Ezra 10:29
From the descendants of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth.
From the descendants of Bani
The phrase "From the descendants of Bani" introduces us to a specific lineage within the Israelite community. The name "Bani" is derived from the Hebrew root "בָּנִי" (Bani), which means "built" or "constructed." This suggests a family that is established and significant within the community. Historically, the descendants of Bani were among those who returned from the Babylonian exile, indicating their commitment to restoring their heritage and faith.

Meshullam
The name "Meshullam" comes from the Hebrew root "שָׁלַם" (shalom), meaning "peace" or "completeness." Meshullam signifies a person who embodies peace or is complete in their devotion. In the context of Ezra, Meshullam represents those who are willing to make amends and restore their relationship with God, seeking peace through obedience and repentance.

Malluch
"Malluch" is derived from the Hebrew root "מָלַךְ" (malak), meaning "to reign" or "to counsel." This name suggests a person of authority or wisdom. In the historical context, Malluch's inclusion in this list highlights the importance of wise leadership and counsel in guiding the community back to faithfulness.

Adaiah
The name "Adaiah" comes from the Hebrew "עֲדָיָה" (Adayah), meaning "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has witnessed." This name reflects a deep connection to God, emphasizing divine favor and presence. Adaiah's presence in this list underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, witnessing their actions and adorning them with His grace.

Jashub
"Jashub" is derived from the Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv), meaning "to return" or "to repent." This name is particularly significant in the context of Ezra 10, as it embodies the theme of repentance and returning to God. Jashub represents those who have strayed but are now committed to returning to the covenant relationship with God.

Sheal
The name "Sheal" is less common, but it is thought to be related to the Hebrew root "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), meaning "to ask" or "to inquire." This suggests a person who seeks understanding or guidance. In the context of this passage, Sheal may represent those who are earnestly seeking God's will and direction as they strive to correct their ways.

Jeremoth
"Jeremoth" is derived from the Hebrew "יְרֵמוֹת" (Yeremoth), which may mean "heights" or "elevations." This name could symbolize spiritual elevation or aspiration. In the context of Ezra, Jeremoth represents the hope of rising above past failures and reaching new spiritual heights through repentance and renewal.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bani
A family or clan within the tribe of Israel. The descendants of Bani were among those who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Law of Moses.

2. Meshullam
One of the descendants of Bani who is listed as having taken a foreign wife. His name means "friend" or "ally" in Hebrew.

3. Malluch
Another descendant of Bani, also involved in the issue of intermarriage. His name means "counselor" or "king" in Hebrew.

4. Adaiah
A descendant of Bani, part of the group needing to repent and rectify their actions. His name means "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has made."

5. Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth
Other descendants of Bani, each implicated in the same issue of intermarriage. Their names respectively mean "he will return," "asked for," and "he is exalted."
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' disobedience in marrying foreign wives highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands. This serves as a reminder to prioritize God's instructions in our lives.

Repentance and Restoration
The actions taken by the descendants of Bani to rectify their disobedience demonstrate the power of repentance and the possibility of restoration with God.

Community Accountability
The communal response to the issue of intermarriage shows the importance of holding each other accountable in faith communities.

The Influence of Relationships
The passage underscores the impact that relationships can have on one's spiritual life, encouraging believers to choose relationships that honor God.

God's Faithfulness
Despite the people's failures, God's faithfulness remains, offering hope and a path to redemption for those who turn back to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the descendants of Bani about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

2. How does the community's response in Ezra 10 inform our understanding of accountability within the church today?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of repentance and restoration in our personal lives?

4. How do the prohibitions against intermarriage in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament teachings on being "unequally yoked"?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our relationships are aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 9
This chapter provides the context for Ezra 10, where Ezra learns about the intermarriages and prays for the people's repentance.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
These verses outline the prohibition against intermarriage with foreign nations, which is the root issue addressed in Ezra 10.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, showing the ongoing struggle to maintain the purity of the Israelite community.
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
Adaiah, Adai'ah, Bani, Jashub, Jeremoth, Jer'emoth, Malluch, Meshullam, Meshul'lum, Ramoth, Sheal, She'al, 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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