Jacob recognized it. He said,“ It’s my son’s robe! A wild animal has eaten him up. Joseph must have been torn to pieces.”Jacob tore his clothes. He put on the rough clothing people wear when they’re sad. Then he mourned for his son many days.All Jacob’s other sons and daughters came to comfort him. But they weren’t able to. He said,“ I will continue to mourn until I go down into the grave to be with my son.” So Joseph’s father mourned for him.
Ezra was praying and admitting to God that his people had sinned. He was weeping and throwing himself down in front of the house of God. Then a large crowd of Israelites gathered around him. Men, women and children were there. They too wept bitterly.
When he arrived, there was Eli sitting on his chair. He was by the side of the road. He was watching because his heart was really concerned about the ark of God. The man entered the town and told everyone what had happened. Then the whole town cried out.