Ezra 10

Ezra 10:1

E. The Jews’ Covenant to Put Away Foreign Wives and Children (Chap. 10)10:1-5 Ezra’s prayer of confession caused the people to weep bitterly. Acting as a spokesman, Shechaniah confessed their guilt but reminded Ezra that there was yet hope, if their confession was followed by forsaking the unequal yoke. He suggested that Ezra lead them in making a covenant . . . to put away the foreign wives and children. The priests, the Levites, and all Israel responded to this plea for national repentance and so they swore an oath. 10:6-8 All the exiles were summoned to gather at Jerusalem for a solemn time of public confession. Those who refused to come within three days and face the issues were threatened with loss of property and excommunication. 10:9-11 With only three days to respond to the command, all the men of Judah and Benjamin hurried to Jerusalem from the surrounding cities. Adverse weather did not deter them, for the matter to be settled was very grave and caused more consternation than did the rainy weather. Ezra spoke to the gathering, pointing out their transgressions. 10:12-17 All the assembly was quick to acknowledge that they had disobeyed God’s law. But because of the heavy rain and the large number of cases involved, they suggested that the individual cases be examined city by city. Four men tried to oppose the plan but were unsuccessful. Judges were appointed, and in less than two weeks the inquiry began. Within three months the probe was complete. 10:18-44 Those indicted are listed in verses 18-43: priests first (vv. 18-22), then Levites (vv. 23, 24), and finally others of Israel (vv. 25-43). Verse 44 reads: All these had taken pagan wives, and some of them had wives by whom they had children. Though it is not stated, it is likely that adequate provision was made for the support of these wives and children. The sorrow created by the disruption of these families must be weighed against the importance of maintaining the solidarity of the nation destined to produce the Messiah. The unequal yoke is still forbidden (2Co_6:14-18). It should not be found among the children of God. But 1Co_7:12-13 is the NT rule for those already bound to an unbeliever at conversion. Under grace, the believer is not required to put away the unbeliever or the children. The latter are set apart in a position of external privilege by the believer. The Book of Ezra is a study in revival. When men read the Word of God and apply its truths to their lives, when intercessory prayers flow for the saints, and when there is confession and separation from known sin, there will be power in the church to do great things for God.