Ezra 10:18

KJV

And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: [namely], of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And among the sons {H1121} of the priests {H3548} there were found {H4672} that had taken {H3427} strange {H5237} wives {H802}: namely, of the sons {H1121} of Jeshua {H3442} the son {H1121} of Jozadak {H3136}, and his brethren {H251}; Maaseiah {H4641}, and Eliezer {H461}, and Jarib {H3402}, and Gedaliah {H1436}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Among the cohanim were found these who had married foreign women: of the sons of Yeshua the son of Yotzadak and his brothers: Ma'aseiyah, Eli'ezer, Yariv and G'dalyah.

Berean Standard Bible

Among the descendants of the priests who had married foreign women were found these descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers:

American Standard Version

And among the sons of the priests there were found that had married foreign women: namely, of the sons of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and his brethren, Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:18 marks the beginning of a somber list detailing those who had transgressed God's law by taking "strange wives" (foreign women) after the return from Babylonian exile. This verse specifically highlights the sons of the priests, including descendants of Jeshua, the prominent high priest, underscoring the pervasive nature of this sin even among the spiritual leadership and emphasizing the gravity of their disobedience to the Mosaic covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 10:18 is situated at a critical juncture in the book, following Ezra's profound distress and prayer of confession in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra's Prayer of Confession"). The preceding verses in [Ezra 10](/ezra/10 "Ezra 10 - The Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives") describe the people's corporate repentance, their solemn covenant to separate from their foreign wives and children, and the establishment of a commission to investigate and resolve the issue. Verse 18 initiates the painful, detailed enumeration of those found guilty, starting with the most spiritually accountable group: the priests. This meticulous listing underscores the thoroughness of the reform and the personal accountability of each individual, setting a precedent for the subsequent lists of Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and other Israelites.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic community in Jerusalem faced immense challenges in re-establishing their identity and faithfulness to Yahweh after generations in Babylon. The prohibition against intermarriage with foreign nations, particularly those who worshipped other gods, was a cornerstone of the Mosaic Law, clearly articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage"). This law was not merely ethnic but theological, designed to prevent spiritual assimilation, idolatry, and the corruption of Israel's unique covenant relationship with God. The returnees, despite their recent experience of exile—a consequence of past disobedience—had quickly fallen back into this very sin, threatening to undermine the fragile spiritual purity and distinctiveness of the nascent Jewish community. The mention of "Jeshua the son of Jozadak" is significant, as Jeshua (also known as Joshua) was the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel and was instrumental in rebuilding the Temple ([Haggai 1:1](/haggai/1-1 "Haggai 1:1 - Jeshua the High Priest") and [Zechariah 3:1](/zechariah/3-1 "Zechariah 3:1 - Vision of Jeshua")), making the involvement of his descendants particularly shocking and indicative of the depth of the problem.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Ezra. Firstly, it highlights the **purity and holiness of the covenant community**, especially the priesthood, which was meant to be set apart for God's service. The defilement of the priests through intermarriage underscored a broader spiritual decline. Secondly, it emphasizes the **seriousness of disobedience to God's law** and the **consequences of compromise**, particularly regarding the command to remain separate from pagan influences. This sin was seen as a direct threat to Israel's identity as God's chosen people. Thirdly, the verse showcases the theme of **leadership accountability**, as the list begins with the priests, whose actions carried greater weight and set an example for the entire nation. Their failure necessitated a radical, painful act of **repentance and reform** to restore the community's covenant faithfulness and spiritual integrity, a theme central to Ezra's mission.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strange wives (Hebrew: נָשִׁים נָכְרִיּוֹת, _nashim nochriyyot_):** The term "strange" or "foreign" here is not merely a descriptor of ethnicity but carries significant theological weight. It refers to non-Israelite women who were outside the covenant community and, more critically, typically worshipped foreign deities. The primary concern was not racial purity but spiritual purity; these marriages posed a direct threat of syncretism and idolatry, leading the Israelites away from exclusive devotion to Yahweh. The Mosaic Law strictly forbade such unions precisely because they compromised Israel's unique identity as a holy nation set apart for God.
* **Sons of the priests:** This phrase immediately elevates the gravity of the transgression. The priests were consecrated to God, responsible for mediating between God and the people, teaching the Law, and maintaining ritual purity. Their spiritual integrity was paramount for the entire community's well-being. The fact that those charged with upholding God's standards were themselves found in flagrant violation underscored the depth of the spiritual decay and the urgent need for radical reform. Their sin was not merely personal but had profound implications for the spiritual health and leadership of the nation.
* **Jeshua the son of Jozadak:** Jeshua was a pivotal figure in the post-exilic community, serving as the high priest alongside Zerubbabel in the initial return from Babylon and playing a crucial role in the rebuilding of the Second Temple. His name being associated with this sin, through his descendants, highlights the pervasive nature of the problem, reaching even the most esteemed and spiritually significant families. It demonstrates that no one was exempt from the consequences of this widespread transgression, and it emphasizes the profound disappointment and urgency felt by Ezra and the faithful remnant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the focus of the verse: the discovery of a serious transgression among the priestly class. The phrase "there were found" suggests an investigation or revelation, indicating that this was not a hidden sin but one that had come to light and required immediate action. The mention of "strange wives" identifies the specific nature of the sin—intermarriage with non-Israelite women, a direct violation of God's covenant commands.
* **"[namely], of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren;"** This specifies the most prominent priestly family implicated. Jeshua was the high priest, a leader of the first wave of returnees. The inclusion of his "sons" (descendants) and "brethren" (other family members) underscores the pervasive nature of the problem within the most respected spiritual lineage. This detail would have been particularly shocking and disheartening, signifying that the moral decay had reached the very top of the religious hierarchy.
* **"Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah."** This final part of the verse provides the names of four specific individuals from Jeshua's family who had committed this sin. The explicit naming of these individuals serves to personalize the accountability and demonstrates the meticulousness of the investigation and the seriousness with which the community addressed the issue. It moves from the general (priests) to the specific, highlighting that repentance and reform required individual confession and action.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ezra 10:18 is **Listing** or **Cataloging**. The explicit naming of individuals, starting with the prominent priestly family of Jeshua, serves several crucial functions. Firstly, it underscores the **gravity and pervasiveness** of the sin, demonstrating that it had infected even the highest echelons of spiritual leadership. Secondly, it emphasizes **personal accountability**, making it clear that specific individuals were identified and held responsible for their actions. This meticulous record-keeping lends an air of **veracity and thoroughness** to the reform process, showing that the community was serious about addressing the problem systematically. Furthermore, the selection of the priests to head this list creates a sense of **emphasis**, highlighting their greater responsibility and the profound disappointment their transgression caused. There is also an element of **irony** in the descendants of the High Priest, a spiritual leader, being implicated in such a profound spiritual defilement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 10:18 powerfully illustrates the theological imperative for God's people to maintain holiness and separation from the world's defiling influences. The intermarriage issue was not merely a social problem but a spiritual crisis that threatened to dilute Israel's unique identity as a covenant people and lead them back into the idolatry that had caused their exile. The severe measures taken reflect God's unwavering demand for exclusive devotion and His commitment to preserving a pure remnant through whom His redemptive plan would unfold. The actions of Ezra and the community underscore the principle that true repentance often requires radical separation from sin and a renewed commitment to God's commands, even when it is painful and costly. This commitment to covenant faithfulness is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, demonstrating God's consistent call for His people to live distinctly for Him.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")
* [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Confrontation of Intermarriage")
* [Malachi 2:10-12](/malachi/2-10 "Malachi 2:10-12 - Condemnation of Unfaithfulness and Intermarriage")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 10:18, though rooted in a specific historical context, offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual purity and faithfulness to God's covenant are paramount. While the New Covenant does not forbid inter-ethnic marriage, it strongly cautions against being "unequally yoked" with unbelievers ([2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")), emphasizing the importance of shared faith and spiritual alignment in deep relationships. This principle extends beyond marriage to all close associations, urging us to guard our hearts and minds against influences that could compromise our devotion to Christ. Furthermore, the passage highlights the critical accountability of spiritual leaders; their integrity and adherence to God's Word are vital for the health and witness of the entire community. The radical repentance seen in Ezra's time challenges us to consider the seriousness of our own sins and whether we are willing to take decisive, even painful, steps to align our lives fully with God's will, ensuring our identity remains firmly rooted in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "unequally yoked" or allowing influences that compromise my spiritual purity and devotion to Christ?**
* **How does the accountability of the priests in Ezra 10:18 speak to the responsibility of spiritual leaders in the church today?**
* **What "radical" steps might be necessary for me to truly repent and separate from sin or ungodly influences in my life?**
* **How does my commitment to God's covenant (the New Covenant in Christ) shape my relationships and life choices?**

