Ezra 10:26

Commentary on Ezra 10:26 (KJV)

Ezra 10:26 lists six men from the sons of Elam who had taken foreign wives during the post-exilic period in Judah. This verse is part of a larger, solemn record found in Ezra chapter 10, detailing the names of those who confessed their sin of intermarriage and committed to putting away their foreign wives and children.

Context

This verse is situated within a critical moment in the history of the returned Jewish exiles. After their return from Babylonian captivity, under the leadership of Ezra the scribe, the people were confronted with a widespread problem: many had married women from the surrounding pagan nations. This practice was strictly forbidden by God's Law (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3), as it threatened the spiritual purity and distinct identity of Israel, potentially leading to idolatry and apostasy. Upon hearing of this great transgression (Ezra 9:1), Ezra was deeply distressed, leading the people in a profound prayer of confession and repentance. The community subsequently made a covenant to address this sin by separating themselves from these foreign alliances. Ezra 10:18-44 provides the names of the men, organized by their family lines, who complied with this difficult but necessary act of obedience.

Key Themes

• Obedience to God's Law: The central theme is the people's commitment to obey God's specific commands, even when it involved immense personal sacrifice and emotional pain.
• Spiritual Purity and Separation: The drastic measure of putting away foreign wives underscored the vital importance of maintaining the spiritual purity of the covenant community and its separation from pagan influences.
• Repentance and Restoration: This act of separation was a tangible sign of genuine repentance, aimed at restoring the nation's right standing with God and preventing future spiritual decline.
• Community Accountability: The public listing of names highlights the corporate nature of the sin and the community's collective responsibility in addressing it for the spiritual health of all.

Linguistic Insights

The names listed in Ezra 10:26, such as Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, are common Hebrew names, many of which carry meanings related to God (e.g., "gift of the Lord," "the Lord remembers," "God lives"). The significance of this verse is not in the individual meanings of the names themselves, but in their inclusion in this specific list. It signifies that these individuals, despite their family heritage or personal connections, were part of the national movement of repentance and purification. The phrase "sons of Elam" refers to a specific family or clan line that had returned from exile, indicating the systematic and thorough nature of the reforms.

Practical Application

While the specific command regarding intermarriage with foreign nations was unique to ancient Israel's covenant identity, the underlying principles of Ezra 10:26 remain profoundly relevant for believers today:

• Commitment to God's Word: We are called to obey God's commands faithfully, even when they are challenging or require personal sacrifice. True repentance involves concrete actions to align our lives with His will.
• Spiritual Separation: Believers are called to be "not unequally yoked together with unbelievers" and to separate themselves from practices and influences that compromise their faith and devotion to God. This principle applies to relationships, entertainment, business dealings, and any area where compromise could lead to spiritual defilement.
• Holiness and Purity: God desires His people to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). This verse reminds us that maintaining spiritual purity, both individually and corporately, is essential for a vibrant relationship with God and effective witness in the world.
• The Cost of Discipleship: Following God often involves making difficult choices that go against cultural norms or personal desires, echoing the call to take up one's cross and follow Christ.