Ezra 10:20

And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.

And of the sons {H1121} of Immer {H564}; Hanani {H2607}, and Zebadiah {H2069}.

Of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Z'vadyah;

From the descendants of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah.

And of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah.

Commentary

Ezra 10:20 KJV is a concise verse, part of a crucial list detailing the men who had married foreign wives during the post-exilic period, a sin that threatened the spiritual integrity of the returned Jewish community.

Context of Ezra 10:20

Following their return from Babylonian exile, the Israelites, led by Ezra, faced a significant challenge: widespread intermarriage with people from surrounding nations. This practice violated God's clear commands against such unions, which were intended to preserve Israel's unique identity as God's covenant people and prevent them from falling into idolatry (Exodus 34:16, Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Ezra 9 describes Ezra's deep anguish and prayer over this sin, leading to a national confession and a commitment to reform. Ezra 10 then records the practical steps taken to address the issue, culminating in a detailed list of the offenders and their families. Verse 20 specifically names Hanani and Zebadiah as two individuals from the "sons of Immer" who were implicated. The "sons of Immer" were a prominent priestly family, highlighting that even those entrusted with religious leadership were not immune to this widespread sin.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity of the Covenant Community: The extensive measures taken to address intermarriage underscore the vital importance of maintaining the spiritual and cultural purity of Israel. This was not about racial discrimination but about preserving their unique relationship with God and avoiding the corrupting influences of pagan worship.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The detailed listing of names, including Hanani and Zebadiah, serves as a stark reminder of the personal and communal consequences of disobeying God's explicit commands. Their names are recorded as part of a public act of repentance and restoration.
  • Commitment to Repentance and Reform: The act of identifying and separating from foreign wives was a painful but necessary step towards national repentance. It demonstrated a serious commitment to upholding God's law and restoring the integrity of the community. This difficult decision reflects the depth of their desire to be right with God, as seen in Ezra 10:3.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sons of Immer" (Hebrew: ื‘ึผึฐื ึตื™ ืึดืžึผึตืจ - bโ€™nei Immer) refers to a specific family lineage. Immer was a priestly division in the time of David (1 Chronicles 24:14) and later during the return from exile, suggesting that these individuals likely belonged to a priestly or Levitical family, making their compromise even more significant. The name Hanani (ื—ึฒื ึธื ึดื™ - แธคanani) means "gracious" or "Yahweh has favored," and Zebadiah (ื–ึฐื‘ึทื“ึฐื™ึธื” - Zebadyah) means "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh is my gift." These names, common in the Old Testament, highlight individual identities within the broader account of national sin and repentance.

Practical Application

While the specific command regarding foreign wives was unique to ancient Israel's covenant with God, the underlying principles of Ezra 10:20 remain highly relevant for believers today. This verse encourages us to:

  • Guard Against Spiritual Compromise: Just as Israel was called to be distinct, believers are called to avoid spiritual compromise and influences that could draw them away from loyalty to God (2 Corinthians 6:14-18).
  • Embrace True Repentance: Repentance involves more than just sorrow; it requires concrete action to turn away from sin and align with God's will. The public listing of names in Ezra 10 signifies this tangible commitment.
  • Uphold Accountability: The community's willingness to identify and address sin, even among its leaders, demonstrates the importance of accountability for spiritual health and purity.
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Cross-References

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