Among the descendants of the priests who had married foreign women were found these descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah. Among the descendants of the priestsThis phrase highlights the spiritual leaders of Israel, the priests, who were expected to uphold the highest standards of the Law. The Hebrew word for "priests" is "kohen," which signifies those who serve in the temple and mediate between God and the people. Historically, priests were held to strict standards of purity and conduct, as they were representatives of God's holiness. This context underscores the gravity of their actions in marrying foreign women, which was against the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). the following were found to have married foreign women From the descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah Persons / Places / Events 1. Jeshua son of JozadakJeshua was the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel from the Babylonian exile. He played a significant role in rebuilding the temple and restoring worship in Jerusalem. 2. Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah These were priests, descendants of Jeshua, who were found to have married foreign women, which was against the Law of Moses. 3. Foreign Women The term refers to women from surrounding nations who did not follow the God of Israel. Marrying them was prohibited to prevent the Israelites from being led into idolatry. 4. The Event of Repentance This chapter describes a significant moment of repentance and reform among the Israelites, as they sought to correct their disobedience to God's laws. 5. The Exile and Return The context of this event is the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile, a time of rebuilding both physically and spiritually. Teaching Points The Importance of ObedienceGod's commands are given for our protection and spiritual well-being. Disobedience can lead to spiritual compromise and idolatry. The Role of Leadership in Repentance Leaders, like the priests in Ezra's time, are called to set an example in obedience and repentance. Their actions can lead others toward or away from God. The Call to Holiness As believers, we are called to be set apart for God. This includes making choices that honor Him in our relationships and daily lives. The Power of Repentance True repentance involves recognizing sin, confessing it, and taking steps to correct it. This leads to restoration and renewed fellowship with God. Guarding Against Spiritual Compromise We must be vigilant in our relationships and associations, ensuring they align with our faith and do not lead us away from God. Bible Study Questions 1. What were the consequences for the priests who married foreign women, and how does this reflect the seriousness of disobedience to God's commands?2. How can we apply the principle of spiritual unity in marriage to our relationships today? 3. In what ways can church leaders today follow the example of Ezra in leading their congregations toward repentance and reform? 4. How does the concept of being "set apart" for God influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to align your life with God's commands. What was the outcome, and how did it affect your relationship with God? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 7:3-4This passage provides the original command against intermarriage with foreign nations, highlighting the risk of turning away from God. Nehemiah 13:23-27 Nehemiah also addresses the issue of intermarriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity in worship and obedience to God's commands. 1 Corinthians 7:39 In the New Testament, Paul advises believers to marry "only in the Lord," reinforcing the principle of spiritual unity in marriage.
People Abdi, Adaiah, Adna, Amariah, Amram, Asahel, Athlai, Azareel, Aziza, Bani, Bebai, Bedeiah, Benaiah, Benjamin, Bezaleel, Binnui, Chelal, Chelluh, Elam, Elasah, Eleazar, Eliah, Eliashib, Eliezer, Elijah, Elioenai, Eliphelet, Ezra, Gedaliah, Hanani, Hananiah, Harim, Hashum, Iddo, Immer, Ishijah, Ishmael, Israelites, Jaasau, Jadau, Jahaziah, Jarib, Jashub, Jehiel, Jehohanan, Jeiel, Jeremai, Jeremoth, Jeshua, Jeziah, Joel, Johanan, Jonathan, Joseph, Jozabad, Jozadak, Kelaiah, Kelita, Levites, Maadai, Maaseiah, Machnadebai, Malchiah, Malchijah, Malluch, Manasseh, Mattaniah, Mattathah, Mattenai, Mattithiah, Meremoth, Meshullam, Miamin, Mijamin, Nathan, Nethaneel, Pahathmoab, Parosh, Pashur, Pethahiah, Ramiah, Shabbethai, Shallum, Sharai, Shashai, Sheal, Shecaniah, Shelemiah, Shemaiah, Shemariah, Shimei, Shimeon, Simeon, Telem, Tikvah, Uel, Uri, Uzziah, Vaniah, Zabad, Zabbai, Zattu, Zebadiah, Zebina, ZechariahPlaces Jerusalem, NeboTopics Brethren, Brothers, Descendants, Eliezer, Elie'zer, Foreign, Gedaliah, Gedali'ah, Jarib, Jeshua, Jozadak, Jo'zadak, Maaseiah, Ma-asei'ah, Married, Namely, Priests, Settled, Sons, Strange, Wives, WomenDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 10:10-44Library Ezra, the Praying ReformerBefore the Great War there were many signs of a new interest in PRAYER and new hope from its exercise. How these signs have multiplied is known to every one. This one thing at least that is good the War has done for us already. Let us not miss our opportunity. Prayer is not an easy exercise. It requires encouragement, exposition, and training. There never was a time when men and women were more sincerely anxious to be told how to pray. Prayer is the mightiest instrument in our armory, and if we are … Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men Some Other Memorable Places of the City. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Of a Private Fast. Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above. Ezra-Nehemiah Links Ezra 10:18 NIVEzra 10:18 NLT Ezra 10:18 ESV Ezra 10:18 NASB Ezra 10:18 KJV Ezra 10:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |