Ezra 9:14

KJV

Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed [us], so that [there should be] no remnant nor escaping?

KJV (with Strong's)

Should we again {H7725} break {H6565} thy commandments {H4687}, and join in affinity {H2859} with the people {H5971} of these abominations {H8441}? wouldest not thou be angry {H599} with us till thou hadst consumed {H3615} us, so that there should be no remnant {H7611} nor escaping {H6413}?

Complete Jewish Bible

are we to break your mitzvot again by making marriages with the peoples who have these disgusting practices? Won't you become so angry with us that you would destroy us completely, so that there would be no surviving remnant and no one who escapes?

Berean Standard Bible

shall we again break Your commandments and intermarry with the peoples who commit these abominations? Would You not become so angry with us as to wipe us out, leaving no remnant or survivor?

American Standard Version

shall we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 9:14 encapsulates the profound anguish and rhetorical desperation of Ezra the scribe, who confronts the spiritual infidelity of the returned Jewish exiles. This verse, a poignant question posed to God, expresses Ezra's deep fear that the people's repeated and deliberate disobedience—specifically their intermarriage with pagan nations—will provoke God's righteous wrath to such an extent that He will utterly consume them, leaving no survivors or remnant. It highlights the dire consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the justness of divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic rhetorical question within Ezra's extended prayer of confession and lament, found in [Ezra 9:6-15](/ezra/9-6 "Ezra's Prayer of Confession"). Ezra has just arrived in Jerusalem, leading a second wave of exiles, only to discover the grievous sin of intermarriage among the returnees, including priests and Levites ([Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "The Sin of Intermarriage Discovered")). His immediate and visceral reaction—tearing his garment and cloak, pulling hair from his head and beard, and sitting appalled until the evening sacrifice ([Ezra 9:3-5](/ezra/9-3 "Ezra's Reaction to the Sin"))—precedes this heartfelt prayer. The prayer itself is a corporate confession, acknowledging Israel's long history of sin, God's just punishments (like the Babylonian exile), and the current egregious breach of the covenant. Verse 14 serves as the emotional and theological peak of his plea, articulating the ultimate fear of complete annihilation due to persistent rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, likely around 458 BC, during the Persian period. The Jewish people had returned from Babylonian captivity, a judgment that had befallen them precisely because of idolatry and covenant unfaithfulness. The prohibition against intermarriage with surrounding pagan peoples was a foundational command, critical for maintaining Israel's distinct identity as God's holy nation and preventing a relapse into idolatry and pagan practices ([Deuteronomy 7:1-4](/deuteronomy/7-1 "Deuteronomy 7:1-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage")). The surrounding nations (Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites, as listed in [Ezra 9:1](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1 - List of Pagan Peoples")) practiced various abominations, including idolatry, child sacrifice, and sexual immorality, which God strictly forbade. For the returnees to engage in such alliances was not merely a social misstep but a direct betrayal of their covenant with Yahweh, threatening to reintroduce the very spiritual corruption that led to the exile.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 9:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Consequences of Disobedience**, illustrating that persistent rebellion against God's explicit commands inevitably leads to severe divine judgment, threatening the very existence of the covenant community. Secondly, it highlights the paramount importance of **Holiness and Separation**, emphasizing God's call for His people to remain distinct from the defiling practices of the surrounding nations to preserve their spiritual purity and unique identity as His chosen people, a theme echoed throughout the Pentateuch, such as in [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to **Covenant Fidelity**, demonstrating that the act of "joining in affinity" was a profound breach of the covenant God established with Israel, risking the complete abrogation of His promises and the loss of the "remnant." Finally, Ezra's rhetorical question implicitly affirms **Divine Justice**, acknowledging that God's anger and the potential for complete consumption would be entirely righteous and deserved given the people's repeated and unrepentant transgressions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Affinity (Hebrew, _ḥātan'_):** This word (חתן) specifically refers to becoming a son-in-law or daughter-in-law, hence "to intermarry" or "to form a marital alliance." Its use here emphasizes the deep, relational bond being forged through marriage, which was the primary means of assimilation and the most direct threat to Israel's distinct spiritual and ethnic identity. It highlights that the sin was not merely casual association but the most intimate form of union with those engaged in "abominations."
* **Abominations (Hebrew, _tôʿēḇāh'_):** The term (תועבה) is a strong theological word used throughout the Old Testament to describe practices, beliefs, or objects that are utterly detestable and abhorrent to God. It often refers to idolatry, pagan rituals, and various forms of sexual immorality. In the context of intermarriage, it signifies that the pagan peoples' way of life, their gods, and their customs were anathema to Yahweh, and by joining with them, Israel was embracing what God explicitly condemned.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _kālâ'_):** This verb (כלה) means "to finish," "to complete," "to bring to an end," or "to utterly destroy." In this context, it carries the connotation of complete annihilation or utter destruction, implying that God's wrath would be so intense and thorough that it would leave no survivors, no "remnant," and no possibility of escape. Ezra fears a final, irreversible judgment that would obliterate the nation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations?"**: This is the first part of Ezra's rhetorical question, expressing incredulity and deep dismay. The word "again" (הֲנָשׁוּב) highlights the cyclical nature of Israel's sin, particularly their repeated failure to adhere to God's covenant laws despite previous judgments (like the exile). "Break thy commandments" refers to their direct violation of God's statutes, specifically the prohibition against intermarriage. "Join in affinity with the people of these abominations" pinpoints the exact nature of their transgression: forging intimate, covenantal bonds (marriages) with those whose very existence and practices were an affront to God. This part of the question underscores the gravity and deliberateness of their sin.
