The issue of intermarriage, particularly between the Israelites and surrounding nations, is a significant topic in the Old Testament. It is addressed in various books, reflecting the theological, cultural, and social concerns of the Israelite community. The primary concern with intermarriage was the potential for leading the Israelites away from their covenantal relationship with Yahweh and towards idolatry.

Biblical Context

1. Deuteronomy 7:3-4: The Mosaic Law explicitly forbids intermarriage with the Canaanite nations. The command is clear: "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you." . This prohibition is rooted in the concern that foreign spouses would lead Israelites to worship other gods, thus violating the first commandment.

2. Ezra 9-10: The post-exilic period provides a detailed account of the issue of intermarriage. Upon returning from Babylonian exile, Ezra discovers that many Israelites, including priests and Levites, have married foreign women. Ezra 9:1-2 states, "The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the peoples of the lands with their abominations... Indeed, the leaders and officials have been foremost in this unfaithfulness." . Ezra's response is one of mourning and prayer, leading to a communal confession and the decision to send away foreign wives and their children.

3. Nehemiah 13:23-27: Nehemiah also confronts the issue of intermarriage. He observes that Jews have married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab, and their children speak the language of these nations rather than Hebrew. Nehemiah reminds the people of Solomon's downfall due to foreign wives, saying, "Was it not because of marriages like these that Solomon king of Israel sinned?" . He takes decisive action to address the situation, emphasizing the need for purity and faithfulness to God.

Theological Implications

The prohibition against intermarriage is not based on ethnic or racial superiority but on religious fidelity. The primary concern is the preservation of Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people, set apart to worship Him alone. Intermarriage with pagan nations posed a threat to this identity by introducing foreign religious practices and leading to syncretism.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriage was often a means of forming political alliances and securing peace between nations. However, for Israel, such alliances were seen as compromising their reliance on God. The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes trust in Yahweh rather than political or military alliances.

New Testament Perspective

While the New Testament does not explicitly address the issue of intermarriage in the same way, it upholds the principle of spiritual unity. In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul advises believers, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" . This reflects a continuity of concern for maintaining a distinct Christian identity and avoiding influences that could lead believers away from their faith.

Conclusion

The report of intermarriage in the Bible highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain religious purity and faithfulness to God amidst external influences. It serves as a reminder of the importance of covenantal loyalty and the dangers of compromising one's faith through relationships that could lead to idolatry.