Ezra 10:29

From the descendants of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth.

Study Bible

From the descendants of Bani:
The mention of Bani's descendants highlights the importance of genealogies in Jewish culture, emphasizing family lineage and tribal affiliation. Bani is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with those returning from exile. This reflects the restoration of Israel's identity post-exile, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah.

Meshullam:
Meshullam is a common name in the post-exilic community, appearing in various roles throughout Ezra and Nehemiah. The name means "friend" or "ally," suggesting a person of trust and reliability. Meshullam's presence in this list indicates his involvement in the covenant renewal and the community's commitment to purity and obedience to God's law.

Malluch:
Malluch is another name found in the lists of returnees and those who took foreign wives. The repetition of such names underscores the widespread issue of intermarriage and the need for reform. Malluch's inclusion signifies the collective responsibility of the community to uphold the covenant.

Adaiah:
Adaiah, meaning "Yahweh has adorned," is a name that appears in various genealogies, indicating a connection to priestly or Levitical lines. This connection highlights the religious significance of the reforms and the emphasis on returning to proper worship practices.

Jashub:
Jashub, meaning "he will return," is a name that resonates with the theme of repentance and restoration. It reflects the hope and expectation of returning to God's favor through obedience and separation from foreign influences.

Sheal:
Sheal is a less common name, but its inclusion in this list emphasizes the thoroughness of the reform efforts. Each individual and family was accountable for their actions, reinforcing the communal aspect of repentance and renewal.

Jeremoth:
Jeremoth, meaning "heights," may symbolize the aspiration to rise above past failures and return to a state of holiness. The name's presence in this context serves as a reminder of the spiritual elevation sought through adherence to God's commands and the rejection of foreign entanglements.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Bani
A family or clan within the tribe of Israel. The descendants of Bani were among those who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Law of Moses.

2. Meshullam
One of the descendants of Bani who is listed as having taken a foreign wife. His name means "friend" or "ally" in Hebrew.

3. Malluch
Another descendant of Bani, also involved in the issue of intermarriage. His name means "counselor" or "king" in Hebrew.

4. Adaiah
A descendant of Bani, part of the group needing to repent and rectify their actions. His name means "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has made."

5. Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth
Other descendants of Bani, each implicated in the same issue of intermarriage. Their names respectively mean "he will return," "asked for," and "he is exalted."

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' disobedience in marrying foreign wives highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands. This serves as a reminder to prioritize God's instructions in our lives.

Repentance and Restoration
The actions taken by the descendants of Bani to rectify their disobedience demonstrate the power of repentance and the possibility of restoration with God.

Community Accountability
The communal response to the issue of intermarriage shows the importance of holding each other accountable in faith communities.

The Influence of Relationships
The passage underscores the impact that relationships can have on one's spiritual life, encouraging believers to choose relationships that honor God.

God's Faithfulness
Despite the people's failures, God's faithfulness remains, offering hope and a path to redemption for those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the descendants of Bani about the consequences of disobedience to God's commands?

2. How does the community's response in Ezra 10 inform our understanding of accountability within the church today?

3. In what ways can we apply the principle of repentance and restoration in our personal lives?

4. How do the prohibitions against intermarriage in the Old Testament relate to the New Testament teachings on being "unequally yoked"?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our relationships are aligned with God's will and purpose for our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 9
This chapter provides the context for Ezra 10, where Ezra learns about the intermarriages and prays for the people's repentance.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
These verses outline the prohibition against intermarriage with foreign nations, which is the root issue addressed in Ezra 10.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, showing the ongoing struggle to maintain the purity of the Israelite community.