Ezra 10:17

and by the first day of the first month they had dealt with all the men who had married foreign women.

Study Bible

and by the first day of the first month
This phrase indicates a specific time frame, highlighting the urgency and importance of the task. The first month in the Hebrew calendar is Nisan, which corresponds to March-April in the Gregorian calendar. This timing is significant as it precedes the Passover, a time of purification and remembrance of deliverance from Egypt. The completion of this task by this date underscores the need for spiritual renewal and purity before such a significant religious observance. The first month also marks the beginning of the agricultural year, symbolizing new beginnings and a fresh start for the community.

they had dealt with all the men
The phrase "dealt with" suggests a thorough and systematic approach to addressing the issue of intermarriage with foreign women. This was not merely a casual or superficial examination but a comprehensive resolution. The leaders, under Ezra's guidance, took responsibility to ensure that the community adhered to the covenant laws. This reflects the seriousness with which the community viewed the potential threat of idolatry and cultural assimilation that these marriages represented. The process likely involved investigation, confession, and possibly the dissolution of these marriages, as seen in the broader context of Ezra 9-10.

who had married foreign women
The issue of marrying foreign women was a significant concern for the post-exilic Jewish community. These marriages were seen as a violation of the Mosaic Law, which prohibited intermarriage with the surrounding nations to prevent the Israelites from being led astray into idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The foreign women mentioned here were likely from the surrounding pagan nations, and their presence posed a threat to the religious purity and identity of the Jewish people. This concern is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as Nehemiah 13:23-27, where similar issues are addressed. The emphasis on separating from foreign influences can also be seen as a type of Christ, who calls His followers to be distinct and set apart from the world (John 17:14-16).

Persons / Places / Events

1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in the spiritual and religious reform of the Jewish people.

2. The Men of Israel
Refers to the Jewish men who had returned from exile and had married foreign women, which was against the Mosaic Law.

3. Foreign Women
Non-Israelite women whom the Jewish men had married, leading to religious and cultural complications.

4. Jerusalem
The central place of worship and the city where these events took place, symbolizing the heart of Jewish religious life.

5. The First Day of the First Month
This marks the completion of the investigation and resolution of the issue, symbolizing a new beginning and a return to covenant faithfulness.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God's Law
The importance of adhering to God's commandments, even when it requires difficult decisions and actions.

Community Accountability
The role of community leaders in guiding and correcting the people to ensure faithfulness to God's covenant.

Repentance and Renewal
The process of repentance involves not just confession but also tangible actions to rectify wrongs and restore covenant relationships.

Cultural and Spiritual Integrity
The need to maintain distinctiveness as God's people, avoiding influences that lead away from faithfulness to God.

Leadership in Crisis
Ezra's leadership exemplifies the courage and wisdom needed to address sin and lead people back to God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Ezra 10:17 teach us about the importance of obedience to God's commands, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. How does the resolution of the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10 reflect the broader biblical theme of repentance and renewal?

3. In what ways can we, as a community of believers, hold each other accountable to maintain spiritual integrity?

4. How can the leadership qualities demonstrated by Ezra be applied in our roles within our families, churches, and communities?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to align with God's will. How did this experience strengthen your faith and commitment to God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God, which directly relates to the issue addressed in Ezra 10.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, showing the ongoing struggle to maintain religious purity and obedience to God's commands.

Malachi 2:11
This verse condemns Judah for marrying the daughter of a foreign god, highlighting the spiritual unfaithfulness associated with such marriages.