Ezra 10:41

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,

Complete Jewish Bible:

'Azar'el, Shelemyah, Sh'maryah,

Berean Standard Bible:

Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah,

American Standard Version:

Azarel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Azareel^{H5832}, and Shelemiah^{H8018}, Shemariah^{H8114},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Ezra 10:41

Ezra 10:41 is a verse that falls within the context of a significant event in the history of the Israelites after their return from exile in Babylon. The book of Ezra recounts the story of the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and the spiritual and moral restoration of the Jewish community. Chapter 10 specifically deals with the issue of mixed marriages, which were considered a serious transgression because they led to idolatry and the dilution of Israel's religious identity.

In verse 41, three individuals—Azarel, Shelemiah, and Shemariah—are mentioned as part of a list of those who had married foreign women. This list follows Ezra's prayer of confession and the resolution of the community to put away their foreign wives and children, a decision made in order to comply with the Law of Moses and to maintain the purity of their faith and lineage.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the Persian period, after King Cyrus of Persia had decreed that the Jews could return to their homeland and rebuild their Temple. Ezra, a scribe and priest, was deeply concerned with the law and the covenant between God and Israel. The mention of these specific individuals underscores the communal nature of the covenant and the expectation that every member of the community, regardless of their status, was accountable to the laws and customs of their ancestors.

The themes present in Ezra 10:41 include covenant faithfulness, communal obedience, and the importance of maintaining religious and cultural identity amidst the pressures of assimilation. The verse reflects a pivotal moment in the history of Judaism, where the returning exiles grappled with the challenges of preserving their heritage while living among foreign peoples and influences. It also highlights the tension between the ideal of religious purity and the practical realities of life in a multicultural society.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5832
   There are 6 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֲזַרְאֵל
   Transliteration: ʻĂzarʼêl
   Pronunciation: az-ar-ale'
   Description: from עָזַר and אֵל; God has helped; Azarel, the name of five Israelites; Azarael, Azareel.
   
2. Strong's Number: H8018
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁלֶמְיָה
   Transliteration: Shelemyâh
   Pronunciation: shel-em-yaw'
   Description: or שֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ; from שֶׁלֶם and יָהּ; thankoffering of Jah; Shelemjah, the name of nine Israelites; Shelemiah.
   
3. Strong's Number: H8114
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שְׁמַרְיָה
   Transliteration: Shᵉmaryâh
   Pronunciation: shem-ar-yaw'
   Description: or שְׁמַרְיָהוּ; from שָׁמַר and יָהּ; Jah has guarded; Shemarjah, the name of four Israelites; Shamariah, Shemariah.