Ezra 9:3-5

New International Reader's Version

³ When I heard that, I tore my inner robe and my coat. I pulled hair from my head and beard. I was so shocked I sat down. ⁴ Then everyone who trembled with fear at God’s words gathered around me. That’s because the people who had returned from Babylon had not been faithful. So I was very upset. I just sat there until the time of the evening sacrifice.

⁵ Then I got up. I had been very sad for quite a while. My inner robe and my coat were torn. I fell down on my knees. I spread my hands out to the Lord my God.