Topical Bible: Repentance: Because of Their Idolatrous Marriages

◄ Repentance: Because of Their Idolatrous Marriages ►

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Repentance is a central theme in the Bible, often associated with turning away from sin and returning to God. One specific instance of repentance is seen in the context of idolatrous marriages, particularly in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. This period is marked by the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and their efforts to reestablish their covenant relationship with God.

Context and Background

The issue of idolatrous marriages arises prominently in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After the Babylonian exile, many Israelites had intermarried with the surrounding pagan nations, which led to the introduction of idolatrous practices among the people. This was in direct violation of God's commandments, which were intended to keep Israel set apart as a holy nation. The Law of Moses explicitly warned against intermarriage with foreign nations, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4: "Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, for they will turn your children away from following Me to serve other gods."

Ezra's Leadership and Call to Repentance

Ezra, a scribe and priest, played a pivotal role in addressing the issue of idolatrous marriages. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, he was informed of the people's unfaithfulness. Ezra 9:1-2 states, "The leaders came to me and said, 'The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices... They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them.'"

Ezra's response was one of deep mourning and intercession. He tore his garments, pulled hair from his head and beard, and sat appalled. His prayer in Ezra 9:6-15 is a heartfelt confession of the nation's sins, acknowledging their guilt and the righteousness of God's judgment.

The People's Response

The people's response to Ezra's call for repentance was significant. In Ezra 10:1-4 , we read, "While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him. And the people wept bitterly." Shecaniah, one of the leaders, proposed a covenant to put away the foreign wives and their children, demonstrating a collective commitment to repentance and obedience to God's law.

Nehemiah's Reforms

Nehemiah, a contemporary of Ezra, also confronted the issue of intermarriage. In Nehemiah 13:23-27 , he recounts, "In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab... So I rebuked them, cursed them, beat some of their men, and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God: 'You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves.'"

Nehemiah's actions underscore the seriousness of the situation and the necessity of repentance to restore the community's covenant fidelity.

Theological Implications

The repentance from idolatrous marriages highlights several theological themes. First, it underscores the holiness of God's people and the importance of separation from practices that lead to idolatry. Second, it illustrates the communal nature of sin and repentance, as the entire community is called to account and to act in unity to rectify their disobedience. Lastly, it demonstrates God's mercy and willingness to restore those who genuinely repent and seek to align their lives with His commandments.

The narrative of repentance from idolatrous marriages serves as a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance in maintaining spiritual purity and the readiness to turn back to God when we stray from His ways.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 10:1
Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled to him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Fall of Solomon
... 9. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart ... to wink at, or even to
facilitate, their worship ... only is there no statement of his repentance, but the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/the fall of solomon.htm

Chapter xxxiv
... v.2, which may well be regarded as a repentance of heart ... These sons are listed according
to their mothers rather than according to age because those of ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects.
... rule for argument, [861]348; studied because acknowledged by ... 407, [1290]466; typical
in their marriage of ... issue of blood, [1379]494; idolatrous, called Pagans ...
/.../on care to be had for the dead /doctrinal and moral treatises index.htm

The First Native Converts and Christian Schools
... year 1806 was such a scheme practicable, because Carey had ... sent home this review
of their position at ... not feel content unless Nineveh be brought to repentance. ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vi the first native.htm

CHAP. II. 4-25 (2-23).
... Because the spiritual condition of those who had ... the last station, their outward
condition was so likewise ... wilderness, with the preaching of repentance, and with ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap ii 25-apr 2-23.htm

Huss and Jerome.
... condemning Huss; he now declared his repentance, and bore ... thee: thou hast put them
to shame, because God hath ... waited through the night of their persecution; in ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /6 huss and jerome.htm

Huss and Jerome
... condemning Huss; he now declared his repentance and bore ... thee: thou hast put them
to shame, because God hath ... waited through the night of their persecution, in ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 6 huss and jerome.htm