Ezra 10: A Time for Repentance and Renewal
Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.
And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.
Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.
Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.
And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;
And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.
Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.
Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.
But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.
Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.
And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.
And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.
And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.
And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.
And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.
And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.
Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.
Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.
And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.
And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.
Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.
And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.
And of the sons of Pahath–moab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.
And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,
Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.
Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.
Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,
Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,
Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,
And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,
And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,
Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,
Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.
Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah.
All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by whom they had children.
Ezra 10 marks a pivotal moment in the restoration of Israel after the exile. Overwhelmed by the people's sin of intermarriage with foreign women, Ezra's profound grief and humble repentance sparked a powerful response from the community. This chapter reveals not only the depth of their transgression but also their commitment to cleansing and covenant renewal.
A Groundswell of Repentance (Ezra 10:1-4)
Ezra's public display of sorrow and repentance, as described in Ezra 10:1, resonated deeply with the people. A large crowd gathered before the temple, united in bitter weeping. This collective mourning signifies a shared understanding of their sin and its potential consequences. The people recognized that their actions threatened the purity of the restored community and risked incurring God's judgment once again.
Amidst this atmosphere of remorse, a man named Shecaniah stepped forward, acting as a spokesperson for the people. He acknowledged their unfaithfulness to God and pledged their support for Ezra's leadership in addressing this critical issue (Ezra 10:2-4). Shecaniah's words reflect a determination to take decisive action, even if it meant painful and difficult choices.
Shecaniah emphasizes the seriousness of their commitment by using the word "covenant" (Ezra 10:3). A covenant is a solemn promise that binds the parties involved to fulfill its terms. In this context, the people were making a binding agreement to send away their foreign wives and children. This drastic measure underscores the depth of their conviction and their willingness to prioritize obedience to God's law.
It is important to note that the drastic actions taken in Ezra's time were specific to the unique circumstances of the restored nation of Israel. While the Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of believers marrying believers (1 Corinthians 7:39), the principles applied in Ezra 10 should not be directly applied to marriages today where one spouse becomes a believer after marriage. Paul offers guidance for these situations in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing.
Gathering for Accountability (Ezra 10:5-8)
Following Shecaniah's declaration, the leaders swiftly issued a proclamation, summoning all the exiles to gather in Jerusalem (Ezra 10:7). This call to assembly was a crucial step in holding the offenders accountable for their actions. The men who had entered into these forbidden marriages had openly defied the Mosaic law, which explicitly prohibited unions with foreign nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-4).
The severity of the situation was compounded by the fact that a significant number of offenders were priests and Levites (Ezra 10:18, 23-24). These individuals, entrusted with teaching and upholding God's Word, should have been the most vigilant in guarding against spiritual compromise. Their transgression highlighted the pervasiveness of the problem and the urgent need for decisive action.
The consequences for disobedience were severe. Any offender who failed to appear before Ezra in Jerusalem would forfeit all their possessions and be excommunicated from the assembly of the exiles (Ezra 10:8). This penalty served as a strong deterrent and underscored the gravity of their sin.
Facing the Consequences (Ezra 10:9-16)
Ezra assumed his role as leader, initiating the process of reviewing each case (Ezra 10:9). However, the proceedings were hampered by inclement weather, as a heavy rain added to the discomfort and difficulty of the situation. Despite the challenges, Ezra confronted the people with the truth, declaring, "You have been unfaithful!" (Ezra 10:10).
Recognizing the need for a more manageable process, a plan was devised to delegate the task of judging offenders to local leaders in each town (Ezra 10:12-14). This decentralized approach allowed for a more thorough and efficient examination of individual cases. The entire process took three months to complete, culminating in a comprehensive cleansing of the community (Ezra 10:16).
A Call to Purity (Ezra 10:18-44)
The chapter concludes with a detailed list of the Jewish men who had married pagan wives, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem. Shockingly, the list begins with priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers (Ezra 10:18, 23-24), those who were responsible for leading the people in worship and maintaining the sanctity of the temple.
The inclusion of these leaders underscores the seriousness of the sin and its potential to corrupt the entire community. Only by addressing this issue head-on could the restored assembly move forward in establishing themselves in their land and experiencing God's blessing.
Ezra 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, obedience, and covenant faithfulness. It highlights the need to prioritize spiritual purity and to guard against influences that can compromise our relationship with God. While the specific actions taken in this chapter may not be directly applicable to all situations today, the underlying principles of repentance, accountability, and commitment to God's Word remain timeless and essential for all believers.
Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.
And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.
Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.
Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away.
And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto Jerusalem;
And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.
Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.
And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.
Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.
Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do.
But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.
Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.
And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.
And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.
And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.
And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.
And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.
And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.
Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.
Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.
And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.
And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.
Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.
And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.
And of the sons of Pahath–moab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.
And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,
Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.
Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.
Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,
Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,
Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,
And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,
And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,
Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,
Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.
Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah.
All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by whom they had children.
Ezra 10 marks a pivotal moment in the restoration of Israel after the exile. Overwhelmed by the people's sin of intermarriage with foreign women, Ezra's profound grief and humble repentance sparked a powerful response from the community. This chapter reveals not only the depth of their transgression but also their commitment to cleansing and covenant renewal.
A Groundswell of Repentance (Ezra 10:1-4)
Ezra's public display of sorrow and repentance, as described in Ezra 10:1, resonated deeply with the people. A large crowd gathered before the temple, united in bitter weeping. This collective mourning signifies a shared understanding of their sin and its potential consequences. The people recognized that their actions threatened the purity of the restored community and risked incurring God's judgment once again.
Amidst this atmosphere of remorse, a man named Shecaniah stepped forward, acting as a spokesperson for the people. He acknowledged their unfaithfulness to God and pledged their support for Ezra's leadership in addressing this critical issue (Ezra 10:2-4). Shecaniah's words reflect a determination to take decisive action, even if it meant painful and difficult choices.
Shecaniah emphasizes the seriousness of their commitment by using the word "covenant" (Ezra 10:3). A covenant is a solemn promise that binds the parties involved to fulfill its terms. In this context, the people were making a binding agreement to send away their foreign wives and children. This drastic measure underscores the depth of their conviction and their willingness to prioritize obedience to God's law.
It is important to note that the drastic actions taken in Ezra's time were specific to the unique circumstances of the restored nation of Israel. While the Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of believers marrying believers (1 Corinthians 7:39), the principles applied in Ezra 10 should not be directly applied to marriages today where one spouse becomes a believer after marriage. Paul offers guidance for these situations in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the marriage if the unbelieving spouse is willing.
Gathering for Accountability (Ezra 10:5-8)
Following Shecaniah's declaration, the leaders swiftly issued a proclamation, summoning all the exiles to gather in Jerusalem (Ezra 10:7). This call to assembly was a crucial step in holding the offenders accountable for their actions. The men who had entered into these forbidden marriages had openly defied the Mosaic law, which explicitly prohibited unions with foreign nations (Deuteronomy 7:1-4).
The severity of the situation was compounded by the fact that a significant number of offenders were priests and Levites (Ezra 10:18, 23-24). These individuals, entrusted with teaching and upholding God's Word, should have been the most vigilant in guarding against spiritual compromise. Their transgression highlighted the pervasiveness of the problem and the urgent need for decisive action.
The consequences for disobedience were severe. Any offender who failed to appear before Ezra in Jerusalem would forfeit all their possessions and be excommunicated from the assembly of the exiles (Ezra 10:8). This penalty served as a strong deterrent and underscored the gravity of their sin.
Facing the Consequences (Ezra 10:9-16)
Ezra assumed his role as leader, initiating the process of reviewing each case (Ezra 10:9). However, the proceedings were hampered by inclement weather, as a heavy rain added to the discomfort and difficulty of the situation. Despite the challenges, Ezra confronted the people with the truth, declaring, "You have been unfaithful!" (Ezra 10:10).
Recognizing the need for a more manageable process, a plan was devised to delegate the task of judging offenders to local leaders in each town (Ezra 10:12-14). This decentralized approach allowed for a more thorough and efficient examination of individual cases. The entire process took three months to complete, culminating in a comprehensive cleansing of the community (Ezra 10:16).
A Call to Purity (Ezra 10:18-44)
The chapter concludes with a detailed list of the Jewish men who had married pagan wives, emphasizing the widespread nature of the problem. Shockingly, the list begins with priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers (Ezra 10:18, 23-24), those who were responsible for leading the people in worship and maintaining the sanctity of the temple.
The inclusion of these leaders underscores the seriousness of the sin and its potential to corrupt the entire community. Only by addressing this issue head-on could the restored assembly move forward in establishing themselves in their land and experiencing God's blessing.
Ezra 10 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of repentance, obedience, and covenant faithfulness. It highlights the need to prioritize spiritual purity and to guard against influences that can compromise our relationship with God. While the specific actions taken in this chapter may not be directly applicable to all situations today, the underlying principles of repentance, accountability, and commitment to God's Word remain timeless and essential for all believers.