* **"wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed [us],"**: This is the second part of the rhetorical question, anticipating God's inevitable and righteous response. Ezra does not question *if* God would be angry, but rather affirms that His anger would be a just and necessary consequence. The phrase "till thou hadst consumed [us]" conveys the terrifying extent of this anticipated wrath—a complete and utter destruction, a final end to their existence as a people. It reflects a profound understanding of God's holiness and His intolerance for persistent sin within His covenant community.
* **"so that [there should be] no remnant nor escaping?"**: This final clause describes the ultimate, terrifying outcome of God's consuming wrath. The fear of "no remnant" is particularly poignant, as the concept of a preserved remnant was a recurring theme of hope in prophetic literature, signifying God's faithfulness to His promises despite Israel's failures. Ezra's fear here suggests that the current sin is so egregious, so utterly defiant, that it might even exhaust God's patience to preserve a small portion of His people. "Nor escaping" reinforces the idea of total, inescapable judgment, leaving no one to carry on the line or the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 9:14 is primarily structured as a **Rhetorical Question**. This device is employed not to solicit an answer from God, but to emphasize the undeniable truth and the profound despair felt by the speaker. Ezra uses it to highlight the utter foolishness and catastrophic implications of the people's actions, making the inevitable divine judgment seem self-evident. The question functions as a powerful lament and confession, articulating the logical consequence of their sin. Furthermore, the language of "consumed," "no remnant," and "no escaping" employs **Hyperbole** and vivid **Imagery** of destruction. While God is just and does punish sin, the starkness of Ezra's language conveys the intensity of his fear and the perceived severity of the people's transgression, magnifying the potential for complete annihilation. This serves to underscore the gravity of their covenant breach and the terrifying prospect of God's unmitigated wrath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra's desperate rhetorical question in Ezra 9:14 cuts to the core of Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. The repeated breaking of God's commandments, especially through intermarriage with those practicing "abominations," was not a minor infraction but a direct assault on the very identity and purpose of God's chosen people. The fear of "no remnant nor escaping" reflects a profound understanding of God's holiness and His righteous judgment against sin, a judgment that had already manifested in the Babylonian exile. This verse underscores the conditional nature of the covenant blessings, where continued fidelity was necessary for the nation's well-being and survival. Ezra's anguish highlights the tension between God's justice, which demands a response to sin, and His mercy, which had consistently preserved a remnant. The severity of the sin threatened to exhaust even that divine mercy, leading to a complete and final end.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Prohibition of Intermarriage") - Explicitly prohibits intermarriage with the surrounding nations due to the danger of leading Israel into idolatry.
* [Exodus 34:15-16](/exodus/34-15 "Exodus 34:15-16 - Warning Against Covenant with Inhabitants of the Land") - Warns against making a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest their daughters lead Israel's sons to prostitute themselves after their gods.
* [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - The Preservation of a Remnant") - Illustrates God's mercy in preserving a small remnant of Israel, preventing complete destruction, a concept Ezra fears is now jeopardized.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 9:14 serves as a potent and enduring warning for believers across all generations regarding the gravity of spiritual compromise and the imperative of maintaining purity in our walk with God. While the specific command against intermarriage was for ancient Israel, the underlying principle of avoiding intimate alliances that could corrupt our faith and draw us away from God remains profoundly relevant. This extends beyond marital relationships to business partnerships, deep friendships, and even cultural engagements where our core values and commitment to Christ might be diluted or compromised. Ezra's visceral reaction to the sin of his people, and his fear of God's consuming wrath, should awaken within us a healthy reverence for God's holiness and a serious consideration of the consequences of our own disobedience. It calls us to a vigilant self-assessment, asking where we might be "joining in affinity" with the "abominations" of our contemporary world, whether through idolatry of wealth, pursuit of worldly approval, or compromise of biblical truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "joining in affinity" with values or practices that are an "abomination" to God, even subtly?**
* **How seriously do I take my own sin, and do I truly fear the consequences of persistent disobedience to God's commands?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate greater spiritual purity and ensure my relationships and pursuits align with God's will?**
* **How does Ezra's deep anguish over the sin of others challenge or inspire my own concern for the spiritual state of my community or the church?**

