Ezra 10:16

KJV

And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, [with] certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by [their] names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the children {H1121} of the captivity {H1473} did so {H6213}. And Ezra {H5830} the priest {H3548}, with certain {H582} chief {H7218} of the fathers {H1}, after the house {H1004} of their fathers {H1}, and all of them by their names {H8034}, were separated {H914}, and sat down {H3427} in the first {H259} day {H3117} of the tenth {H6224} month {H2320} to examine {H1875} the matter {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The exiles did as agreed. 'Ezra the cohen chose heads of fathers' clans by name, and they began their sessions to look into the matter on the first day of the tenth month.

Berean Standard Bible

So the exiles did as proposed. Ezra the priest selected men who were family heads, each of them identified by name, to represent their families. On the first day of the tenth month they launched the investigation,

American Standard Version

And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain heads of fathers’ houses, after their fathers’ houses, and all of them by their names, were set apart; and they sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:16 marks the decisive commencement of the systematic reform initiated by Ezra and the post-exilic community to address the widespread sin of intermarriage with foreign women. Following a period of profound confession and corporate commitment, this verse details the practical, organized steps taken by Ezra, along with selected heads of families, to meticulously investigate each case and implement the necessary separation, thereby restoring the community's covenant fidelity and spiritual purity before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 10:16 is a pivotal verse, transitioning the narrative from the people's confession and agreement to reform (recorded in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer and Confession") and [Ezra 10:1-15](/ezra/10 "Ezra 10 - The People's Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives")) to the actual, painstaking implementation of that commitment. The preceding verses vividly portray Ezra's deep anguish over the intermarriages and the people's collective response of repentance, culminating in their solemn vow to put away their foreign wives and children, as articulated in [Ezra 10:12](/ezra/10-12 "Ezra 10:12 - The People's Agreement to Reform"). This verse, then, describes the crucial step of establishing the judicial body and setting the timeline for the thorough examination required to fulfill that difficult but necessary vow. It sets the stage for the detailed list of those who complied, which follows in [Ezra 10:18-44](/ezra/10-18 "Ezra 10:18-44 - List of Those Who Had Married Foreign Women").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event unfolds during the post-exilic period, approximately 458 BC, when a remnant of Israel had returned from Babylonian captivity to Judea. The community was striving to re-establish itself as God's covenant people, rebuild the temple, and restore the Mosaic Law as the foundation of their society. Intermarriage with the surrounding pagan peoples was a recurring problem throughout Israel's history, explicitly forbidden by God's Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")) because it invariably led to syncretism, idolatry, and a dilution of their distinct identity as God's holy nation. The "chief of the fathers" refers to the heads of the ancestral houses or family clans, who held significant authority and represented the various tribal divisions, indicating a broad, representative, and authoritative approach to this sensitive issue. The specific mention of the "first day of the tenth month" underscores the urgency and the systematic, calendared nature of the proceedings, likely reflecting a desire to complete the purification before the new year.

* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the paramount importance of **covenant faithfulness** and **spiritual purity**, demonstrating the community's earnest desire to align themselves with God's commands after the devastating experience of exile, which was largely a consequence of their disobedience. The meticulous process underscores the theme of **corporate repentance** and the **cost of obedience**, showing that genuine turning from sin often requires difficult and painful actions. Furthermore, it exemplifies **godly leadership and accountability**, with Ezra, the priest and scribe, meticulously organizing and overseeing the reform alongside the established family heads, ensuring that the process was orderly, just, and comprehensive. This commitment to thoroughness reflects a deep understanding of God's demand for holiness and the gravity of their transgression, echoing the call for a people set apart, as seen in passages like [Leviticus 19:2](/leviticus/19-2 "Leviticus 19:2 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **separated (Hebrew, _bādal_):** This verb means "to divide," "to distinguish," or "to set apart." In this context, it signifies that specific individuals—Ezra and the chief of the fathers—were formally designated and set aside for a particular task. It implies a deliberate, intentional selection for a sacred and weighty judicial responsibility, emphasizing their unique qualification and authority for the task at hand.
* **examine the matter (Hebrew, _bāqar_):** The Hebrew verb בָּקַר (_bāqar_) means "to seek out," "to inquire," "to inspect thoroughly," or "to investigate." The phrase "examine the matter" (לְבַקֵּר אֶת־הַדָּבָר, _l'bakker et-haddavar_) conveys a sense of meticulous, painstaking investigation, not a hasty or superficial judgment. It implies a judicial process where each case of intermarriage would be carefully reviewed, evidence considered, and decisions made according to the Law, ensuring fairness and thoroughness in the purification process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the children of the captivity did so."**: This opening clause serves as an affirmation of the community's commitment to the covenant they made in [Ezra 10:12](/ezra/10-12 "Ezra 10:12 - The People's Agreement to Reform"). It signifies their corporate obedience and readiness to implement the difficult decision to put away their foreign wives and children, demonstrating a collective will to rectify their sin and return to covenant fidelity.
* **"And Ezra the priest, [with] certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by [their] names, were separated,"**: This phrase details the composition and selection of the judicial body. Ezra, as the spiritual and legal authority, is at the helm, but he is joined by "chief of the fathers"—heads of prominent families or clans. The phrase "after the house of their fathers" indicates that these were representatives chosen according to their ancestral lineage, ensuring broad and legitimate representation across the community. The emphasis on "all of them by their names" underscores the formal, deliberate, and accountable nature of their selection, highlighting that this was a carefully constituted, legitimate body, not a spontaneous mob.
* **"and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter."**: This final clause specifies the precise timing and purpose of their assembly. "Sat down" implies a formal, deliberative, and authoritative session, typical of judicial proceedings. The "first day of the tenth month" provides a clear starting point for this extensive process, indicating an organized and time-bound undertaking. Their sole purpose was "to examine the matter," referring to the thorough investigation of each case of intermarriage, ensuring that the reform was implemented with diligence and according to the Law.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 10:16 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The verse demonstrates **Narrative Progression**, marking a crucial turning point from the emotional and confessional phase of repentance in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer and Confession") and [Ezra 10:1-15](/ezra/10 "Ezra 10 - The People's Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives") to the concrete, systematic implementation of reform. This shift highlights the biblical principle that true repentance moves beyond sorrow to decisive action. There is a strong use of **Emphasis through Detail**, as the specific mention of "chief of the fathers," "by their names," and the "first day of the tenth month" underscores the meticulous, organized, and serious nature of the undertaking. This attention to procedural detail reinforces the gravity of the sin and the thoroughness required for its rectification. Furthermore, the phrase "children of the captivity" serves as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (those returned from exile) represents the whole (the entire community of Israel in Judea), emphasizing their shared experience and collective responsibility in this covenant renewal. The methodical approach described also subtly employs **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the detailed and extensive list of those who had intermarried that will follow in the subsequent verses, thereby emphasizing the comprehensive scope of the purification process.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 10:16 is a profound testament to the biblical themes of covenant renewal, corporate holiness, and the uncompromising nature of God's commands regarding purity. The painstaking process described reflects a deep understanding that the community's spiritual health and their unique identity as God's chosen people were inextricably linked to their obedience to His Law, particularly concerning separation from pagan influences. This commitment to "examine the matter" underscores that true repentance is not merely an emotional experience but involves concrete, often painful, steps to align one's life and community with God's revealed will. It highlights that sin, especially that which compromises God's covenant, must be confronted directly and systematically for genuine restoration to occur. The actions taken by Ezra and the "chief of the fathers" serve as a powerful reminder that leadership within God's people carries the weighty responsibility of upholding divine standards and guiding the community toward righteousness, even when it demands difficult sacrifices.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage and Its Consequences")
* [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Action Against Intermarriage")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 10:16 offers enduring lessons for believers and communities today, challenging us to consider the seriousness with which we approach sin and our commitment to God's holiness. The meticulous, organized, and painful process undertaken by Ezra and the "chief of the fathers" demonstrates that genuine repentance often demands more than just confession; it requires concrete, deliberate, and sometimes costly actions to rectify wrongdoing and restore integrity. For individuals, this means diligently "examining the matter" of our own lives, identifying areas where we may have compromised our covenant with God through unholy alliances, worldly entanglements, or unconfessed sin. For the church, it underscores the importance of accountable leadership in upholding biblical standards, fostering an environment where sin is addressed with both grace and truth, and guiding the community toward corporate purity. This verse calls us to embrace the sometimes-painful process of spiritual purification, recognizing that true flourishing in faith comes through radical obedience and a steadfast commitment to being set apart for God's purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the community's commitment to "examine the matter" challenge our own approach to sin, both individually and corporately, in our lives and churches today?**
* **What "foreign elements" or spiritual compromises might we need to "put away" in our lives or communities to align more fully with God's will and maintain our distinct identity as His people?**
* **What role does accountable, discerning leadership play in facilitating genuine spiritual reform and maintaining the purity of a faith community in contemporary contexts?**

### FAQ
**Why was intermarriage considered such a grave sin in Ezra's time?**

Answer: Intermarriage was not condemned on racial grounds, but because it represented a direct violation of God's covenant commands, explicitly laid out in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")). The primary concern was the spiritual purity and distinct identity of Israel as God's chosen people. Marrying outside the covenant community invariably led to the adoption of pagan religious practices, idolatry, and a dilution of their exclusive allegiance to Yahweh. This had historically been a major cause of Israel's spiritual decline and God's judgment, ultimately leading to the Babylonian exile. The post-exilic community, having just returned from captivity, understood that a return to this sin would jeopardize their renewed relationship with God and their very existence as a holy nation.

**What was the role of the "chief of the fathers" in this process?**

Answer: The "chief of the fathers" (also translated as "heads of families" or "heads of ancestral houses") were prominent leaders within the community, representing the various family clans and tribal divisions. Their involvement was crucial for several reasons: it ensured that the reform process had broad legitimacy and support across all segments of the population; it provided a structured, representative body for the meticulous "examination of the matter," ensuring accountability and fairness in the judicial proceedings; and it demonstrated that the commitment to purity was not just Ezra's initiative but a corporate decision embraced and implemented by the established leadership of the entire community. Their presence underscored the gravity and comprehensive nature of the reform.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rigorous process of purification in Ezra 10:16, where the community meticulously "examined the matter" of intermarriage to restore their covenant purity, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect purification accomplished through Jesus Christ. The Law's demands for separation from defilement, like the prohibition against intermarriage, highlighted humanity's inherent inability to achieve perfect holiness on its own and pointed to the need for a deeper, spiritual cleansing. In Christ, the ultimate "examination" of sin and its consequences was borne on the cross, where the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") took away the sin of the world. Believers are now called to a spiritual separation, not primarily from physical mixed marriages, but from the spiritual idolatry and defilement of the world, as we are united with Christ and become part of His holy bride, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church and Gave Himself for Her")). The painful "putting away" of foreign wives in Ezra prefigures the spiritual circumcision of the heart that accompanies conversion ([Colossians 2:11](/colossians/2-11 "Colossians 2:11 - Circumcision of the Heart")), where we put off the old self and its sinful desires. The thoroughness of Ezra's reform reminds us that genuine repentance in the New Covenant also involves a radical turning from sin and a commitment to live a life set apart for God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as we are called to be holy as He is holy ([1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")). Thus, the legal and physical separation in Ezra finds its spiritual and eternal fulfillment in the transformative work of Christ, who enables us to truly be a people consecrated to God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 29:16

I [was] a father to the poor: and the cause [which] I knew not I searched out.

Deuteronomy 13:14

Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, [if it be] truth, [and] the thing certain, [that] such abomination is wrought among you;

John 7:51

Doth our law judge [any] man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth?