Ezra 10:42
Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.
Shallum
The name "Shallum" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׁלוֹם" (shalom), meaning peace or completeness. In the context of Ezra, Shallum is one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Mosaic Law. The inclusion of his name in this list signifies a commitment to restoring peace and order by adhering to God's commandments. Historically, the name Shallum appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with leaders or individuals who played roles in maintaining or restoring order. This highlights the importance of leadership in guiding the community back to faithfulness.

Amariah
"Amariah" comes from the Hebrew "אֲמַרְיָה" (Amaryah), meaning "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks." This name reflects a deep connection to God's promises and the importance of divine communication. In the historical context of Ezra, Amariah's inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives underscores the need for the Israelites to return to the promises and covenants made with God. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness required to uphold God's laws and the hope that comes from His promises.

Joseph
The name "Joseph" is derived from the Hebrew "יוֹסֵף" (Yosef), meaning "He will add" or "God will increase." Joseph is a name rich with biblical history, most notably associated with the son of Jacob who rose to prominence in Egypt. In Ezra, the mention of Joseph signifies the potential for growth and restoration when the community aligns itself with God's will. It is a call to trust in God's ability to increase and bless His people when they repent and return to Him. The historical significance of Joseph as a figure of redemption and provision resonates with the theme of renewal in the book of Ezra.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Shallum
A name that appears multiple times in the Bible, often associated with individuals who played roles in various events. In this context, Shallum is one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Law of Moses.

2. Amariah
Another common biblical name, Amariah here is listed among those who had to make a covenant to put away their foreign wives, signifying a return to covenant faithfulness.

3. Joseph
Like Shallum and Amariah, Joseph is a name that appears frequently in the Bible. In this passage, Joseph is also among those who had to separate from foreign influences to restore purity to the community.
Teaching Points
Covenant Faithfulness
The actions of Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph remind us of the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant, even when it requires difficult decisions.

Repentance and Reform
True repentance involves not just feeling sorry but taking concrete steps to correct wrongs and align with God's will.

Community Purity
The passage underscores the need for the community of believers to maintain purity and distinctiveness in their practices and relationships.

Influence of Relationships
The account highlights how relationships can influence one's spiritual life, urging believers to choose relationships that encourage faithfulness to God.

Obedience to God's Word
The account encourages believers to prioritize obedience to God's commands, even when it is counter-cultural or challenging.
Bible Study Questions
1. What steps did the Israelites take to address the issue of intermarriage, and how can we apply similar principles of repentance in our lives today?

2. How does the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10 relate to the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from worldly influences?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our relationships, particularly marriage, align with biblical principles as seen in Ezra 10 and other scriptures?

4. How does the community's response in Ezra 10:42 reflect the importance of collective accountability in the body of Christ?

5. What are some modern-day challenges that might require us to make difficult decisions to remain faithful to God's covenant, and how can we draw strength from the examples in Ezra 10?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 9:1-2
Provides context for Ezra 10:42, describing the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which led to the need for repentance and reform.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the distinctiveness of God's people.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
The original command 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 echoes the principle of maintaining spiritual unity 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
Amariah, Amari'ah, Joseph, Shallum
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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