And the whole assembly responded in a loud voice: "Truly we must do as you say! And the whole assembly responded in a loud voice:The phrase "the whole assembly" indicates a collective response from the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem. This assembly consisted of the returned exiles who had been living in the land after the Babylonian captivity. The use of "loud voice" signifies a unified and earnest agreement, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Historically, public assemblies were common in Israel for making significant communal decisions, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:11-13, where the law was read to the people. This collective response underscores the communal nature of repentance and obedience in Israelite society. “Truly we must do as you say! Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious reform of the Jewish people. 2. The Assembly The collective group of Israelites who had returned from exile. They gathered to address the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which was against the Law of Moses. 3. Jerusalem The central place of worship and the location where the assembly gathered. It was the focal point of Jewish religious life and the site of the Temple. 4. Intermarriage Issue The event that prompted the assembly was the realization that many Israelites had married foreign women, which was seen as a violation of their covenant with God. 5. Shecaniah A leader among the people who supported Ezra's call for reform and encouraged the assembly to act according to God's law. Teaching Points Obedience to God's LawThe assembly's response highlights the importance of aligning actions with God's commands. True repentance involves a commitment to change. Community Accountability The collective agreement to act shows the power of community in upholding spiritual standards. Believers are called to support one another in faithfulness. Leadership in Reform Ezra's role underscores the need for godly leadership in guiding others toward righteousness. Leaders must be courageous and steadfast in promoting God's truth. Repentance and Action Genuine repentance is not just an emotional response but requires decisive action to correct wrongs and restore relationships with God. The Danger of Compromise The issue of intermarriage serves as a warning against compromising faith for cultural or personal reasons. Believers must guard against influences that lead away from God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the assembly's response in Ezra 10:12 demonstrate the importance of community in spiritual reform?2. In what ways can we apply the principle of obedience to God's law in our daily lives, especially when faced with cultural pressures? 3. How can we, as a church or community, hold each other accountable to maintain spiritual purity and faithfulness? 4. What qualities did Ezra exhibit that are essential for effective spiritual leadership today? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to align your actions with God's commands. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your faith journey? 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 dealt with the issue of intermarriage, showing the ongoing struggle to maintain purity and obedience to God's commands. Malachi 2:11 This verse condemns Judah for marrying the daughter of a foreign god, reinforcing the importance of faithfulness to the covenant.
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 Answering, Assembly, Congregation, Duty, Hast, Loud, Replied, Responded, That's, Voice, YesDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 10:121611 Scripture, inspiration and authority Library 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 10:12 NIVEzra 10:12 NLT Ezra 10:12 ESV Ezra 10:12 NASB Ezra 10:12 KJV Ezra 10:12 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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