Ezra 10:39

Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,

Study Bible

Shelemiah
Shelemiah is a name that appears several times in the Old Testament, often associated with individuals who were part of the priestly or Levitical lines. The name means "God has repaid" or "God is peace," reflecting a common practice in Hebrew culture of naming children with meanings that express faith or hope. In the context of Ezra 10, Shelemiah is one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Mosaic Law. This highlights the ongoing struggle of the Israelites to maintain their distinct identity and covenant relationship with God, especially after returning from exile.

Nathan
Nathan is a name that means "He has given" or "Gift" in Hebrew. It is a common name in the Bible, most notably associated with the prophet Nathan who advised King David. In Ezra 10, Nathan is listed among those who had married foreign women, which was a significant issue for the post-exilic community striving to reestablish their religious and cultural purity. This reflects the broader theme of repentance and reform that is central to the book of Ezra, as the community seeks to align itself with God's commandments.

Adaiah
Adaiah means "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has made" in Hebrew. This name appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often linked to individuals of priestly or Levitical descent. In the context of Ezra 10, Adaiah is another individual who had taken a foreign wife, contributing to the communal sin that Ezra sought to address. This situation underscores the importance of obedience to God's laws and the need for communal purity, as the Israelites were called to be a holy nation set apart for God's purposes. The inclusion of Adaiah in this list serves as a reminder of the personal and communal responsibility to uphold the covenant with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shelemiah
A name meaning "God has repaid" or "God is peace." In the context of Ezra 10, Shelemiah is one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was against the covenantal laws of Israel.

2. Nathan
Another individual listed among those who had taken foreign wives. The name Nathan means "He gave" or "Gift," and it is a common name in the Old Testament, often associated with prophets or leaders.

3. Adaiah
This name means "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has witnessed." Adaiah is also listed among those who had taken foreign wives, highlighting the widespread issue of intermarriage with non-Israelites during this period.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Obedience
The Israelites' disobedience in marrying foreign wives highlights the importance of adhering to God's commands. Obedience is a demonstration of our love and commitment to God.

The Consequences of Compromise
Compromising on God's standards can lead to spiritual decline. The Israelites' intermarriage with foreign women risked leading them away from their covenant relationship with God.

Repentance and Restoration
Ezra 10 is a powerful example of the need for repentance and the steps toward restoration. The Israelites' willingness to address their sin and make amends is a model for us today.

Community Accountability
The communal nature of the Israelites' repentance shows the importance of accountability within the faith community. We are called to support and encourage one another in living according to God's standards.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the inclusion of specific names like Shelemiah, Nathan, and Adaiah in Ezra 10:39 teach us about personal responsibility in communal sin?

2. How does the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10 relate to the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from the world?

3. In what ways can we apply the principles of repentance and restoration found in Ezra 10 to our own lives today?

4. How can the church today ensure that it maintains spiritual integrity while engaging with the surrounding culture?

5. Reflect on a time when you faced a decision that required obedience to God's commands. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them? How can this experience inform your future decisions?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage provides the original command against intermarriage with foreign nations, which is the root issue addressed in Ezra 10. It warns that such marriages could lead the Israelites away from God.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, showing that this was a recurring problem for the Israelites and emphasizing the need for purity and obedience to God's laws.

1 Corinthians 7:39
This New Testament passage speaks to the importance of marrying "in the Lord," which echoes the Old Testament concern for maintaining spiritual integrity in marriage.