Ezra 10:2

Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, an Elamite, said to Ezra: "We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the people of the land, yet in spite of this, there is hope for Israel.

Study Bible

Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel
The mention of "Shecaniah son of Jehiel" introduces us to a figure who steps forward with a confession. The name "Shecaniah" means "the Lord has dwelt," which is significant in this context as it suggests a divine presence or intervention. "Jehiel" means "God lives," reinforcing the idea of a living, active God involved in the affairs of His people. This introduction sets the stage for a pivotal moment of repentance and renewal among the Israelites.

one of the descendants of Elam
"Elam" was one of the sons of Shem, and his descendants are mentioned throughout the Bible. The reference to "Elam" here connects Shecaniah to a broader historical and genealogical context, emphasizing the continuity of God's people and their covenantal history. It also highlights the communal aspect of sin and repentance, as Shecaniah speaks not just for himself but as a representative of his lineage.

said to Ezra
"Ezra" is a central figure in this narrative, a scribe and priest who led the return of the exiles from Babylon. His role as a spiritual leader is crucial, as he is the one to whom the confession is made. This highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding the people back to faithfulness. Ezra's presence signifies the restoration of the Law and the re-establishment of proper worship.

We have been unfaithful to our God
The phrase "We have been unfaithful" is a direct acknowledgment of sin, specifically the sin of intermarriage with foreign women, which was against God's commandments (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The Hebrew root for "unfaithful" conveys a breach of trust or betrayal, underscoring the gravity of their actions. This confession is a crucial step in the process of repentance and reconciliation with God.

by marrying foreign women from the peoples of the land
The act of "marrying foreign women" was not merely a social issue but a spiritual one, as it often led to idolatry and a turning away from God. The "peoples of the land" refers to the surrounding nations who did not worship Yahweh. This phrase highlights the tension between maintaining a distinct identity as God's chosen people and the temptation to assimilate into the surrounding culture.

Yet now there is hope for Israel
The word "hope" is a powerful declaration of faith in God's mercy and willingness to forgive. Despite their unfaithfulness, Shecaniah recognizes that God offers a path to redemption. This hope is not based on their merit but on God's covenantal promises and His steadfast love for Israel. It serves as an encouragement for the people to take action and return to God.

in spite of this
The phrase "in spite of this" acknowledges the seriousness of their sin but also emphasizes God's grace. It suggests that no matter how grave the transgression, God's willingness to restore His people remains. This is a profound reminder of the transformative power of repentance and the boundless nature of divine forgiveness. It calls believers to trust in God's ability to bring about renewal and restoration, even in the face of failure.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shecaniah
A leader among the Israelites who acknowledges the sin of intermarriage with foreign women and proposes a solution. His name means "the Lord has dwelt."

2. Jehiel
Father of Shecaniah, indicating a lineage that is concerned with the spiritual purity of Israel.

3. Elam
A family or clan within the Israelite community, showing that the issue of intermarriage was widespread among different groups.

4. Ezra
A priest and scribe who led the return of the exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and was instrumental in restoring the Law of Moses among the people.

5. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who are called to be separate and holy, distinct from the surrounding nations.

Teaching Points

Acknowledgment of Sin
Shecaniah's confession highlights the importance of recognizing and admitting our sins before God. This is the first step towards repentance and restoration.

Hope in Repentance
Despite the sin, Shecaniah declares that there is hope for Israel. This teaches us that no matter how far we have strayed, there is always hope for redemption through repentance.

Community Responsibility
The issue of intermarriage was not just a personal failing but a communal one. This reminds us that our actions affect the broader community of believers.

Leadership in Repentance
Ezra's role as a leader is crucial in guiding the people back to faithfulness. Spiritual leaders today are called to lead by example in repentance and obedience to God.

Separation for Holiness
The call to separate from foreign influences is a call to holiness. Believers are to be in the world but not of it, maintaining distinctiveness in their faith and practices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Shecaniah's response to the sin of intermarriage, and how can we apply this to our own lives when we recognize sin?

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

3. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, support each other in maintaining spiritual purity and obedience to God's commands?

4. How does the hope expressed by Shecaniah in the face of sin encourage us in our personal walk with God, especially when we feel we have strayed?

5. What role do spiritual leaders 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 the Israelites against intermarrying with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God, which directly relates to the issue addressed in Ezra 10:2.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the problem of intermarriage, showing that this was a recurring issue for the Israelites.

1 Corinthians 7:39
In the New Testament, Paul advises believers to marry "only in the Lord," emphasizing the importance of spiritual unity in marriage.