Ezra 10:36

KJV

Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,

KJV (with Strong's)

Vaniah {H2057}, Meremoth {H4822}, Eliashib {H475},

Complete Jewish Bible

Vanyah, M'remot, Elyashiv,

Berean Standard Bible

Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,

American Standard Version

Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:36 is a precise record within the larger list of Israelites who had taken foreign wives, specifically naming Vaniah, Meremoth, and Eliashib. This verse, situated in the climactic chapters of Ezra, underscores the pervasive nature of the intermarriage crisis among the returned exiles and highlights the meticulous, painful, yet necessary process of spiritual purification and covenant renewal initiated by Ezra. It serves as a testament to the community's commitment to radical obedience and accountability in restoring their distinct identity as God's holy people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 10:36 is part of a detailed register found in Ezra 10:18-44, which lists the men who had married foreign wives and pledged to put them away. This list is the culmination of a profound spiritual crisis and subsequent reform. Preceding this, Ezra 9 recounts Ezra's deep distress and fervent prayer upon discovering the widespread intermarriage, which violated God's covenant commands. This led to a communal confession and a solemn assembly in Ezra 10, where the people agreed to a purification process. The inclusion of specific names, as seen in Ezra 10:36, emphasizes the seriousness of the sin and the individual accountability within the community's corporate repentance. The meticulous record-keeping underscores the thoroughness of the reform and the gravity with which the leadership addressed this threat to Israel's covenant fidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the return from Babylonian exile, the Jewish community in Judah faced the immense task of rebuilding Jerusalem, the temple, and their national identity. A critical challenge arose from the widespread practice of intermarriage with people from surrounding nations—Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites (as mentioned in [Ezra 9:1](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1 - The Problem of Intermarriage")). This practice was strictly forbidden by God's Law, as detailed in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - God's Command Against Intermarriage"), primarily because it threatened to lead Israel into idolatry and compromise their unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. Such intermarriage had historically been a source of spiritual decline and national apostasy, as seen throughout the period of the Judges and the monarchy. Ezra's reform aimed to restore the purity of Israel's worship and lineage, ensuring their distinctiveness as a holy nation set apart for God in a pagan world.

* **Key Themes:** The verse, as part of the broader narrative of Ezra 9-10, contributes significantly to several overarching themes. **Covenant Fidelity** is paramount, as the entire reform hinges on the community's commitment to upholding their covenant relationship with God, which demanded separation from pagan influences and practices. Intermarriage was seen as a direct breach of this sacred bond. The detailed listing of names highlights **Repentance and Reform**, demonstrating the painful but necessary process of national repentance and spiritual renewal. It underscores a commitment to radical obedience, even when it involved difficult personal sacrifices. Furthermore, the actions taken reflect the divine call for Israel to be a **Holy and Pure** nation, set apart for God's purposes. The purity of their lineage and worship was crucial for maintaining their distinct identity and mission. Finally, the meticulous record of names emphasizes **Accountability**, both individual and communal, before God and the leadership, underscoring that sin has specific consequences for identifiable individuals. This commitment to purity is echoed in later periods, such as Nehemiah's actions against intermarriage in [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Confrontation of Intermarriage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vaniah (Hebrew, _Vanyah'_):** This name likely means "Yahweh is my breath" or "Yahweh has answered." Its inclusion in this list is poignant, as it speaks to a life sustained or heard by God, yet the individual is found in a state of disobedience to God's explicit commands regarding covenant purity. The name itself, a testament to God's life-giving or responsive nature, stands in stark contrast to the actions that necessitated his inclusion in this list of those who had compromised their spiritual integrity.
* **Meremoth (Hebrew, _Meremoth'_):** Meaning "heights" or "elevations," this name could suggest a person of prominence or aspiration. The presence of such a name within the list indicates that the sin of intermarriage was not confined to any particular social stratum but was pervasive throughout the community, affecting individuals from various backgrounds. It underscores that spiritual compromise can afflict anyone, regardless of their standing or aspirations.
* **Eliashib (Hebrew, _'Elyashiyb'_):** This significant name means "God restores" or "God brings back." Its appearance here is deeply ironic and yet profoundly hopeful. While Eliashib is listed among those who contributed to the community's spiritual brokenness, his name points to the very restoration that Ezra's reform sought to achieve. It serves as a subtle reminder that even in the midst of painful judgment and separation, God's ultimate purpose is redemptive, aiming to bring His people back to Himself in purity and faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Vaniah,"**: This is the first of three names explicitly listed in Ezra 10:36. His inclusion signifies his personal involvement in the widespread sin of marrying foreign women, making him subject to the communal decree of putting away these wives. The naming of individuals underscores the personal accountability required for corporate sin and reform.
* **"Meremoth,"**: The second name in this specific verse, Meremoth, further emphasizes the extensive nature of the problem of intermarriage within the returned community. His identification on this official record highlights the meticulous and thorough process undertaken by Ezra and the leaders to identify all those who had transgressed, ensuring no one was overlooked in the purification efforts.
* **"Eliashib,"**: The final name mentioned in Ezra 10:36, Eliashib, completes the specific enumeration for this verse. His presence, like the others, confirms his participation in the covenant breach and his subsequent inclusion in the painful yet necessary process of separation and spiritual restoration. The act of listing these names served as a public and permanent record of the community's commitment to obedience and holiness.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Ezra 10:36, and indeed throughout Ezra 10:18-44, is **Listing** or **Register**. This meticulous enumeration of names serves several crucial functions: it underscores the pervasive nature of the sin of intermarriage, demonstrating that it was not an isolated incident but a widespread issue affecting numerous families. It also highlights the thoroughness and seriousness of the reform movement led by Ezra, emphasizing that every individual involved was identified and held accountable. Furthermore, the act of listing provides a historical record, solidifying the communal commitment to repentance and the painful sacrifices made for covenant fidelity. There is also a subtle **Irony** present in the meanings of some of the names (e.g., Eliashib, "God restores"), which stand in stark contrast to the individuals' actions that necessitated their inclusion in a list of those who had compromised their faith.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 10:36, as part of a larger list of those who had taken foreign wives, powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of separation unto God and the importance of maintaining spiritual purity. For ancient Israel, intermarriage with pagan nations was not merely a social issue but a direct threat to their covenant identity, risking assimilation into idolatrous practices and compromising their unique role as God's chosen people. Theologically, this passage underscores that true worship and fidelity to God often require difficult choices and radical obedience, even when it involves personal pain and sacrifice. It highlights God's demand for holiness from His people, a holiness that extends to all areas of life, including relationships, to preserve their distinct witness and relationship with Him. The meticulous record-keeping of names reinforces the concept of individual accountability before a holy God, even within a corporate context of sin and repentance.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition Against Intermarriage")
* [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Action Against Intermarriage")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14-18](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14-18 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed record of names in Ezra 10:36, though seemingly dry, carries profound spiritual weight for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder that compromise with the world, even in seemingly personal matters, can have significant consequences for the spiritual health of the individual and the community. While the specific command against intermarriage with foreign nations does not apply in the same literal way to the New Testament church, the underlying principle of guarding against influences that compromise one's faith and commitment to God remains vitally important. This passage calls us to examine our own lives and relationships, asking whether our associations and choices are drawing us closer to God or subtly pulling us away. True repentance and obedience sometimes demand difficult "putting away" of anything that hinders our walk with Christ, requiring courage and sacrifice for the sake of spiritual purity and God's glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life might require a difficult "putting away" for the sake of spiritual purity and obedience to God?**
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Ezra 10 challenge or encourage my understanding of accountability before God?**
* **In what ways can I ensure that my relationships and commitments align with God's call for holiness, even when it is challenging?**

