Ezra 10:3

So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law.

Study Bible

So now let us make a covenant before our God
This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of the situation and the need for a formal agreement or promise. In biblical times, covenants were solemn agreements often sealed with sacrifices or oaths. The idea of making a covenant "before our God" underscores the religious and moral obligation involved. Covenants in the Bible often signify a return to faithfulness, as seen in the covenants with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. This reflects a communal commitment to align with God's will, reminiscent of Joshua's covenant renewal at Shechem (Joshua 24:25).

to send away all the foreign wives and their children
The issue of intermarriage with foreign women was a significant concern for the Israelites, as it often led to idolatry and a departure from the worship of Yahweh. This directive to send away foreign wives and children is rooted in the desire to maintain religious purity and obedience to God's commands. Historically, this reflects the post-exilic community's struggle to re-establish their identity and faithfulness to the Mosaic Law. The action is controversial and highlights the tension between cultural integration and religious exclusivity, similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 7:3-4.

according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God
This phrase indicates that the decision was not made unilaterally but was based on the advice of leaders and those who deeply revered God's commands. "My lord" likely refers to Ezra or another leader, while "those who tremble" suggests a group of devout individuals who fear God and respect His laws. This reflects a community-driven decision-making process, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership and collective accountability. The phrase echoes the reverence for God's word seen in Isaiah 66:2, where God esteems those who are humble and contrite in spirit.

Let it be done according to the Law
The reference to "the Law" underscores the authority of the Torah as the guiding principle for the Israelites' actions. This appeal to the Law highlights the community's desire to align their lives with the divine statutes given through Moses. It reflects the post-exilic emphasis on legal adherence as a means of restoring and preserving the covenant relationship with God. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's commandments as a path to blessing and favor, as seen in Deuteronomy 28.

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. Israelites
The people of Israel who had returned from exile in Babylon. They were struggling with issues of intermarriage with foreign women, which was against the Law of Moses.

3. Foreign Wives and Children
Non-Israelite women and their children, whom the Israelite men had married, leading to a dilution of religious and cultural identity.

4. Covenant
A solemn agreement made before God, in this context, to separate from foreign influences that were contrary to the Law.

5. The Law
Refers to the Mosaic Law, which included commands against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent idolatry and maintain religious purity.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience to God's Law
The Israelites' decision to make a covenant reflects the necessity of aligning one's life with God's commands, even when it requires difficult choices.

The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Reform
Ezra's leadership demonstrates the importance of godly leaders who guide their communities back to faithfulness and obedience.

The Consequences of Compromise
Intermarriage with foreign women led to spiritual compromise, illustrating the dangers of allowing cultural influences to overshadow religious convictions.

The Power of Community in Upholding God's Standards
The collective decision to adhere to the Law shows the strength found in community support for maintaining spiritual integrity.

Repentance and Restoration
The act of sending away foreign wives and children, though harsh, was a step towards repentance and restoring the community's relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Ezra 10:3 teach us about the importance of making covenants with God, and how can we apply this principle in our own lives today?

2. How does the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10:3 relate to the broader biblical theme of maintaining spiritual purity, and what modern-day applications can we draw from this?

3. In what ways can we, like Ezra, take a stand for God's truth in our communities, and what challenges might we face in doing so?

4. How can the concept of community accountability, as seen in Ezra 10:3, be applied in our church or small group settings to encourage spiritual growth and obedience?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision to align your life with God's commands. What did you learn from that experience, and how did it impact your faith journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns against intermarriage with foreign nations to prevent turning away from God to serve other gods.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage and takes action to correct it, showing a consistent concern for maintaining religious purity.

Malachi 2:11-12
Malachi condemns Judah for marrying the daughter of a foreign god, highlighting the spiritual unfaithfulness associated with such unions.