Ezra 10:21

And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

And of the sons {H1121} of Harim {H2766}; Maaseiah {H4641}, and Elijah {H452}, and Shemaiah {H8098}, and Jehiel {H3171}, and Uzziah {H5818}.

of the sons of Harim: Ma'aseiyah, Eliyah, Sh'ma'yah, Yechi'el and 'Uziyah;

From the descendants of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah.

And of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

Commentary

Context of Ezra 10:21

Ezra 10:21 is found within a crucial section of the book of Ezra, specifically detailing the response to the widespread sin of intermarriage with foreign women among the returned exiles in Judah. After the initial return from Babylonian captivity, the people had begun to assimilate with the surrounding pagan nations, taking wives from them, which was a direct violation of God's covenant law (see Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The prophet Ezra, a priest and scribe, was deeply distressed by this defilement (Ezra 9:3) and led the people in a profound act of repentance. Chapter 10 lists the men who had committed this sin and who, under Ezra's leadership, agreed to put away their foreign wives and children, making a covenant with God to purify the community. Verse 21 specifically names five individuals from the "sons of Harim" who were part of this difficult but necessary spiritual cleansing.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Radical Obedience and Repentance: The primary theme is the call for radical obedience to God's law, even when it demands painful personal sacrifice. The act of putting away wives and children was immensely difficult, highlighting the seriousness of their commitment to repent and restore their covenant relationship with God. This demonstrates a deep understanding that spiritual purity was paramount for the survival and blessing of the nation.
  • Corporate Responsibility: The list of names, including those in Ezra 10:21, emphasizes that sin affects the entire community. The leaders and people collectively acknowledged their corporate sin and took corporate action to rectify it, demonstrating the principle that a community's spiritual health depends on individual faithfulness.
  • The Cost of Disobedience: The severe measures taken underscore the grave consequences of disobedience to God's commands, particularly those concerning separation from pagan influences. This event served as a stark lesson on the importance of maintaining distinctiveness as God's chosen people.
  • God's Law as Foundation: Ezra's reforms highlight the centrality of God's Law (Torah) as the foundation for the community's life and identity. Adherence to the Law was not merely ceremonial but deeply impacted their social and spiritual fabric.

Linguistic Insights

The names themselves in Ezra 10:21 (Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, Uzziah) are common Hebrew names, many carrying theological meanings (e.g., Elijah means "My God is Yahweh," Uzziah means "My strength is Yahweh"). While not providing specific linguistic nuances for this verse, their inclusion in this detailed list underscores the meticulous nature of the record-keeping by Ezra, emphasizing the personal accountability of each individual. The act of "putting away" (KJV) or "sending away" (various translations) their foreign wives signifies a complete separation, a breaking of ties that were considered unlawful and defiling according to the Mosaic Law.

Practical Application

While the specific command to put away foreign wives is tied to a unique historical and covenantal context for ancient Israel, the underlying principles of Ezra 10:21 remain highly relevant for believers today:

  • Confronting Sin Decisively: This passage challenges us to confront sin in our lives with radical honesty and decisive action, no matter how difficult or costly. True repentance often requires letting go of cherished things that hinder our relationship with God.
  • Prioritizing God's Will: It underscores the importance of prioritizing God's will and His standards above personal comfort, social acceptance, or emotional attachments. Our ultimate allegiance must be to Him.
  • The Importance of Purity: For Christians, this translates to maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding "unequal yokes" that compromise faith and lead away from God (see 2 Corinthians 6:14). This applies to relationships, associations, and any influences that contradict biblical principles.
  • Accountability and Community: The list of names reminds us of the importance of personal accountability within a faith community. We are called to support one another in obedience and repentance, fostering an environment where purity and faithfulness are upheld.
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Cross-References

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