of face", lit. shame of face, i.e. dishonour. Cf. Daniel 9:7-8 -Unto us confusion of face, as it is this day", -To us belongeth confusion of face". 2 Chronicles 32:21 -So he returned with shame of face". -Spoiling": a late Hebrew word, occurring also in Esther 9:10; Esther 9:15-16; Daniel 11:24; Dan 11:33; 2 Chronicles 14:14; 2 Chronicles 25:13; 2 Chronicles 28:14.

as it is this day cf. Ezra 9:15; Nehemiah 9:10; Deuteronomy 6:24; Jeremiah 44:22.