### FAQ

**Why was intermarriage such a severe sin for ancient Israel, warranting such a strong reaction from Ezra?**

Answer: Intermarriage was not merely a social or cultural issue; it was a profound theological breach of the covenant God made with Israel. God had chosen Israel to be a holy nation, set apart from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding peoples. The prohibition against intermarriage, articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Warning Against Intermarriage"), was designed to prevent spiritual assimilation. Marrying into pagan families inevitably led to the adoption of their gods and customs, corrupting Israel's worship of Yahweh and leading them into idolatry, which was the primary sin that had led to the Babylonian exile in the first place. Ezra understood that this sin directly threatened Israel's unique identity as God's people and jeopardized their very existence as the custodians of God's covenant and promises.

**Did God truly intend to "consume" Israel entirely, leaving "no remnant," as Ezra feared?**

Answer: Ezra's question reflects his deep anguish and a profound understanding of God's righteous anger against sin, especially repeated and deliberate covenant breaking. While God's justice demands a response to sin, His character also includes mercy and faithfulness to His promises. Throughout Israel's history, God consistently preserved a "remnant" despite their unfaithfulness, as seen in prophecies like [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - The Preservation of a Remnant"). Ezra's fear of "no remnant" highlights the extreme gravity of the sin, suggesting that the people had pushed God's patience to its absolute limit. Ultimately, God did not utterly consume them, demonstrating His enduring faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people were unfaithful. Ezra's prayer, though expressing fear, was also an act of confession and repentance, which often precedes God's mercy.

**How does this verse apply to Christians today, given that we are not under the Old Testament Mosaic Law?**

Answer: While Christians are not bound by the specific Mosaic Law regarding intermarriage with specific ethnic groups, the underlying principle of spiritual purity and avoiding compromising alliances remains highly relevant. The New Testament warns against being "unequally yoked with unbelievers" ([2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")), a principle that extends beyond marriage to any close association that might compromise one's faith, values, or commitment to Christ. Ezra 9:14 reminds us of the seriousness of sin, the importance of holiness, and the potential spiritual consequences of allowing worldly influences to corrupt our devotion to God. It calls us to examine our relationships, decisions, and cultural engagements to ensure they align with biblical principles and do not lead us away from God's commands.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra's desperate cry in [Ezra 9:14](/ezra/9-14 "Ezra 9:14 - Ezra's Fear of Utter Consumption")—fearing complete consumption and the loss of any "remnant" due to Israel's profound unfaithfulness—finds its ultimate and glorious answer in Jesus Christ. The very problem of sin, which provoked God's righteous anger and threatened to annihilate His people, is definitively addressed in the person and work of the Messiah. Christ is the true and faithful Israelite, the perfect "remnant" who perfectly obeyed God's commandments where Israel failed. His sacrificial death on the cross serves as the ultimate atonement for sin, absorbing the consuming wrath of God that Ezra so rightly feared ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ as Propitiation") and [1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). Through His resurrection, Christ established a new covenant, creating a spiritual "remnant"—the Church—comprising all who believe in Him, regardless of ethnic background ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ")). In Christ, the fear of utter consumption is replaced by the promise of eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), and the call to holiness, once impossible for a fallen humanity, is now empowered by the indwelling Spirit ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - The Righteous Requirement of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, Christ is the fulfillment of God's promise to preserve a people for Himself, securing a remnant not through their own fragile obedience, but through His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice.

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 9:8

Also in Horeb ye provoked the LORD to wrath, so that the LORD was angry with you to have destroyed you.

Ezra 9:2

For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of [those] lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass.

Deuteronomy 9:14

Let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under heaven: and I will make of thee a nation mightier and greater than they.

Exodus 32:10

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

John 5:14

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

Romans 6:1

¶ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

Judges 2:2

And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?