Ezra 10:5

KJV

Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they sware.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then arose {H6965} Ezra {H5830}, and made the chief {H8269} priests {H3548}, the Levites {H3881}, and all Israel {H3478}, to swear {H7650} that they should do {H6213} according to this word {H1697}. And they sware {H7650}.

Complete Jewish Bible

'Ezra stood up, and he made the chief cohanim, the L'vi'im and all Isra'el swear that they would act according to what had been said; and they took the oath.

Berean Standard Bible

So Ezra got up and made the leading priests, Levites, and all Israel take an oath to do what had been said. And they took the oath.

American Standard Version

Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they sware.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 10:5 marks a pivotal turning point in the post-exilic community's spiritual restoration. Following a period of profound grief and corporate confession over the widespread sin of intermarriage, Ezra decisively acts to formalize the people's commitment. He compels the spiritual leaders—the chief priests and Levites—and then all of Israel to take a solemn, binding oath, solidifying their resolve to "do according to this word," which entails putting away their foreign wives and children, thereby initiating a difficult but necessary process to restore the nation's holiness and covenant fidelity with God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at the climax of Ezra's response to the pervasive sin of intermarriage, which is detailed in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer and Confession"). Having poured out his anguish and led the people in a profound corporate confession, Ezra 10 opens with the community weeping bitterly in conviction. It is in this atmosphere of repentance that Shecaniah, acknowledging the people's sin, proposes a covenant to put away foreign wives and children, stating, "according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God" ([Ezra 10:3](/ezra/10-3 "Ezra 10:3 - Shecaniah's Proposal for Covenant")). Ezra 10:5 then describes Ezra's immediate and authoritative action, transforming this expressed willingness into a formal, binding public commitment. This verse serves as the crucial bridge that moves the narrative from lament and proposal to concrete, enforceable action, setting the stage for the challenging but essential reforms that unfold throughout the remainder of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene unfolds in post-exilic Judah, specifically in Jerusalem, where the returned exiles were striving to re-establish their identity as God's chosen people after generations in Babylonian captivity. The community faced immense pressure to assimilate with the surrounding pagan cultures, and intermarriage was not merely a social issue but a profound theological one, directly violating the Mosaic Law, particularly the prohibitions found in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3-4 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Command Against Intermarriage") and [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15-16 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warnings Against Idolatry and Intermarriage"). In the ancient Near East, and especially within Israelite culture, an oath (Hebrew: *shevu'ah*) was a deeply solemn and binding declaration, frequently invoked in the presence of God or by His name. Such a vow carried immense spiritual and social weight, implying divine judgment for its violation. Ezra's act of "making them swear" was therefore a powerful, culturally understood mechanism designed to ensure the seriousness and enforceability of their commitment to this difficult reform.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 10:5 powerfully underscores several key themes central to the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic period. **Decisive Leadership** is prominently displayed in Ezra's transition from profound lament to authoritative, practical action. He guides the community from corporate confession to tangible obedience, highlighting the necessity of godly leaders who not only teach God's word but also courageously facilitate its practical implementation. The theme of **Covenant Renewal** is paramount, as the administered oath functions as a solemn recommitment to the Mosaic Law and to Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. This act was critical for preserving the nation's **Holiness and Separation** from defiling pagan influences, a recurring divine imperative for Israel to maintain its identity as a distinct, holy people set apart for God, as emphasized in passages like [Leviticus 20:26](/leviticus/20-26 "Leviticus 20:26 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Finally, the involvement of "all Israel" highlights **Corporate Responsibility and Commitment**, demonstrating that both sin and repentance are communal, requiring a unified, collective response to rectify national transgression, mirroring other moments of national covenant renewal, such as the one described in [Nehemiah 9:38](/nehemiah/9-38 "Nehemiah 9:38 - The People Seal a Covenant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Hebrew, _qûwm'_):** This verb signifies a decisive and active posture, indicating a shift from a state of prostration and grief (as seen in [Ezra 9:3-5](/ezra/9-3-5 "Ezra 9:3-5 - Ezra's Despair and Prayer")) to one of resolute leadership and action. It implies not merely a physical standing up, but a rising to the occasion, taking charge, and initiating a crucial phase of the reform. The term often carries the nuance of establishing or confirming something, suggesting Ezra's intent to establish a firm commitment.
