Ezra 9:1

¶ 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.

Now when these things were done {H3615}, the princes {H8269} came {H5066} to me, saying {H559}, The people {H5971} of Israel {H3478}, and the priests {H3548}, and the Levites {H3881}, have not separated {H914} themselves from the people {H5971} of the lands {H776}, doing according to their abominations {H8441}, even of the Canaanites {H3669}, the Hittites {H2850}, the Perizzites {H6522}, the Jebusites {H2983}, the Ammonites {H5984}, the Moabites {H4125}, the Egyptians {H4713}, and the Amorites {H567}.

After these things had been done, the leaders approached me and said, "The people of Isra'el, the cohanim and the L'vi'im have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands and their disgusting practices - the Kena'ani, Hitti, P'rizi, Y'vusi, 'Amoni, Mo'avi, Egyptians and Emori.

After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites.

Now when these things were done, the princes drew near unto me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples 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.

Commentary

Context of Ezra 9:1

Ezra 9:1 marks a critical turning point in the post-exilic period, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. The preceding chapters (Ezra 7-8) detail Ezra's journey to Jerusalem with a second wave of returnees, bearing significant resources for the temple and armed with a commission from King Artaxerxes to re-establish the Mosaic Law. The initial return under Zerubbabel had focused on rebuilding the Temple and the city walls. However, despite these physical reconstructions, the spiritual purity of the community remained compromised. This verse begins with "Now when these things were done," referring to Ezra's successful arrival and initial reforms, setting the stage for a shocking revelation that would deeply distress him and the faithful remnant.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Failure of Separation: The central issue is the failure of the Israelites, including priests and Levites, to remain separate from the surrounding pagan peoples. This was a direct violation of God's covenant commands, given repeatedly since the time of Moses, to prevent the adoption of idolatrous practices and ensure Israel's distinct identity as a holy nation.
  • Spiritual Compromise: The phrase "doing according to their abominations" highlights the adoption of the detestable practices of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. These "abominations" encompassed a wide range of immoral and idolatrous customs, which had historically led Israel astray and were a primary cause of their previous exile. The mention of specific ethnic groups underscores the pervasive nature of the problem, as these were the very peoples whose influence God had commanded Israel to avoid.
  • Leadership Responsibility: The "princes" bringing this grave report to Ezra emphasizes the role of leadership in recognizing and addressing spiritual failings within the community. Their concern indicates a remnant sensitive to God's law and the spiritual health of the nation.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Separated themselves" (Hebrew: badal): This verb signifies to divide, distinguish, or set apart. It conveys the fundamental biblical principle of holiness – being set apart for God's purposes and distinct from the world's defilements. The failure to badal was a profound spiritual lapse.
  • "Abominations" (Hebrew: to'evah): This strong term denotes something abhorrent, detestable, or an outrage to God. It specifically refers to practices God forbids, often including idolatry, sexual immorality, and child sacrifice, which were characteristic of the named pagan nations (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:9-12).

Practical Application

Ezra 9:1 serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of spiritual purity and separation for believers today. Just as ancient Israel was called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, Christians are called to be "not conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2). This doesn't mean physical isolation, but rather a commitment to living according to God's standards, avoiding the "abominations" of the surrounding culture, whether they be materialism, moral relativism, or idolatry in its modern forms. The verse challenges us to examine our own lives and associations, ensuring that our spiritual identity is not compromised by ungodly influences, and to uphold God's standards of holiness in our communities.

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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 18:24 (6 votes)

    Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you:

  • Leviticus 18:30 (6 votes)

    Therefore shall ye keep mine ordinance, that [ye] commit not [any one] of these abominable customs, which were committed before you, and that ye defile not yourselves therein: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • Nehemiah 9:2 (5 votes)

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

  • Deuteronomy 12:30 (3 votes)

    Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.

  • Deuteronomy 12:31 (3 votes)

    Thou shalt not do so unto the LORD thy God: for every abomination to the LORD, which he hateth, have they done unto their gods; for even their sons and their daughters they have burnt in the fire to their gods.

  • Exodus 33:16 (3 votes)

    For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? [is it] not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

  • Romans 2:17 (3 votes)

    ¶ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,