Ezra 10:2

Commentary on Ezra 10:2 (KJV)

Ezra 10:2 marks a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Israel, following Ezra's deep distress and confession over the people's widespread sin of intermarriage with foreign women. The verse introduces Shechaniah, a man who steps forward not to defend the sin, but to initiate a path toward repentance and restoration. His words acknowledge the collective guilt yet surprisingly declare a glimmer of hope amidst the despair.

Context

The book of Ezra chronicles the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple and the community. Ezra, a priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, arrives in Jerusalem in chapter 7, approximately 60 years after the first return under Zerubbabel. Upon discovering that many of the returnees, including priests and Levites, had taken "strange wives" from the surrounding pagan nations, Ezra is overwhelmed with grief. This practice was a direct violation of God's commands against intermarriage, given to prevent spiritual defilement and idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Ezra's profound distress and prayer in Ezra chapter 9 leads to a great gathering of the people, weeping bitterly over their transgression. It is in this atmosphere of sorrow and conviction that Shechaniah speaks, offering a way forward.

Key Themes

• Confession and Acknowledgment of Sin: Shechaniah's opening words, "We have trespassed against our God," are a crucial admission of guilt. This collective confession is the necessary first step towards true repentance and healing for the nation. It highlights that acknowledging wrongdoing is paramount for spiritual recovery.
• Consequences of Disobedience: The phrase "taken strange wives of the people of the land" directly addresses the specific sin that threatened Israel's spiritual purity and covenant identity. This act was not merely a social misstep but a profound spiritual compromise that endangered their distinctiveness as God's chosen people.
• Hope Amidst Despair: The most striking part of Shechaniah's statement is, "yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing." Despite the gravity of their sin, he believes in God's mercy and the possibility of restoration through obedience to the Law. This hope is not a naive optimism but a conviction that God is faithful to His covenant and will respond to genuine repentance. Shechaniah's declaration, 'yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing,' echoes a profound biblical truth: God's mercy is available to those who genuinely repent (Isaiah 55:7).
• Initiative for Repentance: Shechaniah doesn't just confess; he proposes action, setting the stage for the drastic measures taken in the rest of Ezra chapter 10. His initiative demonstrates responsible leadership and a desire for spiritual purity.

Linguistic Insights

• "Trespassed" (Hebrew: מָעַל - ma'al): This word signifies more than just a mistake or an ordinary sin. It implies an act of unfaithfulness, a breach of trust, particularly in relation to sacred things or a covenant. It carries the idea of acting treacherously or violating a sacred obligation, underscoring the seriousness of marrying outside the covenant.
• "Strange wives" (Hebrew: נָשִׁים נָכְרִיּוֹת - nashim nokhriyot): This term refers to foreign women, specifically those who did not share Israel's faith in Yahweh. The danger was not merely their ethnicity but their potential to lead the people into idolatry and away from the exclusive worship of the one true God.
• "Hope" (Hebrew: תִּקְוָה - tikvah): This word denotes a strong expectation or an assured confidence. It's not a mere wish but a firm belief in the possibility of a favorable outcome, often rooted in God's character and promises. In this context, it signifies that even after severe transgression, a path to reconciliation with God remains open through repentance.

Practical Application

Ezra 10:2 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It teaches us the importance of:

1. Honest Confession: Like Shechaniah, we must be willing to honestly acknowledge our sins, both individually and corporately, without excuse or blame-shifting. This confession is a vital first step, akin to the call for repentance found throughout Scripture.
2. Finding Hope in God's Mercy: Even when our disobedience is severe, there is always hope for restoration through God's grace and forgiveness. His mercy is vast, and He provides a way back to Him for those who genuinely repent.
3. Addressing Sin Systematically: Shechaniah's statement wasn't just an admission but a prelude to action. True repentance often requires concrete steps to rectify wrongs and align our lives with God's will. This might involve difficult decisions or breaking from compromising situations.
4. Maintaining Spiritual Purity: The warning against "strange wives" serves as a broader reminder to guard against any influence that might compromise our spiritual fidelity to God, whether in relationships, entertainment, or worldview.