Ezra 10:32
Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.
Benjamin
The name "Benjamin" is deeply rooted in the history of Israel, being the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel, descended from Jacob's youngest son. In Hebrew, "Benjamin" means "son of the right hand," symbolizing a place of honor and strength. The tribe of Benjamin was known for its fierce warriors and played a significant role in Israel's history. In the context of Ezra 10, the mention of Benjamin signifies the involvement of individuals from this tribe in the reformative actions taken to restore Israel's covenantal purity. This highlights the collective responsibility and unity among the tribes in addressing the spiritual crisis.

Malluch
The name "Malluch" appears several times in the Old Testament, often associated with individuals who were part of the Levitical or priestly lines. The root of the name in Hebrew suggests "counselor" or "ruler," indicating a person of influence or leadership. In Ezra 10, Malluch's inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives and were now repenting underscores the widespread nature of the issue and the need for leaders to set an example in returning to God's laws. It serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual leadership and accountability within the community.

Shemariah
The name "Shemariah" means "kept by Jehovah" or "protected by the Lord" in Hebrew. This name reflects a divine assurance and the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. In the context of Ezra 10, Shemariah's presence among those who repented and sought to rectify their disobedience is a testament to the hope and redemption available through God's grace. It illustrates the theme of divine protection and the possibility of restoration when individuals turn back to God, aligning their lives with His commandments.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Harim
A priestly family mentioned in the context of those who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Mosaic Law. The family of Harim is noted for its involvement in the reforms led by Ezra.

2. Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon
These are individuals from the family of Harim who are specifically named as having taken foreign wives. Their inclusion in this list highlights the personal accountability and the need for repentance and reform.

3. Ezra's Reforms
The broader event in which this verse is situated involves Ezra's leadership in calling the Israelites to repentance and adherence to the Law of Moses, particularly concerning intermarriage with foreign nations.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The listing of names in Ezra 10:32 underscores the importance of individual obedience to God's commands. Each person is accountable for their actions.

Community Purity
The reforms led by Ezra highlight the need for the community of believers to maintain purity and holiness, avoiding influences that lead them away from God.

Repentance and Restoration
The actions taken by those listed in Ezra 10 demonstrate the process of repentance and the steps necessary to restore one's relationship with God.

Leadership in Reform
Ezra's role as a leader shows the importance of godly leadership in guiding others back to faithfulness.

Consequences of Disobedience
The situation with the descendants of Harim serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the need for vigilance in following God's laws.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the inclusion of specific names in Ezra 10:32 teach us about personal accountability in our spiritual lives?

2. How can the principles of community purity in Ezra 10 be applied to the modern church, especially in maintaining doctrinal and moral integrity?

3. In what ways does the process of repentance and restoration in Ezra 10 inform our understanding of repentance today?

4. How can we, like Ezra, take on leadership roles in encouraging others to return to faithfulness and obedience to God's Word?

5. What are some modern "foreign influences" that might lead believers away from God, and how can we guard against them in our personal and community lives?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage provides the original command against intermarriage with foreign nations, which is the basis for the reforms in Ezra 10.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also addresses the issue of intermarriage, showing the continuity of this concern in post-exilic Israel.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7
Paul speaks about the need for purity within the community of believers, which parallels the call for purity in Ezra's time.
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
Benjamin, Malluch, Shemariah, Shemari'ah
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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