Ezra 10:31

Commentary on Ezra 10:31 (KJV)

Ezra 10:31 is part of a detailed list enumerating the men among the returned exiles who had taken foreign wives and, in an act of profound repentance, agreed to put them away. This specific verse names five individuals from the "sons of Harim": Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah, and Shimeon. This meticulous cataloging underscores the seriousness and the comprehensive nature of the reform initiated by Ezra.

Context

The book of Ezra chronicles the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile and their efforts to rebuild Jerusalem and re-establish their religious life. Chapter 9 reveals Ezra's distress and fervent prayer upon discovering that many, including priests and Levites, had intermarried with the surrounding pagan peoples, violating Mosaic Law regarding intermarriage. This practice threatened the spiritual and ethnic purity of the community, potentially leading to idolatry and the loss of their distinct identity as God's chosen people. Chapter 10 details the assembly of the people, their confession of sin, and the difficult but necessary resolution to separate from these foreign wives and their children. The list in verses 18-44 serves as a record of those who participated in this covenant renewal, highlighting the personal cost of national obedience.

Key Themes

• Radical Obedience: This verse, along with the entire list, exemplifies the challenging demand for radical obedience to God's commands, even when it involves painful personal sacrifice. The men named here were willing to make incredibly difficult decisions for the sake of their faith and the community's spiritual integrity.
• Covenant Faithfulness: The act of putting away foreign wives was a tangible demonstration of the community's renewed commitment to their covenant relationship with God. It was an essential step to restore their purity and ensure they remained God's holy people, distinct from the nations around them.
• Corporate and Individual Repentance: The detailed list of names emphasizes that while the sin of intermarriage was widespread, repentance was also a personal act for each individual. The public acknowledgment and the naming of those involved highlight the accountability and the thoroughness of this reform.
• Spiritual Purity: Maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding contamination from pagan influences was paramount for the post-exilic community. This act of separation was seen as crucial for their spiritual survival and their mission to be a light to the nations.

Significance of the List

While a mere list of names might seem unremarkable, its inclusion is highly significant. It provides a historical record of the individuals who publicly acknowledged their sin and committed to the difficult path of repentance. It underscores the severity of the issue and the comprehensive nature of the reform efforts. Each name represents a personal story of conviction, confession, and costly obedience, contributing to a profound act of corporate repentance and commitment to God's law.

Practical Application

Ezra 10:31, though a historical record, offers timeless lessons:

• Taking Sin Seriously: It reminds us that sin, particularly that which compromises our relationship with God and our spiritual identity, requires decisive action and genuine repentance.
• Costly Obedience: Following God's will can sometimes demand difficult and painful sacrifices. True faith is demonstrated not just by belief, but by obedience, even when it goes against personal desires or societal norms.
• Community Accountability: The public nature of this reform highlights the importance of accountability within a faith community. We are called to encourage one another toward purity and faithfulness.
• Maintaining Spiritual Integrity: In a world that often pressures compromise, this passage encourages believers to guard their spiritual integrity and avoid relationships or influences that could draw them away from God.