### FAQ

**Why are these names listed in such detail?**

Answer: The detailed listing of names in Ezra 10, including those in Ezra 10:36, serves several crucial purposes. First, it provides a meticulous historical record of the individuals involved in the widespread sin of intermarriage, underscoring the pervasive nature of the problem. Second, it emphasizes individual accountability within the community's corporate sin and repentance; each person named was identified as having transgressed God's law and was expected to participate in the purification process. Third, it highlights the thoroughness and seriousness of the reform movement led by Ezra, demonstrating a commitment to radical obedience and the restoration of covenant purity. It was a public acknowledgment of both the transgression and the painful, yet necessary, steps toward spiritual renewal.

**Does this passage mean Christians should not marry non-Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific command against intermarriage with *foreign nations* in Ezra's context was tied to the purity of Israel's covenant identity and the avoidance of idolatry, the underlying principle of avoiding spiritual compromise remains highly relevant for believers today. The New Testament does not forbid marriage across ethnic lines, as the church is composed of all nations. However, it strongly cautions against believers being [unequally yoked with unbelievers](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked") in spiritual matters. This principle applies particularly to marriage, as a union with an unbeliever can create significant spiritual friction, hinder one's walk with God, and compromise the spiritual environment of the home. The core message is to prioritize spiritual unity and shared commitment to Christ in foundational relationships.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 10:36, with its painful record of individuals putting away foreign wives, highlights humanity's persistent struggle with spiritual compromise and the need for radical purification. This Old Testament narrative, while demonstrating the community's earnest attempt at obedience, ultimately points to the insufficiency of human effort alone to achieve true and lasting holiness. The deep-seated problem of sin, which manifests in covenant breaches like intermarriage, requires a more profound solution than external separation. This solution is found in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate purifier, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose sacrifice on the cross provides the perfect and complete cleansing that no human reform could ever fully accomplish. Through His blood, believers are not merely separated from unholy influences but are inwardly transformed and made new creations, empowered by the Spirit to live in true holiness. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, writes God's law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant")), enabling a purity that flows from within, rather than being solely enforced by external decrees. The church, as the [Bride of Christ](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom"), is being sanctified and cleansed by Him, so that He might present her to Himself as a glorious church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless ([Ephesians 5:27](/ephesians/5-27 "Ephesians 5:27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). Thus, the painful purification in Ezra foreshadows the perfect and permanent purification achieved through Christ's redemptive work.

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.