### FAQ
**Why was intermarriage considered such a serious sin in ancient Israel?**

Answer: Intermarriage was considered a grave sin primarily because it threatened the spiritual purity and unique covenant identity of Israel. As outlined in the Mosaic Law, particularly [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage"), the concern was not merely ethnic but theological. Foreign spouses often brought their pagan deities and customs into the Israelite household, leading to idolatry and syncretism. This directly violated God's command for Israel to be a holy nation, set apart exclusively for Him, and undermined their covenant relationship. The history of Israel repeatedly demonstrated that intermarriage led to spiritual apostasy and God's judgment, as seen in the narratives of Solomon ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives")) and Ahab ([1 Kings 16:31-33](/1_kings/16-31 "1 Kings 16:31-33 - Ahab and Jezebel")). For the post-exilic community, who had just returned from judgment, maintaining this spiritual distinctiveness was paramount for their survival and faithfulness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical reform in Ezra 10:18, driven by the need for a pure and holy people, foreshadows the ultimate cleansing and new covenant established through Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament focused on external separation and ritual purity to maintain Israel's distinct identity, Christ brings about an internal transformation and spiritual purity for all who believe. He is the true High Priest, not of a flawed human lineage like Jeshua's, but "holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens" ([Hebrews 7:26](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ Our High Priest")). Through His perfect sacrifice, Jesus takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), cleansing His people from all unrighteousness and making them a new creation ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). The Church, as the new covenant community, is called to be holy, not by ethnic separation, but by spiritual separation from the world's values and idolatry, living in devotion to Christ as His pure bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). Thus, the painful but necessary separation in Ezra points to the deeper, more profound separation from sin and unto God that is accomplished and sustained by Christ's redemptive work, enabling His people to truly be a "royal priesthood, a holy nation" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")).

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

Ezra 3:2

Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as [it is] written in the law of Moses the man of God.

Ezra 2:2

Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Ezra 5:2

Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which [is] at Jerusalem: and with them [were] the prophets of God helping them.

Zechariah 3:1

¶ And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him.

Haggai 1:1

¶ In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,

Nehemiah 12:10

And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

Nehemiah 8:4

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.