Ezra 10:24

KJV

Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the singers {H7891} also; Eliashib {H475}: and of the porters {H7778}; Shallum {H7967}, and Telem {H2928}, and Uri {H221}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Of the singers: Elyashiv. Of the gatekeepers: Shalum, Telem and Uri.

Berean Standard Bible

From the singers: Eliashib. From the gatekeepers: Shallum, Telem, and Uri.

American Standard Version

And of the singers: Eliashib. And of the porters: Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:24 is a specific entry within a sobering list of individuals from post-exilic Judah who had taken foreign wives, a direct violation of God's covenant Law. The verse names Eliashib, a singer, and Shallum, Telem, and Uri, who were porters, highlighting that even those entrusted with sacred service roles in the temple were not immune to this spiritual compromise. Their inclusion underscores the pervasive nature of the sin of intermarriage and the comprehensive, painful, yet necessary process of purification and restoration undertaken by the community under Ezra's leadership to maintain their distinct identity and holiness before God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 10:24 is situated within the latter half of Ezra chapter 10, which meticulously lists the men who had taken foreign wives and were required to put them away. This list (Ezra 10:18-44) serves as the tangible outcome of the solemn covenant made by the assembly in [Ezra 10:3](/ezra/10-3 "Ezra 10:3 - The Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives"), following Ezra's profound prayer of confession and lament in [Ezra chapter 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession"). The preceding verses in chapter 10 describe the initial steps of the reform, including the appointment of judges and the process of investigation. The naming of individuals, including those in specific temple roles like singers and porters, emphasizes the thoroughness and gravity of the community's commitment to spiritual purity, demonstrating that the sin had infiltrated all levels of society.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra chapter 10 unfold in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period, roughly around 458 BC, following the return of a remnant of Israel from Babylonian captivity. God had graciously restored His people to their land, intending for them to rebuild the temple and re-establish a holy community. However, the returned exiles, including priests, Levites, and laypeople, had intermarried with the surrounding pagan peoples of the land, such as the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites (cf. [Ezra 9:1](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1 - Intermarriage with Foreign Peoples")). This practice was a clear and repeated transgression of the Mosaic Law, specifically the prohibitions found in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage"), which warned that such alliances would lead to idolatry and turn Israel's heart away from God. The cultural context reveals a constant temptation for the returned exiles to assimilate with the surrounding nations, threatening their unique covenantal identity as God's chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** The inclusion of Ezra 10:24 within this list highlights several critical themes. Firstly, it underscores the paramount importance of **spiritual purity and separation** for the covenant people of God. Intermarriage was not merely a social issue but a profound spiritual compromise that directly threatened Israel's distinct identity and faithfulness to Yahweh, potentially leading them back into the idolatry that caused the exile. Secondly, the verse exemplifies the theme of **accountability and repentance**. No one, regardless of their position or sacred service, was exempt from the call to obey God's Law and repent of sin. The painful process of putting away foreign wives and children, though difficult, demonstrated a communal commitment to align with God's will, as seen in the assembly's response to Ezra's conviction in [Ezra 10:1-3](/ezra/10-1 "Ezra 10:1-3 - The Assembly's Response to Ezra"). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **integrity in service**. The fact that singers and porters, who held direct responsibilities in the house of God, were implicated emphasizes that spiritual compromise can permeate even the most sacred roles. Their participation in the reform signaled a renewed commitment to holiness in all aspects of life, including their dedicated service to the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Singers (Hebrew, _meshorerim'_):** These individuals were Levites specifically appointed for musical service in the temple, leading worship through song and instrumental music. Their role was integral to the spiritual life and liturgical practices of Israel, facilitating corporate praise and communion with God. The presence of a singer on this list indicates that the spiritual laxity had reached even those intimately involved in the purity of temple worship.
* **Porters (Hebrew, _sho'arim'_):** Also Levites, the porters were responsible for guarding the temple gates, maintaining order, controlling access, and overseeing the temple treasury. Their role was crucial for the physical and spiritual integrity of the sacred space, ensuring that only those permitted entered and that the sanctity of the temple was preserved. The inclusion of porters on the list signifies that the compromise had penetrated the very guardians of God's holy dwelling place.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the singers also; Eliashib:"** This clause identifies Eliashib as one of the singers who had taken a foreign wife. The specific mention of his role as a "singer" is significant because singers were integral to the spiritual atmosphere and worship life of the temple. Their personal holiness was expected to reflect the sanctity of their service. Eliashib's inclusion underscores that the sin of intermarriage was not confined to the general populace but had infiltrated even those dedicated to leading the community in worship.
* **"and of the porters; Shallum, and Telem, and Uri."** This part of the verse names three porters—Shallum, Telem, and Uri—who were also guilty of intermarriage. Porters were responsible for guarding the temple gates and maintaining its order and purity. Their presence on this list is particularly poignant, as those who were meant to safeguard the physical boundaries and sanctity of God's house had themselves compromised their spiritual boundaries through forbidden alliances. This highlights the pervasive nature of the sin and the comprehensive scope of the reform effort, which left no sacred office untouched.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Ezra 10:24, and indeed throughout Ezra 10:18-44, is a **List** or **Catalog**. This systematic enumeration of names serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the problem and the thoroughness of the community's response. The act of publicly naming individuals, particularly those in prominent or sacred roles like **Singers** and **Porters**, lends a stark sense of **Accountability** and **Transparency** to the narrative. Furthermore, the selection of these specific roles can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (individuals in sacred service) represents the whole (the pervasive spiritual compromise within the entire community). By highlighting those who should have been examples of purity, the text uses **Emphasis** to underscore the gravity of the sin and the depth of the spiritual crisis facing the returned exiles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 10:24, by naming individuals from sacred temple service, powerfully reinforces the biblical principle that God's people are called to be holy and set apart. The intermarriage issue in Ezra was not merely a cultural preference but a direct threat to Israel's unique identity as a covenant people, designed to be a light to the nations. This narrative illustrates that compromise with the world, particularly in areas God has explicitly forbidden, inevitably leads to spiritual decay and jeopardizes the community's relationship with Him. The painful process of repentance and separation, though difficult, was essential for the restoration of their covenant integrity and their ability to faithfully represent God's character to the surrounding world. It highlights God's unwavering demand for purity and His provision for restoration when His people turn back to Him in obedience.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage"): "Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son. For they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly."
* [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Confrontation of Intermarriage"): Nehemiah later confronts similar issues of intermarriage, demonstrating the persistent challenge and the importance of maintaining spiritual purity.
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Call to Holiness"): "But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The inclusion of Eliashib, a singer, and Shallum, Telem, and Uri, porters, on the list of those who had taken foreign wives serves as a timeless warning and a powerful call to spiritual integrity for believers today. It reminds us that spiritual compromise is not limited to those outside the church or those with minimal involvement; it can infiltrate all levels of a community, including those actively serving in prominent or sacred roles. This calls for continuous vigilance, self-examination, and a deep commitment to personal holiness, recognizing that our actions, especially those in leadership or visible ministry, profoundly impact the spiritual health and witness of the entire body of Christ. While the specific cultural context of intermarriage differs today, the underlying principle remains vital: identifying and repenting of any sin that hinders our relationship with God and His people is crucial for true spiritual restoration and for living as a holy people set apart for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be compromising my spiritual purity or distinctness as a follower of Christ?**
* **How does the integrity of those in spiritual leadership or service impact the health and witness of the broader church community?**
* **What difficult choices might be required for me or my community to align more fully with God's will and pursue true spiritual restoration?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's holiness and His call for me to be holy in all my conduct?**

