Ezra 10:17

KJV

And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they made an end {H3615} with all the men {H582} that had taken {H3427} strange {H5237} wives {H802} by the first {H259} day {H3117} of the first {H7223} month {H2320}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They finished dealing with all the men who had married foreign women by the first day of the first month.

Berean Standard Bible

and by the first day of the first month they had dealt with all the men who had married foreign women.

American Standard Version

And they made an end with all the men that had married foreign women by the first day of the first month.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:17 marks the definitive conclusion of the rigorous three-month investigation and resolution concerning the widespread issue of intermarriage among the returned exiles in Jerusalem. This verse signifies the successful completion of a painful but necessary national reformation, where the community, under Ezra's leadership, took drastic measures to purge itself of foreign wives and their children, thereby restoring its covenant fidelity and spiritual purity before God. The completion by the first day of the first month symbolically underscored a fresh start and renewed dedication to God's law for the new year.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 10:17 provides the climactic resolution to the crisis of intermarriage detailed throughout [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer and Confession") and [Ezra 10](/ezra/10 "Ezra 10 - The Resolution of Intermarriage"). Following Ezra's profound prayer of confession and lament in [Ezra 9:6-15](/ezra/9-6 "Ezra 9:6-15 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession"), the people were moved to deep repentance, publicly committing to separate from their foreign wives and children ([Ezra 10:1-5](/ezra/10-1 "Ezra 10:1-5 - The People's Repentance and Oath")). A special commission was established to oversee this difficult process ([Ezra 10:16](/ezra/10-16 "Ezra 10:16 - The Commission Appointed")), beginning its work on the first day of the tenth month. Thus, verse 17, stating the completion by the first day of the first month, highlights the thoroughness and determination with which this national cleansing was executed, bringing the narrative of this specific reform to a decisive close.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 10 occur during the post-exilic period, roughly 458 BC, as the Jewish community was attempting to re-establish itself in Jerusalem after decades of Babylonian captivity. The returnees, a remnant of Israel, were tasked with rebuilding not only the Temple and city but also their spiritual identity as God's covenant people. Intermarriage with the surrounding pagan nations was a recurring problem throughout Israel's history, explicitly forbidden by God in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 7:1-4](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage")). This prohibition was not merely ethnic but theological, aimed at preventing idolatry and assimilation, which had historically led Israel astray from their covenant obligations. The community's vulnerability and the pervasive influence of foreign cultures made this a particularly pressing issue, threatening to undermine the very purpose of their return and the purity of their worship.
* **Key Themes:** The central themes illuminated by Ezra 10:17 include radical **obedience** to God's commands, even when costly and painful, and the paramount importance of **spiritual purity** for the covenant community. The act of putting away foreign wives underscored Israel's distinct identity and their separation as a holy nation, preventing syncretism and idolatry, as warned in [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land"). This verse also powerfully demonstrates **corporate repentance and reformation**, showing a community's willingness to address systemic sin and restore their relationship with God, echoing the initial commitment made in [Ezra 10:3](/ezra/10-3 "Ezra 10:3 - The Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives"). Finally, the precise dating to the "first day of the first month" emphasizes **covenant fidelity** and the symbolic significance of a new beginning, a spiritual cleansing preceding the annual Passover celebration, marking a renewed dedication to God's law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **made an end (Hebrew, כָּלָה, _kalah'_):** This verb signifies completion, termination, or bringing something to a definitive close. In this context, it emphasizes the thoroughness and finality of the process. It wasn't a partial or temporary measure but a comprehensive resolution to the problem of intermarriage. The use of _kalah_ here suggests that the commission diligently worked until the task was fully accomplished, leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of covenant purity.
* **strange wives (Hebrew, נָשִׁים נָכְרִיּוֹת, _nashim nokhriyot'_):** This phrase refers to non-Israelite women, specifically those from the surrounding nations whose religious practices and idolatry posed a direct threat to Israel's spiritual integrity. The prohibition against marrying such women was not based on racial prejudice but on the theological imperative to preserve the purity of worship and prevent the people from being led astray by pagan influences, as explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"). The term highlights the theological rather than merely ethnic nature of the problem.
* **first day of the first month (Hebrew, בְּיוֹם אֶחָד לַחֹדֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן, _b'yom echad lachodesh harishon'_):** This precise date, the first day of Nisan, held significant religious and symbolic meaning for Israel. It marked the beginning of the religious new year and was just two weeks before the Passover celebration ([Exodus 12:1-2](/exodus/12-1 "Exodus 12:1-2 - The Beginning of Months")). Completing the purification process by this date underscored a desire for a clean slate, a renewed covenant relationship, and spiritual readiness for the sacred festivals of the new year, symbolizing a fresh start for the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they made an end":** This phrase refers to the special commission established in [Ezra 10:16](/ezra/10-16 "Ezra 10:16 - The Commission to Investigate Intermarriage"), along with the elders and judges, who were tasked with investigating and resolving the cases of intermarriage. The active voice indicates their diligent and successful completion of the arduous task, implying a final and decisive action.
* **"with all the men that had taken strange wives":** This emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the reform. "All" suggests that every case of intermarriage that came to light was addressed, indicating a thorough and unsparing application of the agreed-upon judgment. The focus is on the men, as they were the covenant heads of their households and responsible for leading their families in obedience to God's law.
* **"by the first day of the first month":** This temporal marker provides a clear deadline and indicates the efficiency and commitment with which the commission operated. Starting on the first day of the tenth month ([Ezra 10:16](/ezra/10-16 "Ezra 10:16 - Start of the Investigation")), the process took approximately three months. The completion by the start of the new religious year signifies a spiritual cleansing and readiness for the upcoming annual feasts, particularly Passover, which commemorated Israel's deliverance and covenant renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Narrative Progression** is evident as this verse provides the definitive climax to the long and arduous process of addressing intermarriage, bringing a sense of resolution and finality to the narrative thread that began in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer"). The precise dating to "the first day of the first month" functions as potent **Symbolism**, marking not just a chronological end but a spiritual new beginning, a cleansed slate for the community as they entered the new religious year and prepared for Passover. The phrase "all the men" suggests a degree of **Hyperbole** or emphasis on the thoroughness of the reform, underscoring the radical and comprehensive nature of their obedience. The stark, factual reporting of the completion also lends an air of **Verisimilitude**, grounding the difficult spiritual actions in a concrete historical timeline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 10:17 is a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views the purity of His covenant people and the radical measures sometimes required to restore spiritual health. The issue of intermarriage was not merely a social or ethnic concern but a direct threat to Israel's unique identity as a holy nation set apart for God's purposes. It underscores the principle that compromise with the world's values and practices inevitably leads to spiritual defilement and a breach of covenant. The community's willingness to undertake such a painful separation demonstrates a profound commitment to repentance and a recognition that true blessing comes through uncompromising obedience to God's revealed will. This event serves as a powerful Old Testament precedent for the New Testament call to holiness and separation from worldly entanglements for the sake of spiritual integrity.

