Ezra 9:12

KJV

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now therefore give {H5414} not your daughters {H1323} unto their sons {H1121}, neither take {H5375} their daughters {H1323} unto your sons {H1121}, nor seek {H1875} their peace {H7965} or their wealth {H2896} for {H5704} ever {H5769}: that ye may be strong {H2388}, and eat {H398} the good {H2898} of the land {H776}, and leave it for an inheritance {H3423} to your children {H1121} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, you are not to give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons; and you are not to promote their peace or prosperity ever. Only in this way will you grow strong, enjoy the good things of the land and leave it as a lasting inheritance to your children.'

Berean Standard Bible

Now, therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Never seek their peace or prosperity, so that you may be strong and may eat the good things of the land, leaving it as an inheritance to your sons forever.’

American Standard Version

now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their prosperity for ever; that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 9:12 presents a pivotal divine injunction to the post-exilic community of Israel, sternly prohibiting intermarriage and the pursuit of alliances with surrounding pagan nations. Recalled by Ezra in his profound prayer of confession, this command underscores the absolute necessity for Israel to preserve its spiritual distinctiveness and covenantal purity. The verse directly links obedience to this divine mandate with the promise of national strength, the secure enjoyment of the promised land's bounty, and the assurance of a lasting inheritance for future generations, thereby highlighting the profound intergenerational consequences of covenant faithfulness and disobedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 9:12 is a central component of Ezra's deeply emotional prayer of confession and lament, found in [Ezra 9](/ezra/9 "Ezra 9 - Ezra's Prayer of Confession"). This prayer is prompted by the distressing revelation that the returned exiles, despite God's miraculous restoration from Babylonian captivity, had committed the grievous sin of intermarrying with the idolatrous inhabitants of the land. Ezra's lament, which commences in [Ezra 9:5](/ezra/9-5 "Ezra 9:5 - Ezra's Prayer Begins"), serves as a poignant reminder of Israel's recurring pattern of disobedience and God's consistent warnings against such spiritual compromise. Verse 12 specifically reiterates God's commands previously delivered through His prophets, emphasizing the divine prohibition against forming marital and social ties with pagan nations. This recollection starkly highlights the severity of the people's transgression and their direct violation of long-standing covenant stipulations, thereby setting the crucial theological and narrative stage for the decisive actions taken to address this sin in [Ezra 10](/ezra/10 "Ezra 10 - Dealing with Intermarriage").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events described in Ezra 9 unfold during the post-exilic period, approximately in the mid-5th century BC, following the initial return of Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. At this time, the community was actively engaged in rebuilding the temple and re-establishing their societal and religious life under the overarching authority of the Persian Empire. The "peoples of the lands" referenced in the text—such as the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites, and Philistines—were the non-Israelite populations residing in Canaan and its adjacent territories, characterized by their polytheistic worship and morally corrupt practices. In the broader ancient Near East, intermarriage was a common strategic tool employed to forge political alliances, consolidate power, and facilitate community integration. However, for Israel, such unions were explicitly forbidden by the Mosaic Law, as clearly articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage"). This prohibition was rooted in the understanding that intermarriage would inevitably lead to spiritual syncretism and idolatry, thereby directly imperiling Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. The land of Israel itself was an indispensable element of God's covenant promise to Abraham, and the secure dwelling within it was strictly contingent upon the nation's unwavering obedience to God's commands.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 9:12 powerfully encapsulates several foundational theological and narrative themes that resonate throughout the book of Ezra and the broader Old Testament. A paramount theme is **Covenant Fidelity and Distinctiveness**, underscoring Israel's unique identity as a people chosen by God, set apart exclusively for His worship. Intermarriage represented a direct assault on this distinctiveness, leading to the compromise of **Spiritual Purity and Holiness**, as foreign spouses and their families would inevitably introduce idolatrous practices, a danger explicitly warned against in [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land"). The verse also highlights the profound **Consequences of Disobedience and Blessings of Obedience**, a recurring motif deeply embedded in Deuteronomic theology. The Babylonian exile itself served as a stark consequence of Israel's historical failures to maintain separation and faithfulness, particularly concerning idolatry. Conversely, the promise of national strength, the enjoyment of the land's bounty, and a lasting inheritance vividly illustrate the **Material and Generational Blessings** that flow directly from covenant faithfulness, echoing the comprehensive promises detailed in [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). Finally, the verse profoundly speaks to the **Intergenerational Impact of Choices**, demonstrating how the spiritual decisions made by one generation directly influence the well-being, security, and inheritance of subsequent generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** H7965. More than merely the absence of conflict, _shâlôwm_ encompasses a comprehensive sense of wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and covenantal alliance. To "seek their peace" implies pursuing their welfare, entering into treaties or close relationships, or desiring their overall prosperity. In this context, it explicitly forbids any pursuit of alliance or benefit from these nations that would compromise Israel's spiritual integrity or covenantal distinctiveness.
* **Wealth (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** H2896. This term refers to goodness, prosperity, or material advantage. To "seek their wealth" means to pursue material gain, economic advantage, or any worldly benefit through association or alliance with these pagan nations. The prohibition extends beyond marital ties to any form of close interaction driven by a desire for worldly advantage, recognizing that such pursuits would inevitably lead to spiritual defilement and a departure from God's commands.
* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _yârash'_):** H3423. This term denotes a possession, heritage, or legacy, most notably referring to the promised land of Canaan, which was God's sovereign gift to Israel. The promise of leaving the land as an "inheritance to your children for ever" directly links the spiritual act of separation and obedience to the physical, tangible blessing of secure and perpetual dwelling in the covenant land, emphasizing the long-term, intergenerational consequences of faithfulness to God's commands.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons":** This is the foundational and emphatic prohibition against intermarriage, stated reciprocally to comprehensively cover both Israelite men marrying foreign women and Israelite women marrying foreign men. This command was not rooted in racial prejudice but in the profound spiritual danger of idolatry and syncretism that such unions inevitably introduced, directly threatening Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh and their identity as a holy nation.
* **"nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever":** This clause significantly expands the scope of the prohibition beyond merely marital ties to include any form of close alliance, treaty, or pursuit of benefit (whether political, economic, or social) from these pagan nations. The phrase "for ever" underscores the absolute and perpetual nature of this separation, indicating that any such interaction was deemed a fundamental compromise of Israel's distinct identity and unwavering faith in Yahweh alone.
* **"that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever":** This final clause articulates the profound blessings contingent upon strict obedience to the preceding commands. To be "strong" implies not only national resilience but also spiritual vitality and divine favor; to "eat the good of the land" signifies abundant prosperity and the secure enjoyment of the land's bounty; and to "leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever" guarantees a secure, lasting heritage in the promised land for all future generations. These blessings powerfully highlight the direct and unbreakable link between covenant faithfulness, national well-being, and a secure, prosperous future.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 9:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its urgent and profound message with clarity and impact. The structure "give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons" is a classic example of **negative parallelism**, where the same prohibition is expressed twice in a balanced, contrasting form to emphasize the comprehensive and absolute nature of the command against intermarriage. The phrase "peace or their wealth" functions as a **merism**, a figure of speech where two contrasting parts represent a complete whole, signifying the totality of their welfare, prosperity, or benefits. This implies that no aspect of their worldly advantage or alliance should be sought by Israel. The entire latter half of the verse, "that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever," constitutes a clear **conditional promise**, explicitly linking the blessings of strength, prosperity, and a lasting inheritance to the condition of unwavering obedience to God's commands. This structure is a foundational principle of covenant theology throughout the Old Testament. Furthermore, the verse is delivered within the broader context of Ezra's deeply felt **lament** and **confession**, imbuing it with a tone of profound sorrow, urgency, and a solemn recognition of the very commands that have been so grievously violated by the people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 9:12 articulates a timeless and foundational theological principle: the absolute imperative for God's people to maintain spiritual distinctiveness and purity. For ancient Israel, this mandate translated into a strict separation from the idolatrous practices and corrupting influences of surrounding nations, particularly through the prohibition of intermarriage and entangling alliances. This command was not merely a social or racial injunction but a profound spiritual one, meticulously designed to preserve the integrity of their unique covenant with Yahweh and to prevent the spiritual syncretism that had historically led to their downfall and exile. The promise of strength, prosperity within the land, and a lasting inheritance underscores God's deep desire for His people's flourishing, a flourishing inextricably linked to their faithfulness and obedience. This verse serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that spiritual compromise carries severe, often intergenerational, consequences, while unwavering fidelity to God's commands brings forth enduring and abundant blessings.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage")
* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenants with Inhabitants of the Land")
* [Nehemiah 13:23-27](/nehemiah/13-23 "Nehemiah 13:23-27 - Nehemiah's Action Against Mixed Marriages")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific historical and covenantal context of Ezra 9:12 applies uniquely to ancient Israel and their struggle against pervasive idolatry, its underlying principles hold profound and enduring relevance for believers today. We are called to live as a distinct people, sanctified and set apart for God's holy purposes, actively resisting conformity to the patterns and values of this fallen world. This demands a vigilant exercise of discernment in all our relationships and alliances, particularly in the sacred covenant of marriage, ensuring that our spiritual integrity and unwavering commitment to Christ are never compromised. The command not to "seek their peace or their wealth" challenges us to critically examine our deepest motivations: are we pursuing worldly advantages, social popularity, or material gain at the expense of our faith, our values, and our obedience to God? Our choices today carry profound intergenerational consequences; maintaining a strong, uncompromised faith is not merely for our personal benefit but is crucial for leaving a godly inheritance of faith, character, and spiritual vitality for our children and future generations. True strength, lasting blessing, and genuine security are found not in worldly alliances or temporal pursuits, but in unwavering obedience and steadfast fidelity to God alone.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life might I be tempted to compromise my spiritual distinctiveness for worldly "peace" or "wealth"?**
* **How do my current choices and relationships actively impact the spiritual inheritance I am building and leaving for future generations?**
* **What practical and intentional steps can I take to ensure that my closest relationships and alliances are fully aligned with my deepest commitment to Christ and His kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Why was intermarriage such a severe sin for ancient Israel?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, intermarriage was not primarily a racial or social issue, but a profound spiritual one, directly threatening their unique covenant identity. God had chosen Israel to be a holy nation, set apart to worship Him alone and to be a beacon of His truth to the world. Marrying individuals from pagan cultures inevitably led to the introduction of foreign gods, idolatrous practices, and a dangerous dilution of Israel's unique covenant relationship with Yahweh. As explicitly stated in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - The Danger of Intermarriage"), the concern was that "they will turn away thy son from following me, that they may serve other gods." This spiritual compromise threatened the very foundation of their relationship with Yahweh and historically led to national apostasy, divine judgment, and ultimately, exile, as vividly seen in the periods of the Judges and the divided monarchy.

