Ezra 10:22
From the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah.
From the descendants of Pashhur
The phrase "From the descendants of Pashhur" refers to a specific lineage within the priestly families of Israel. Pashhur was a prominent priestly name, and his descendants were part of the group that had intermarried with foreign women, which was against the Mosaic Law. The Hebrew root of "Pashhur" suggests meanings related to freedom or liberation, which is ironic given the context of needing to separate from unlawful marriages to restore spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands.

Elioenai
The name "Elioenai" means "My eyes are toward God" in Hebrew. This name reflects a posture of dependence and trust in God, which is significant in the context of repentance and returning to God's ways. It serves as a reminder that even in times of correction and discipline, the focus should remain on God, seeking His guidance and mercy.

Maaseiah
"Maaseiah" means "Work of the Lord" or "The Lord's work" in Hebrew. This name underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will. In the context of Ezra 10, it highlights the need for the Israelites to engage in the work of repentance and restoration, which is ultimately the work of the Lord in their lives.

Ishmael
The name "Ishmael" means "God hears" in Hebrew. This is a powerful reminder that God is attentive to the cries and prayers of His people. In the context of Ezra 10, it reassures the Israelites that God is aware of their situation and is responsive to their repentance and desire to return to His covenant.

Nethanel
"Nethanel" means "Gift of God" in Hebrew. This name reflects the grace and generosity of God, who gives good gifts to His people. In the context of Ezra 10, it serves as a reminder that the opportunity for repentance and restoration is itself a gift from God, an expression of His mercy and love.

Jozabad
The name "Jozabad" means "The Lord has given" in Hebrew. This name emphasizes God's provision and faithfulness. In the context of the Israelites' return to covenant faithfulness, it is a reminder that God provides the means and strength for His people to obey His commands and live according to His statutes.

Elasah
"Elasah" means "God has made" or "God has created" in Hebrew. This name points to God's sovereignty and creative power. In the context of Ezra 10, it underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, shaping and directing them according to His divine purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Pashhur
A priestly family mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. The descendants of Pashhur were among those who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Mosaic Law.

2. Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah
These individuals are listed as descendants of Pashhur who were involved in the issue of intermarriage with foreign women. Their inclusion signifies their commitment to rectify the situation by putting away their foreign wives.

3. The Return from Exile
This event marks the period when the Israelites returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. It was a time of rebuilding both the physical structures and the spiritual lives of the people.

4. The Covenant Renewal
The broader context of Ezra 10 is about the renewal of the covenant with God, emphasizing the importance of purity and obedience to God's laws.

5. The Assembly in Jerusalem
The gathering of the Israelites in Jerusalem to address the issue of intermarriage, demonstrating communal accountability and the seriousness of adhering to God's commandments.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' willingness to correct their disobedience by putting away foreign wives highlights the importance of aligning our lives with God's commands.

Community Accountability
The assembly in Jerusalem shows the role of community in holding each other accountable to God's standards. We, too, should seek accountability within our faith communities.

Repentance and Renewal
The actions taken by the descendants of Pashhur demonstrate true repentance, which involves not just feeling sorry but taking concrete steps to change.

Guarding Against Compromise
The issue of intermarriage serves as a warning against compromising our faith and values, reminding us to remain vigilant in our spiritual walk.

The Role of Leadership
Ezra's leadership in addressing the issue shows the importance of godly leaders who guide and direct the community back to faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the actions of the descendants of Pashhur about the nature of true repentance?

2. How does the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10 relate to the broader theme of obedience to God's law in the Old Testament?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of community accountability in our own faith communities today?

4. How does the response of the Israelites in Ezra 10 challenge us to address areas of compromise in our own lives?

5. What role does leadership play in guiding a community back to faithfulness, and how can we support our leaders in this task?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns against intermarriage with foreign nations, as it could lead to idolatry and turning away from God. The situation in Ezra 10 is a direct response to this command.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, showing that this was a recurring problem that needed addressing to maintain the purity of the Israelite community.

Malachi 2:11-12
Malachi speaks against marrying the daughter of a foreign god, reinforcing the theme of faithfulness to God and the dangers of idolatry.
Covenanting with GodHosiah Shute, B. D.Ezra 10:1-25
Forgiveness for Great SinsHosiah Shute, B. D.Ezra 10:1-25
Helping the MinisterHosiah Shute, B. D.Ezra 10:1-25
Pastor and ChurchHomilistEzra 10:1-25
Prayer and ConfessionHosiah Shute, B. D.Ezra 10:1-25
The Influence of an Eminent ExampleHosiah Shute, B. D.Ezra 10:1-25
The Reformation ProposedWilliam Jones.Ezra 10:1-25
Trembling At the Word of GodHosiah Shute, B. D.Ezra 10:1-25
True LoyaltyW. S. Lewis, M. A.Ezra 10:1-25
The ReformationsJ.A. Macdonald Ezra 10:6-44
Sin and RepentanceW. Clarkson Ezra 10:9-44
Cheap ExpiationsJ. Parker, D. DEzra 10:18-44
The List of OffendersWilliam Jones.Ezra 10:18-44
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, Zechariah
Places
Jerusalem, Nebo
Topics
Elasah, Ela'sah, Elioenai, Eli-o-e'nai, Ishmael, Ish'mael, Jozabad, Jo'zabad, Maaseiah, Ma-asei'ah, Nethaneel, Nethanel, Nethan'el, Pashhur, Pashur, Sons
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Ezra 10:10-44

     5711   marriage, restrictions

Library
Ezra, the Praying Reformer
Before 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.
I. There was a street leading from the Gate of Waters to the mount of the Temple, which seems to be called "the street of the Temple," Ezra 10:9. This way they went from the Temple to mount Olivet. II. The ascent to the mount of the Temple was not so difficult but cattle and oxen might be driven thither; nor so easy, but that it required some pains of those that went up. "A child was free from presenting himself in the Temple at the three feasts, until" (according to the school of Hillel) "he was
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible

Of a Private Fast.
That we may rightly perform a private fast, four things are to be observed:--First, The author; Secondly, The time and occasion; Thirdly, The manner; Fourthly, The ends of private fasting. 1. Of the Author. The first that ordained fasting was God himself in paradise; and it was the first law that God made, in commanding Adam to abstain from eating the forbidden fruit. God would not pronounce nor write his law without fasting (Lev. xxiii), and in his law commands all his people to fast. So does our
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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