* [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 10:17, while describing a specific historical event with unique covenant implications for ancient Israel, offers profound principles for believers today. It challenges us to examine the areas in our lives where we might be compromising our spiritual purity or fidelity to God's Word. Just as the Israelites had to make a radical "end" to relationships that jeopardized their covenant standing, we are called to identify and sever ties with anything—be it relationships, habits, or pursuits—that draws us away from Christ and His holiness. True repentance often requires costly, decisive action, prioritizing God's will above personal comfort, social acceptance, or even deep emotional attachments. This verse reminds us that spiritual renewal, both individually and corporately, demands thoroughness and an unwavering commitment to live set apart for God's glory, ensuring that our lives reflect His standards rather than conforming to the patterns of the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "strange wives" or compromising influences in my life might be hindering my spiritual purity and fidelity to God?**
* **Am I willing to take radical, costly steps to remove spiritual compromises, even if it means personal pain or loss?**
* **How does my commitment to God's holiness impact my choices in relationships, entertainment, and daily practices?**
* **In what ways can my community of faith collectively pursue greater purity and obedience, like the exiles in Ezra's day?**

### FAQ
**Why was intermarriage such a serious sin for the Israelites?**

Answer: The prohibition against intermarriage was not primarily ethnic but theological. God had chosen Israel to be a holy nation, set apart to bear His name and witness to the world. Marrying "strange wives" (non-Israelite women from pagan nations) was forbidden because it inevitably led to the worship of foreign gods and the adoption of idolatrous practices, thereby corrupting Israel's spiritual purity and breaking their covenant with Yahweh. [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage and Idolatry") makes this clear, stating that such marriages would turn their children away from God to serve other gods. The concern was the preservation of monotheistic worship and the distinct identity of God's people.

**Does Ezra 10:17 mean Christians should divorce their non-Christian spouses today?**

Answer: No. The context of Ezra 10:17 is specific to ancient Israel's unique covenant and national identity, where intermarriage posed an existential threat to their spiritual survival as God's chosen people. The New Testament offers different guidance for believers in unequally yoked marriages. While [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked") warns believers against entering into marriage with unbelievers, it does not command divorce for those already married to non-believers. Instead, [1 Corinthians 7:12-16](/1_corinthians/7-12 "1 Corinthians 7:12-16 - Advice for Mixed Marriages") instructs the believing spouse to remain with their unbelieving partner, if the partner is willing, with the hope that the believing spouse might sanctify the unbelieving one and their children. The underlying principle for Christians is spiritual purity and avoiding compromise, but the application differs under the New Covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical and painful purification described in Ezra 10:17, though necessary for Old Covenant Israel, ultimately points to the far greater and more complete spiritual cleansing accomplished by Jesus Christ. While Ezra's reform dealt with outward, physical separation to restore covenant purity, Christ's work provides an inward, spiritual transformation. He is the true [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose atoning sacrifice on the cross purifies us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing from Sin Through Christ's Blood")). Through His blood, He cleanses His church, making her holy and blameless, "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ's Love for the Church")). The Old Testament call for separation from pagan influences foreshadows the New Testament call for believers to be set apart from the world's sin and idolatry, not by physical divorce from unbelieving spouses, but by a radical commitment to Christ's Lordship and a transformed heart ([Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifices")). He provides the power for true repentance and the means for genuine, lasting purity, making us a "holy priesthood" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen People")) fully reconciled 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.