Ezra 10:11

Now, therefore, make a confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do His will. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from your foreign wives."

Study Bible

Now, therefore
This phrase serves as a call to immediate action, indicating a transition from acknowledgment of sin to the necessity of repentance. In the Hebrew text, the word "now" (עַתָּה, 'attah) emphasizes urgency. The use of "therefore" connects the previous acknowledgment of wrongdoing with the required response, underscoring the logical and moral necessity of the actions that follow.

make a confession
The Hebrew word for "confession" (תוֹדָה, todah) implies an admission of sin and a public acknowledgment of wrongdoing. In the context of ancient Israel, confession was not merely a private matter but a communal act that restored the relationship between the people and God. This act of confession is a crucial step in the process of repentance and reconciliation with God.

to the LORD, the God of your fathers
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between the Israelites and Yahweh, the God of their ancestors. The use of "LORD" (יהוה, YHWH) is the sacred name of God, highlighting His eternal and unchanging nature. "The God of your fathers" connects the current generation to the faithfulness of God throughout history, reminding them of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

and do His will
The call to "do His will" (עֲשׂוּ רְצוֹנוֹ, 'asu retsono) is a directive to align one's actions with God's commandments. This phrase underscores the importance of obedience as a demonstration of genuine repentance. In the biblical context, doing God's will is not merely about following rules but living in a way that reflects God's character and purposes.

Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land
The command to "separate" (הִבָּדְלוּ, hibbadlu) is a call to holiness, which in Hebrew thought means to be set apart for God's purposes. The "peoples of the land" refers to the surrounding nations whose practices and beliefs were contrary to the covenantal relationship Israel had with God. This separation was necessary to maintain the purity of worship and the distinct identity of God's people.

and from your foreign wives
This phrase addresses a specific issue faced by the Israelites at the time: intermarriage with foreign women who did not share their faith. The Hebrew term for "foreign" (נָכְרִיּוֹת, nokriyot) indicates those who were outside the covenant community. The marriages threatened to lead the Israelites away from their exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The call to separate from these wives was a difficult but necessary step to preserve the spiritual integrity of the community.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in restoring the law and religious practices among the Israelites.

2. The Israelites
The people of God who had returned from Babylonian exile and were struggling to maintain their distinct identity and covenant relationship with God.

3. Foreign Wives
Non-Israelite women whom the Israelite men had married, leading to religious and cultural compromises.

4. Jerusalem
The central place of worship and the city where the temple was being rebuilt, symbolizing the restoration of the Jewish faith and community.

5. Confession and Separation
The act of acknowledging sin before God and taking steps to rectify it, which in this context involved separating from foreign influences that led to idolatry.

Teaching Points

Confession and Repentance
Acknowledge and confess sins before God as a necessary step towards spiritual restoration and obedience.

Obedience to God's Will
Align actions with God's commands, even when it requires difficult decisions or sacrifices.

Separation from Sinful Influences
Identify and separate from influences that lead away from God, maintaining spiritual integrity and faithfulness.

Community Accountability
Engage in communal efforts to uphold God's standards, supporting one another in faithfulness and obedience.

Restoration and Renewal
Embrace God's call to restore and renew one's life and community in accordance with His word.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Ezra 10:11 teach us about the importance of confession and repentance in our relationship with God?

2. How can we apply the principle of separating from sinful influences in our modern context, especially in relationships and cultural engagements?

3. In what ways does the call to obedience in Ezra 10:11 challenge us to make difficult decisions in our personal lives?

4. How can we, as a community of believers, support one another in maintaining faithfulness to God's commands?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a significant change to align with God's will. How did this experience impact your spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God to serve other gods, which directly relates to the situation in Ezra 10.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Paul advises believers not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers, echoing the call for separation from influences that could lead to spiritual compromise.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also addresses the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, showing the ongoing struggle to maintain purity and obedience to God's commands.