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.

For they have taken {H5375} of their daughters {H1323} for themselves, and for their sons {H1121}: so that the holy {H6944} seed {H2233} have mingled {H6148} themselves with the people {H5971} of those lands {H776}: yea, the hand {H3027} of the princes {H8269} and rulers {H5461} hath been chief {H7223} in this trespass {H4604}.

They have taken some of the women from these nations as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has assimilated to the peoples of the lands; moreover, the officials and leaders have been the main offenders in this treachery."

Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!”

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

Commentary

Context of Ezra 9:2

Ezra 9:2 is part of a pivotal moment in the post-exilic history of Israel. Following their return from Babylonian captivity, the people were meant to re-establish themselves as a holy nation dedicated to God. Ezra, a priest and scribe, arrives in Jerusalem and is confronted with a grievous sin: the people, including many leaders, had intermarried with the surrounding pagan nations. This verse specifically highlights the depth of this spiritual compromise, which directly violated God's covenant commands given through Moses, intended to preserve Israel's unique identity and prevent assimilation into idolatrous practices. The revelation of this widespread sin prompts Ezra's intense grief and leads to his profound prayer of confession, beginning in Ezra 9:5.

Meaning of Ezra 9:2

This verse bluntly states the transgression: "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."

  • Intermarriage and Violation: The phrase "taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons" refers to the forbidden practice of Israelites marrying foreign women and allowing their sons to marry foreign daughters. This was a clear violation of God's law, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 7:3-4, which warned against such unions due to their inevitable spiritual corruption.
  • The "Holy Seed": The term "holy seed" (Hebrew: zera ha-kodesh) is crucial. It refers to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – the chosen people of God, set apart and consecrated for His purposes. Their identity was rooted in their covenant relationship with Yahweh. The act of "mingling themselves with the people of those lands" signifies the defilement and spiritual contamination of this distinct, consecrated lineage.
  • Leadership's Culpability: The most shocking revelation in this verse is that "the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass." This indicates that those in positions of authority, who should have been guardians of God's law and examples of righteousness, were instead leading the way in this sin. Their participation made the transgression even more severe, as it undermined the moral and spiritual fabric of the entire community.

Key Themes

  • Separation and Purity: A central theme is God's unwavering call for His people to remain distinct and pure. Israel's identity as a "holy nation" was paramount, requiring separation from pagan practices and influences to maintain their unique relationship with God.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: The intermarriage was a direct breach of the covenant God established with Israel. Their disobedience threatened to repeat the cycles of apostasy and judgment that had led to the Babylonian exile.
  • Leadership Accountability: The verse powerfully highlights the immense responsibility of leaders. When those in authority fail to uphold God's standards and even initiate sin, the consequences for the entire community are dire.
  • Spiritual Compromise: The act of intermarriage symbolized a deeper spiritual compromise, where the people were allowing worldly influences to erode their devotion to God and embrace practices that led to idolatry.

Practical Application

Ezra 9:2 carries timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Maintain Spiritual Distinction: Just as Israel was called to be a "holy seed," believers are called to be distinct from the world. This doesn't mean physical isolation, but rather maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding influences that could compromise one's faith and devotion to God. The principle of not being "unequally yoked" (2 Corinthians 6:14) remains highly relevant, especially in marriage and close partnerships.
  • Importance of Wise Relationships: The choices we make in relationships, particularly marriage, have profound spiritual implications. Marrying someone who does not share one's commitment to Christ can lead to spiritual compromise and straying from God's path.
  • Leadership by Example: This verse serves as a stark reminder for all leaders, whether in the church, family, or community, of the critical importance of setting a godly example. Leaders are held to a higher standard, and their actions can either inspire faithfulness or lead to widespread spiritual decline.
  • Consequences of Compromise: Spiritual compromise, even in seemingly small areas, can have far-reaching and devastating consequences. It underscores the need for constant vigilance, repentance, and a steadfast commitment to God's Word.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 13:23 (8 votes)

    ¶ In those days also saw I Jews [that] had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, [and] of Moab:

  • Nehemiah 13:24 (8 votes)

    And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

  • Exodus 34:16 (6 votes)

    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.

  • Ezra 10:18 (6 votes)

    And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: [namely], of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.

  • Ezra 10:44 (6 votes)

    All these had taken strange wives: and [some] of them had wives by whom they had children.

  • Deuteronomy 7:6 (6 votes)

    For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

  • Deuteronomy 7:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ When the LORD thy God shall bring thee into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, and the Girgashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier than thou;