Ezra 10:27
From the descendants of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza.
From the descendants of Zattu
This phrase introduces a specific lineage within the broader context of the Israelites returning from exile. The name "Zattu" is of Hebrew origin, possibly meaning "olive tree" or "olive grove," symbolizing peace and prosperity. The mention of descendants highlights the importance of family lineage and heritage in Jewish culture, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant with His people.

Elioenai
This name means "my eyes are toward God" in Hebrew. It reflects a posture of faith and reliance on God, which is significant in the context of the Israelites' return to Jerusalem and their efforts to restore their community and religious practices. Elioenai's inclusion in this list underscores the importance of maintaining a God-focused life amidst challenges.

Eliashib
Meaning "God restores" or "God will restore," Eliashib's name is a testament to the hope and renewal that God promises His people. In the historical context of Ezra, this name is particularly poignant as the Israelites are in the process of rebuilding their lives and their temple after the Babylonian exile. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His power to restore what has been lost.

Mattaniah
This name translates to "gift of Yahweh" or "gift of the Lord." It signifies the blessings and favor that God bestows upon His people. In the context of Ezra, Mattaniah's presence in the list of descendants highlights the idea that the return from exile and the re-establishment of the community are gifts from God, underscoring His grace and generosity.

Jeremoth
The name Jeremoth means "heights" or "elevations," suggesting a sense of being lifted up or exalted. This can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual elevation and renewal that the Israelites are experiencing as they return to their homeland and recommit to their covenant with God. It reflects the hope of rising above past failures and embracing a future aligned with God's will.

Zabad
Meaning "endowed" or "given," Zabad's name emphasizes the concept of being endowed with gifts or responsibilities. In the context of Ezra, it can be interpreted as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with the blessings of God, including the duty to uphold His laws and commandments as the community rebuilds.

Aziza
This name means "strong" or "mighty" in Hebrew. It conveys a sense of strength and resilience, qualities that are essential for the Israelites as they face the challenges of rebuilding their society and religious practices. Aziza's inclusion in the list serves as an encouragement to remain steadfast and courageous in the face of adversity, trusting in God's strength to sustain them.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zattu
A family or clan among the Israelites who returned from the Babylonian exile. They are mentioned in the context of those who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Mosaic Law.

2. Elioenai
A descendant of Zattu, involved in the issue of intermarriage with foreign women.

3. Eliashib
Another descendant of Zattu, also implicated in the intermarriage issue.

4. Mattaniah
A member of the Zattu family, part of the group needing to address the sin of intermarriage.

5. Jeremoth and Zabad
Additional descendants of Zattu, included in the list of those who had taken foreign wives.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' disobedience in marrying foreign women was a direct violation of God's commandments. This highlights the importance of adhering to God's Word in all aspects of life.

Repentance and Restoration
The listing of names in Ezra 10 signifies a public acknowledgment of sin and a commitment to repentance. True repentance involves both confession and action.

Community Accountability
The community's involvement in addressing the sin of intermarriage shows the importance of holding each other accountable in the faith.

Guarding Against Compromise
The issue of intermarriage serves as a warning against compromising one's faith and values, which can lead to spiritual decline.

The Role of Leadership
Ezra's leadership in addressing the sin of intermarriage demonstrates the critical role of godly leaders in guiding and correcting the community.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of specific names in Ezra 10:27 teach us about personal accountability in our spiritual walk?

2. How can the issue of intermarriage in Ezra be related to modern-day challenges of maintaining spiritual purity in relationships?

3. In what ways can we, as a church community, support each other in living according to God's commandments?

4. How does the concept of repentance in Ezra 10 inform our understanding of repentance in the New Testament?

5. What lessons can we learn from Ezra's leadership in dealing with sin that can be applied to leadership roles within the church today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 9:1-2
Provides context for the issue of intermarriage, explaining how the Israelites, including priests and Levites, had not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the purity of the Israelite community.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
The original commandment against intermarriage with foreign nations, highlighting the risk of turning away from God.

1 Corinthians 7:39
Discusses the importance of marrying "in the Lord," which can be seen as a New Testament parallel to the Old Testament concern for spiritual purity in marriage.
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
Aziza, Azi'za, Eliashib, Eli'ashib, Elioenai, Eli-o-e'nai, Jeremoth, Jer'emoth, Mattaniah, Mattani'ah, Sons, Zabad, Zattu
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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