Who was Adna in the Bible?
The name Adna (עַדְנָא) appears in the Old Testament, identifying two distinct individuals who played roles in the religious restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile. These figures underscore the themes of faithfulness and obedience to God’s commandments during a pivotal period in Israel’s history.
Adna the Post-Exile Divorcee
Context of Ezra’s Reforms
In the Book of Ezra, Adna is listed among those who had married foreign women (Ezra 10:30). This period was marked by a significant return to religious and social purity as the Israelites sought to reestablish themselves in their ancestral land after the Babylonian exile. Ezra, a priest and scribe, led a reform to ensure the people adhered strictly to the Law of Moses.
The Issue of Mixed Marriages
Mixed marriages with foreign women were seen as a threat to the purity of Israel’s faith and lineage. These marriages often led to the incorporation of pagan practices and beliefs, which could corrupt the worship of Yahweh. Therefore, Ezra called for those who had taken foreign wives to divorce them to restore proper worship and obedience to God’s commands (Ezra 10:10-11).
Adna’s Compliance
Adna’s inclusion in this list shows his compliance with this reform, highlighting his willingness to obey God’s commandments despite the personal difficulty involved. This act of divorcing foreign wives was seen as necessary for the spiritual and communal integrity of Israel, ensuring that the nation remained faithful to its covenant with God.
Adna the Priest
The Role in Nehemiah’s Time
Another Adna is mentioned in Nehemiah 12:15 as a priestly leader of the family of Harim. This Adna was part of the priestly community that returned to Judea after the exile, playing a role in the religious restoration under Nehemiah’s leadership.
Restoring Worship Practices
Nehemiah’s efforts to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls went hand in hand with restoring the worship practices of the Israelites. The priests, including Adna, were crucial in reestablishing the proper temple services and ensuring that the people followed the religious laws (Nehemiah 12:27-30).
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Obedience
Adna’s actions in both contexts emphasize the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. For modern Christians, this serves as a reminder that true faithfulness often requires difficult decisions and sacrifices. Adna’s willingness to comply with Ezra’s reforms and his role in the priestly restoration highlight the necessity of prioritizing God’s will over personal desires.
Maintaining Spiritual Purity
The issue of mixed marriages and the call to divorce foreign wives underscore the importance of maintaining spiritual purity. While the specific context differs today, the principle remains relevant. Christians are called to avoid relationships and practices that could lead them away from their faith and compromise their commitment to God.
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Desire for Holiness
The stories of Adna reflect God’s desire for His people to be holy and set apart. The reforms led by Ezra and Nehemiah were not merely about legalistic adherence to rules but about fostering a community that honored and reflected God’s holiness. This underscores God’s loving intention to protect and guide His people towards a righteous life.
God’s Faithfulness in Restoration
Both accounts of Adna are set in the context of restoration after exile, highlighting God’s faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land and helping them reestablish their identity. This restoration process demonstrates God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel, assuring modern Christians of His continual faithfulness.
Connection to Jesus Christ
Fulfillment of the Law
Adna’s obedience to the Law and the restoration efforts prefigure the ultimate fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ. Christ came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets, embodying perfect obedience and holiness (Matthew 5:17). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus made a way for believers to attain the righteousness that the Law pointed towards.
The Call to Spiritual Purity
Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of spiritual purity, akin to the reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah. Believers are urged to live in the world but not be of the world, maintaining their commitment to Christ and His teachings (John 17:14-16). This call to purity is a continuation of the principles seen in Adna’s story, now fulfilled and expanded in Christ.
Conclusion
Adna, though a minor character in the biblical narrative, provides significant insights into the themes of faithfulness, obedience, and spiritual purity. His actions during the post-exilic reforms reflect a deep commitment to God’s commandments and the restoration of proper worship. For modern Christians, Adna’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, the need to maintain spiritual purity, and the assurance of God’s loving faithfulness. Through Christ, believers can fully embrace these principles, living lives that honor God and reflect His holiness.