Ezra 10:3

So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law.

Study Bible

So now let us make a covenant
The phrase "make a covenant" is deeply rooted in the Hebrew tradition, where covenants were solemn agreements or promises made before God. The Hebrew word for covenant, "berith," signifies a binding agreement that is not to be taken lightly. In the context of Ezra, this covenant is a renewal of commitment to God's laws, reflecting a desire for spiritual purity and obedience. Historically, covenants were often sealed with sacrifices, symbolizing the seriousness of the commitment. This call to make a covenant underscores the community's collective responsibility to align with divine will.

before our God
The phrase "before our God" emphasizes the presence and authority of God in the decision-making process. It reflects a theocentric worldview where actions are performed with an awareness of God's omnipresence and omniscience. This acknowledgment of God's sovereignty is a reminder of the accountability that the Israelites have to their Creator. It is a call to live in a manner that is pleasing to God, recognizing His ultimate authority over their lives.

to send away all the foreign wives and their children
This directive to "send away all the foreign wives and their children" is a difficult and controversial command, reflecting the historical context of post-exilic Israel. The Hebrew term for "foreign" here is "nokri," which often denotes those who are outside the covenant community. The concern was not ethnic but religious, as these marriages often led to idolatry and a departure from the worship of Yahweh. This action was seen as necessary to preserve the spiritual integrity of the community. It highlights the tension between cultural assimilation and religious fidelity, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament.

according to the counsel of my lord
The "counsel of my lord" likely refers to Ezra himself, who was a scribe and a leader deeply versed in the Law of Moses. His role as a spiritual leader was to guide the people in understanding and applying God's laws. The Hebrew word for "counsel," "etsah," implies wisdom and guidance, suggesting that this decision was not made lightly but was the result of careful deliberation and spiritual insight. It underscores the importance of godly leadership in guiding a community towards righteousness.

and of those who tremble at the command of our God
This phrase highlights the reverence and fear of God that characterized the faithful remnant within Israel. To "tremble at the command" indicates a profound respect and awe for God's word, recognizing its authority and power. The Hebrew word "chared" conveys a sense of fear and reverence, suggesting that those who tremble are deeply committed to obeying God's commands. This reverence is a hallmark of true faith, reflecting a heart that is sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Let it be done according to the Law
The insistence that actions be "done according to the Law" underscores the centrality of the Torah in the life of Israel. The Law, or "Torah," was the foundation of Israelite society, providing guidelines for worship, community life, and personal conduct. This phrase reflects a commitment to align with God's revealed will as expressed in the Scriptures. It serves as a reminder that true reform and spiritual renewal must be grounded in obedience to God's word, which is timeless and unchanging.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A 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. Israelites
The people of Israel who had returned from exile in Babylon. They were struggling with issues of intermarriage with foreign women, which was against the Law of Moses.

3. Foreign Wives and Children
Non-Israelite women and their children, whom the Israelite men had married, leading to a dilution of religious and cultural identity.

4. Covenant
A solemn agreement made before God, in this context, to separate from foreign influences that were contrary to the Law.

5. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which included commands against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent idolatry and maintain religious purity.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience to God's Law
The Israelites' decision to make a covenant reflects the necessity of aligning one's life with God's commands, even when it requires difficult choices.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Reform
Ezra's leadership demonstrates the importance of godly leaders who guide their communities back to faithfulness and obedience.

The Consequences of Compromise
Intermarriage with foreign women led to spiritual compromise, illustrating the dangers of allowing cultural influences to overshadow religious convictions.

The Power of Community in Upholding God's Standards
The collective decision to adhere to the Law shows the strength found in community support for maintaining spiritual integrity.

Repentance and Restoration
The act of sending away foreign wives and children, though harsh, was a step towards repentance and restoring the community's relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Ezra 10:3 teach us about the importance of making covenants with God, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives today?

2. How does the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10:3 relate to the broader biblical theme of maintaining spiritual purity, and what modern-day applications can we draw from this?

3. In what ways can we, like Ezra, take a stand for God's truth in our communities, and what challenges might we face in doing so?

4. How can the concept of community accountability, as seen in Ezra 10:3, be applied in our church or small group settings to encourage spiritual growth and obedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to align your life with God's commands. What did you learn from that experience, and how did it impact your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God to serve other gods.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage and takes action to correct it, showing a consistent concern for maintaining religious purity.

Malachi 2:11-12
Malachi condemns Judah for marrying the daughter of a foreign god, highlighting the spiritual unfaithfulness associated with such unions.