Ezra 10:30

From the descendants of Pahath-moab: Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, and Manasseh.

Study Bible

From the descendants of Pahath-moab
The phrase "From the descendants of Pahath-moab" refers to a specific family lineage within the tribe of Judah. The name "Pahath-moab" means "governor of Moab," indicating a historical connection to the region of Moab, which was located east of the Dead Sea. This lineage is significant because it highlights the intermingling of Israelites with foreign nations, a central issue addressed in the book of Ezra. The historical context here is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and their efforts to re-establish a pure community in accordance with the Law of Moses.

Adna
The name "Adna" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "pleasure" or "delight." In the context of Ezra 10, Adna is listed among those who had taken foreign wives, which was against the covenantal laws of Israel. This highlights the tension between personal desires and communal obligations to uphold the sanctity of the Israelite identity.

Chelal
"Chelal" is another individual mentioned in this list, and his name means "completion" or "perfection." The inclusion of Chelal in this list serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual and communal completeness, which was compromised by the intermarriages. The historical context emphasizes the importance of returning to a state of covenantal purity.

Benaiah
The name "Benaiah" means "Yahweh has built" or "Yahweh has established." This name reflects a divine foundation and strength, which is ironic given the context of the verse. Benaiah's inclusion in the list of those who had married foreign women underscores the need for the community to rebuild its spiritual foundation on the principles established by God.

Maaseiah
"Maaseiah" means "work of Yahweh" or "Yahweh's doing." This name suggests a divine purpose or calling, yet the actions of those listed, including Maaseiah, were contrary to God's commands. The historical context here is a call to return to the work and will of God, forsaking actions that lead the community away from divine intentions.

Mattaniah
The name "Mattaniah" translates to "gift of Yahweh." This name signifies the blessings and gifts bestowed by God upon His people. However, the actions of Mattaniah and others in marrying foreign women were seen as a rejection of God's gifts, prompting a need for repentance and realignment with God's will.

Bezalel
"Bezalel" means "in the shadow of God." This name evokes a sense of divine protection and presence. The historical context of Ezra 10 is a reminder that living under God's shadow requires obedience and faithfulness to His commandments, which had been compromised by the actions of those listed.

Binnui
The name "Binnui" means "built up" or "constructed." This reflects the theme of rebuilding and restoration that is central to the book of Ezra. The inclusion of Binnui in this list highlights the need for spiritual reconstruction and the removal of influences that weaken the community's covenant with God.

Manasseh
"Manasseh" means "causing to forget" or "forgetfulness." This name is particularly poignant in the context of Ezra 10, as it symbolizes the forgetfulness of God's laws and the need to remember and return to the covenant. The historical context emphasizes the importance of remembering God's commands and the consequences of neglecting them.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Pahath-moab
A family or clan within the tribe of Judah, known for returning from the Babylonian exile. The name suggests a connection to Moab, possibly indicating ancestral ties or geographical origins.

2. Adna, Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui, Manasseh
These are individuals from the family of Pahath-moab who were identified as having married foreign women, which was against the covenantal laws of Israel at the time.

3. The Event of Repentance
This chapter describes a significant event where the Israelites, under Ezra's leadership, repented for intermarrying with foreign women, which was seen as a violation of their covenant with God.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience to God's Law
The Israelites' decision to separate from foreign wives demonstrates the importance of adhering to God's commandments, even when it requires difficult personal sacrifices.

Repentance and Restoration
True repentance involves acknowledging wrongdoing and taking concrete steps to correct it. The actions of the Israelites in Ezra 10 serve as a model for genuine repentance.

Community Accountability
The collective action taken by the Israelites under Ezra's leadership shows the importance of community accountability in maintaining spiritual integrity.

Guarding Against Spiritual Compromise
The marriages to foreign women represented a spiritual compromise that threatened the Israelites' covenant relationship with God. Believers today must be vigilant against influences that can lead them away from their faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the inclusion of specific names in Ezra 10:30 teach us about personal accountability in the context of community sin?

2. How can the principles of repentance and restoration in Ezra 10 be applied to modern-day situations where believers have strayed from biblical teachings?

3. In what ways does the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10 relate to the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from worldly influences?

4. How can believers today ensure they are not compromising their faith through relationships or alliances that are contrary to biblical principles?

5. What role does community play in helping individuals maintain their commitment to God's commandments, as seen in the actions of the Israelites in Ezra 10?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns the Israelites against intermarrying with foreign nations to prevent them from turning away from God. Ezra 10:30 reflects the Israelites' return to this commandment.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also addresses the issue of intermarriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the purity of the Israelite community in accordance with God's laws.

Malachi 2:11
This verse condemns Judah for marrying the daughter of a foreign god, highlighting the spiritual implications of such unions.