**Does this verse mean Christians should not associate with non-believers?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for complete social isolation from non-believers. While the Old Testament command for Israel was specific to their unique covenant and the pervasive idolatry of their neighbors, the New Testament calls Christians to be "in the world but not of the world" ([John 17:15-16](/john/17-15 "John 17:15-16 - Jesus' Prayer for His Disciples")). We are commanded to be salt and light, actively influencing our communities for Christ ([Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")). However, the underlying principle of avoiding "unequal yoking" ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")) remains vitally important. This applies especially to marriage and deep, binding partnerships (such as business or spiritual ventures) where differing core values, ultimate loyalties, and life goals could lead to spiritual compromise, hinder one's walk with God, or undermine the ability to raise children in the Christian faith. The emphasis is on protecting one's spiritual integrity and maintaining a distinct Christian witness, not on withdrawing from society.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra 9:12, with its profound emphasis on separation for holiness and the promise of strength and inheritance, finds its ultimate fulfillment and reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant necessitated a physical and social separation from pagan nations to preserve Israel's unique identity and their inheritance in the promised land, the New Covenant calls believers to a spiritual separation from the world's fallen values, systems, and spiritual darkness. This spiritual distinctiveness is not achieved through human effort or legalistic adherence but is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who sanctifies and transforms us. Jesus Christ Himself is the true "good of the land" and the ultimate "inheritance" for believers, as we are graciously made co-heirs with Him in God's eternal kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Our "strength" is no longer derived from national purity or worldly alliances, but from Christ alone, who enables us to do all things through Him who strengthens us ([Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ")). The "peace" and "wealth" we are forbidden to seek from the world are transcended by the true peace that Christ provides—a peace that surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"))—and the immeasurable spiritual riches we have in Him, including every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). The New Testament call to holiness is not about outward legalistic separation, but about an internal transformation that makes us temples of the Holy Spirit ([1 Corinthians 6:19-20](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Your Body is a Temple of the Holy Spirit")), enabling us to live distinctly in a fallen world as compelling witnesses to the gospel, all made possible through the atoning work of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Deuteronomy 7:3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

Deuteronomy 23:6

Thou shalt not seek their peace nor their prosperity all thy days for ever.

Joshua 23:12

Else if ye do in any wise go back, and cleave unto the remnant of these nations, [even] these that remain among you, and shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you:

Joshua 23:13

Know for a certainty that the LORD your God will no more drive out [any of] these nations from before you; but they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourges in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until ye perish from off this good land which the LORD your God hath given you.

Proverbs 13:22

¶ A good [man] leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner [is] laid up for the just.

Exodus 34:15

Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

Exodus 34:16

And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.