* **swear (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** This term denotes the administration of a solemn, binding oath. It is far more than a casual promise; it is a formal, covenantal act, often involving an appeal to God as witness and enforcer. By compelling them to "swear," Ezra elevated their commitment to a sacred, legally and spiritually binding declaration, implying severe consequences for any breach, as oaths were considered inviolable in ancient Israel.
* **word (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** In this context, "this word" refers to the specific command or matter at hand—the proposal to put away foreign wives and children, as articulated in [Ezra 10:3](/ezra/10-3 "Ezra 10:3 - Shecaniah's Proposal for Covenant"). The term `dâbâr` encompasses not just spoken words but also matters, affairs, deeds, or decrees. Here, it denotes the concrete, actionable plan that the community was committing to implement, underscoring the practical and specific nature of their sworn obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then arose Ezra":** This phrase marks a critical turning point in the narrative. Having spent time in deep lament and prayer over the people's widespread sin of intermarriage, Ezra now transitions into active, authoritative leadership. His "rising" signifies a shift from internal anguish and passive mourning to external, decisive action, demonstrating his resolve to implement the necessary and difficult reforms.
* **"and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear":** Ezra, in his capacity as a priest and scribe, exercises his authority to administer this solemn oath. The order of those swearing is significant: first the "chief priests" and "Levites," who were the spiritual custodians of the Law and bore primary responsibility for the nation's holiness, followed by "all Israel." This sequence ensures that the spiritual leadership sets the example and that the commitment is widespread and unified across the entire community, from the highest ranks to every responsible individual.
* **"that they should do according to this word":** "This word" refers directly to the specific, difficult, and painful proposal articulated by Shecaniah in [Ezra 10:3](/ezra/10-3 "Ezra 10:3 - Shecaniah's Proposal for Covenant"). It was the commitment to "make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law." This phrase clarifies the precise and demanding nature of the binding action they were undertaking.
* **"And they sware":** This simple yet profound statement confirms the successful execution of Ezra's command and the people's collective resolve. The people, having been convicted of their sin and moved by Ezra's leadership and the gravity of the situation, publicly and solemnly committed themselves to the difficult path of obedience. Their oath sealed their resolve and marked the official beginning of the painful but necessary process of purification and covenant renewal.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to underscore its significance and impact. The **Action-Oriented Language** of "arose," "made... to swear," and "sware" conveys a sense of immediate, decisive, and impactful progression from a state of contemplation and lament to one of resolute execution. The phrase "the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel" utilizes **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (the spiritual leaders) are mentioned to represent the comprehensive whole (the entire community), emphasizing the universal scope and corporate nature of the commitment. This also highlights the theme of **Corporate Responsibility**, where the entire body, from its spiritual head to its individual members, is implicated in both the sin and the necessary repentance and reform. Furthermore, the implicit **Contrast** between Ezra's earlier deep grief and prostration ([Ezra 9:3](/ezra/9-3 "Ezra 9:3 - Ezra's Grief and Prostration")) and his present authoritative action underscores his powerful leadership and marks a critical turning point in the nation's spiritual journey from despair to decisive obedience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 10:5 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical understanding of covenant, holiness, and the profound seriousness with which God regards human vows. It illustrates that true repentance is not merely an emotion but a commitment to concrete action, leading to a renewed alignment with divine commands. The act of swearing an oath before God underscores the binding nature of our promises to Him and to one another, reflecting a principle woven throughout Scripture: that God takes our words seriously, especially when they are invoked in His name. This moment of national recommitment to purity and separation from defiling influences resonates with the broader biblical narrative of Israel's call to be a holy nation, set apart for God's purposes, and serves as a reminder that faithfulness often requires difficult and costly obedience that impacts every facet of life.

* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 10:5 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It powerfully reminds us that genuine repentance must move beyond mere emotional regret to decisive, tangible action. When confronted with sin, whether individually or corporately, there must be a clear and binding commitment to change, to "do according to this word" that God has spoken in His Scripture. This verse also underscores the gravity of our vows and commitments, whether they are made in marriage, baptism, church membership, or personal prayer. Our "yes" should be a firm and binding "yes," reflecting integrity and faithfulness before God and others, understanding that our words carry weight in His sight. Furthermore, Ezra's leadership serves as a compelling model for spiritual leaders today, calling them not only to teach God's word with clarity and conviction but also to courageously facilitate environments where faithfulness, spiritual purity, and accountability are upheld, even when it demands difficult decisions. The collective nature of the oath also highlights the importance of mutual accountability and shared responsibility within a faith community for maintaining spiritual health and adherence to God's principles, recognizing that communal sin often requires communal repentance and action.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "words" or commitments has God called me/us to "do according," and am I/are we taking decisive, tangible action to fulfill them?**
* **How seriously do I/we treat the vows and commitments made before God, whether in personal prayer, baptism, or church membership, understanding their profound spiritual weight?**
* **In what ways can leaders in our community facilitate a deeper, corporate commitment to God's "word" and spiritual purity, even when it requires painful or unpopular decisions?**

### FAQ
**Why did Ezra make them swear, rather than just accept their verbal agreement?**

Answer: Ezra made the people swear an oath to elevate their commitment from a mere verbal agreement to a solemn, binding covenant. In ancient Israel, an oath was a deeply serious religious and legal act, invoking God as a witness and implicitly calling down divine judgment upon anyone who broke it. By making them swear, Ezra ensured that the reform was not superficial or easily abandoned, but deeply rooted in a sacred, enforceable commitment. This act solidified the community's resolve, provided a framework for accountability, and underscored the gravity of their transgression and the paramount importance of their obedience to God's law. It transformed a moment of emotional repentance into a foundational, binding act of national renewal, emphasizing the seriousness of their covenant with God.

**What was "this word" they swore to do?**

Answer: "This word" refers directly and specifically to the proposal made by Shecaniah in [Ezra 10:3](/ezra/10-3 "Ezra 10:3 - Shecaniah's Proposal for Covenant"). It was the agreement to "make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law." This was a painful and costly act of obedience to God's command regarding separation from foreign influences, specifically the prohibition against intermarriage, which was seen as a direct threat to Israel's spiritual purity, covenant identity, and the very lineage through which the Messiah would come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 10:5, with its emphasis on a solemn oath for purification and covenant renewal, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Ezra compelled Israel to swear an oath to uphold the Mosaic Law and externally separate from defilement, Christ establishes a new and better covenant, not based on external performance or a sworn promise to obey a written code, but on internal transformation and the perfect obedience of the Son of God ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). The "word" that Ezra's generation swore to do was the Law, which, though holy and good, ultimately revealed humanity's inability to perfectly keep it and highlighted the desperate need for a more profound cleansing. Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, perfectly "did according to this word" of God's will, fulfilling the Law's righteous demands and offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to purify His people not just from external defilement but from the very power and presence of sin ([Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Our "oath" or covenant with God is now made in Christ, through faith and baptism, where we are united with Him, receiving forgiveness and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live a life of true holiness and obedience from the heart ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Sanctifies the Church")). Thus, the painful, external separation and sworn commitment of Ezra's day point forward to the glorious, internal purification and new creation accomplished by Christ, who makes us truly holy and eternally bound to God in an unbreakable covenant of grace, writing His law on our hearts ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy")).

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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 13:25

And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

Nehemiah 5:12

Then said they, We will restore [them], and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

Proverbs 9:9

Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

Matthew 26:63

But Jesus held his peace. And the high priest answered and said unto him, I adjure thee by the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be the Christ, the Son of God.

Proverbs 25:11

¶ A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Proverbs 25:12

[As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

Proverbs 15:23

¶ A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word [spoken] in due season, how good [is it]!