Ezra 10:43
And from the descendants of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah.
Of the sons of Nebo
The phrase "Of the sons of Nebo" refers to a group of Israelites who were descendants of Nebo. Nebo was a town or region, possibly named after the Babylonian deity Nabu, known for wisdom and writing. This highlights the cultural and religious influences that the Israelites encountered during their exile. The mention of Nebo signifies the geographical and spiritual journey of the Israelites, emphasizing their return to covenant faithfulness.

Jeiel
The name Jeiel means "God sweeps away" or "God gathers." This reflects the divine action of gathering the exiles back to their homeland, symbolizing restoration and renewal. Jeiel's inclusion in this list underscores the personal and communal transformation that occurs when individuals return to God's ways.

Mattithiah
Meaning "Gift of Yahweh," Mattithiah's name signifies the grace and favor of God bestowed upon His people. This name serves as a reminder of the blessings and gifts that come from obedience and faithfulness to God's commandments.

Zabad
The name Zabad means "Endowment" or "Gift." It highlights the idea of being endowed with divine favor and the responsibility that comes with receiving God's gifts. Zabad's presence in the list emphasizes the importance of using one's gifts for the glory of God and the benefit of the community.

Zebina
Zebina, meaning "Bought" or "Acquired," suggests the concept of redemption and being purchased by God. This reflects the theological theme of redemption that runs throughout the Bible, where God redeems His people from sin and bondage.

Jaddai
The name Jaddai means "He will lead" or "Yahweh has led." This name underscores the leadership and guidance provided by God to His people. It serves as a reminder of the divine direction and providence that accompanies those who seek to follow God's will.

Joel
Meaning "Yahweh is God," Joel's name is a declaration of faith and allegiance to the one true God. This name reinforces the central message of monotheism and the rejection of idolatry, which was a significant issue for the returning exiles.

Benaiah
The name Benaiah means "Yahweh has built" or "Yahweh has established." It signifies the strength and stability that comes from being rooted in God's promises. Benaiah's inclusion in the list highlights the importance of building one's life on the foundation of God's word and covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nebo
A place or possibly a deity associated with Babylonian culture. In this context, it refers to a group of Israelites who returned from exile.

2. Jeiel
One of the sons of Nebo who was involved in the issue of intermarriage with foreign women.

3. Mattithiah
Another son of Nebo, also implicated in the intermarriage issue.

4. Zabad
A son of Nebo, part of the group needing to repent and separate from foreign wives.

5. Zebina
Listed among the sons of Nebo, involved in the same issue.

6. Jaddai
Another son of Nebo, part of the group addressed by Ezra.

7. Joel
A son of Nebo, included in the list of those needing to rectify their marriages.

8. Benaiah
The last son of Nebo mentioned, also involved in the intermarriage issue.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' disobedience in marrying foreign women highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands to maintain spiritual purity.

Repentance and Restoration
The actions taken by the sons of Nebo demonstrate the necessity of repentance and the willingness to make difficult decisions to restore one's relationship with God.

Community Accountability
The communal approach to addressing sin in Ezra 10 underscores the role of community in holding each other accountable to God's standards.

Cultural and Spiritual Identity
The issue of intermarriage serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a distinct cultural and spiritual identity as God's people.

Application to Modern Believers
While the specific issue of intermarriage may differ today, the principles of obedience, repentance, and maintaining a distinct Christian identity remain relevant.
Bible Study Questions
1. What can we learn from the sons of Nebo about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

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

3. In what ways can modern believers apply the principles of repentance and restoration found in Ezra 10 to their own lives?

4. How do the prohibitions against intermarriage in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament teachings on marriage to unbelievers?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we maintain a distinct Christian identity in a diverse and pluralistic society?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Ezra 9
Provides context for Ezra 10, detailing the problem of intermarriage with foreign women and the spiritual and cultural implications for Israel.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
Offers a background on why intermarriage with foreign nations was prohibited, emphasizing the risk of turning away from God.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Describes a similar issue of intermarriage and the steps taken to address it, showing the ongoing struggle to maintain Israel's distinct identity.

1 Corinthians 7:12-14
Discusses marriage to unbelievers in a New Testament context, providing a broader perspective on the issue of mixed marriages.
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
Benaiah, Benai'ah, Iddo, Jadau, Jaddai, Jeiel, Je-i'el, Joel, Jo'el, Mattithiah, Mattithi'ah, Nebo, Sons, Zabad, Zebina, Zebi'na
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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