Ezra 6:21

And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,

And the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which were come again {H7725} out of captivity {H1473}, and all such as had separated {H914} themselves unto them from the filthiness {H2932} of the heathen {H1471} of the land {H776}, to seek {H1875} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478}, did eat {H398},

The people of Isra'el who had returned from the exile and all those who had renounced the filthy practices of the nations living in the land in order to seek ADONAI the God of Isra'el, ate [the Pesach lamb]

The Israelites who had returned from exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to seek the LORD, the God of Israel.

And the children of Israel that were come again out of the captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek Jehovah, the God of Israel, did eat,

Commentary

Ezra 6:21 describes a significant moment of spiritual renewal and communal worship following the completion and dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This verse details who participated in the subsequent celebration, specifically the Passover, highlighting both the returning exiles and a unique group of converts.

Context

This verse immediately follows the joyous dedication of the rebuilt Temple, a momentous occasion after decades of exile in Babylon. The people of Israel, led by Zerubbabel and Joshua, had finally completed the monumental task of restoring God's house, as detailed in Ezra 6:16. Following the dedication, they observed the Passover, a foundational feast commemorating their deliverance from Egypt. Ezra 6:21 specifically identifies the participants in this sacred meal, emphasizing their spiritual readiness to partake.

Key Themes

  • Return and Restoration: The phrase "the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity" underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land after the Babylonian exile. This return was not just physical but also spiritual, marked by renewed devotion and a desire to re-establish their covenant relationship with God.
  • Purity and Separation: The text emphasizes "all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land." This highlights a crucial aspect of post-exilic Judaism: a strong commitment to spiritual purity and a distinct separation from the idolatrous practices and moral corruption of surrounding pagan cultures. The Hebrew term for "filthiness" (αΉ­um'ah) often refers to ritual impurity and defilement, particularly associated with idolatry. This act of separation was essential for their renewed worship.
  • Inclusion of Proselytes: Significantly, the verse notes the participation of non-Israelites who "separated themselves unto them." These individuals, likely Gentiles who renounced their former pagan ways, chose to align themselves with the God of Israel and His people. This demonstrates an early form of inclusion for those genuinely seeking the LORD, echoing principles found elsewhere in scripture regarding foreigners joining Israel and their commitment to God.
  • Seeking the LORD: The core motivation for both groups was "to seek the LORD God of Israel." This phrase encapsulates a renewed spiritual focus and commitment to covenant faithfulness, a theme central to the prophetic calls during and after the exile (e.g., Jeremiah 29:13). Their participation in the Passover was a tangible expression of this desire.

Practical Application

Ezra 6:21 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Firstly, it reminds us of the importance of spiritual separation from worldly influences and idolatry. Just as the returning exiles and proselytes distanced themselves from the "filthiness of the heathen," so too are Christians called to live distinctly from the prevailing culture when it contradicts God's standards. Secondly, it affirms that genuine faith and a desire to "seek the LORD" are paramount, regardless of one's background. The inclusion of those who "separated themselves" underscores God's welcoming nature to all who turn to Him in sincerity, demonstrating that His covenant community is open to all who truly desire to worship Him.

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Cross-References

  • Ezra 9:11

    Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.

  • Isaiah 52:11

    Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean [thing]; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:1

    ΒΆ Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

  • Ezra 9:1

    ΒΆ Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

  • Nehemiah 9:2

    And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.

  • Exodus 12:47

    All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

  • Exodus 12:49

    One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.
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