### FAQ

**Why was intermarriage such a serious sin for the Israelites, especially after the exile?**

Answer: Intermarriage was a serious sin because it directly violated God's covenant commands, particularly those found in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage"). The primary concern was not racial purity but spiritual purity and the preservation of Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people. Marrying into pagan nations inevitably led to the adoption of their idolatrous practices, turning the hearts of the Israelites away from Yahweh. After the exile, which was itself a consequence of Israel's unfaithfulness and idolatry, maintaining this distinct spiritual identity was even more critical for the survival and mission of the returned remnant. Their separation was essential for them to remain a holy nation, a kingdom of priests, and a light to the Gentiles, fulfilling their covenant purpose.

**What is the significance of "singers" and "porters" being on this list in Ezra 10:24?**

Answer: The inclusion of individuals from sacred service roles like "singers" and "porters" on the list of those who had taken foreign wives is profoundly significant. Singers (Levites) were central to temple worship, leading the community in praise, while porters (also Levites) were responsible for guarding the temple's sanctity and order. Their presence on the list underscores the pervasive nature of the sin of intermarriage, indicating that spiritual compromise had infiltrated even those entrusted with direct, sacred responsibilities in the house of God. It highlights that no one, regardless of their position or spiritual calling, was immune to the temptation of disobedience. This detail emphasizes the seriousness of the problem and the comprehensive, non-discriminatory nature of the reform Ezra initiated, signaling a deep commitment to restoring holiness from the top down and from the inside out.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The stringent call for purity and separation in Ezra 10:24 and the broader narrative of Ezra's reforms foreshadows the ultimate and perfect holiness found in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant demanded a physical and ceremonial separation from pagan nations to preserve Israel's identity, the New Covenant establishes a spiritual separation for believers through their union with Christ. We are no longer called to separate from specific ethnic groups, but from the spiritual corruption and idolatry of the world system. Jesus, the true [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), offers the ultimate purification, cleansing us from all sin through His blood (cf. [Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")). The Church, as the body of Christ, is called to be a holy people, a new spiritual temple, set apart by God's Spirit, not by external regulations alone, but by an internal transformation (cf. [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Holy Priesthood")). Christ is our true purity, and through Him, we are made new creations, consecrated to God, enabling us to live lives of integrity and worship that truly honor Him, fulfilling the deepest longings for holiness expressed in Ezra's time.

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.