Who Was Mattenai in the Bible?
The Name of Three Israelites Living After the Exile
Mattenai is a name mentioned in the Bible that refers to three distinct individuals who lived during the period after the Babylonian exile. Each of these men played a different role in the restoration of the Jewish community and their return to proper worship of God.
Two Post-Exile Divorcees
Biblical References: Ezra 10:33, 37
“Of the sons of Hashum: Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.” (NIV) “Of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, Benaiah, Bedeliah, Cheluhai, Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Mattenai, Jaasu.” (NIV)
Mattenai is listed among those who had taken foreign wives, a practice forbidden by God due to the risk of Israel being led into idolatry and away from their covenant relationship with Him. The returnees from Babylon were called to repentance and were required to separate from their foreign wives as part of a broader effort to restore the purity of worship and adherence to God’s Law.
Head Priest
Biblical Reference: Nehemiah 12:19
“Of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi.” (NIV)
Mattenai is also mentioned as the head of the house of Joiarib, a priestly family. This Mattenai held a significant religious role during the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the reestablishment of temple worship. His position indicates his importance in maintaining and overseeing proper religious practices.
Lessons for the Modern Christian
The Importance of Obedience to God’s Commands
The mention of Mattenai among those who had to divorce their foreign wives highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Intermarriage with foreign women was forbidden because it often led to the worship of other gods. For modern Christians, this underscores the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding influences that can lead away from God.
Biblical Reference: 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, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you.” (NIV)
The Need for Repentance and Restoration
The actions of Mattenai and others in Ezra 10 demonstrate the need for repentance and restoration when God’s people stray from His commands. This story serves as a reminder that true repentance involves not only acknowledging sin but also taking concrete steps to correct it.
Biblical Reference: 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (NIV)
Leadership in Worship
As the head of the house of Joiarib, Mattenai played a crucial role in leading and maintaining proper worship. Modern Christians can learn the importance of having strong, godly leaders who uphold biblical principles and guide the community in faithful worship.
Biblical Reference: Hebrews 13:7
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (NIV)
Connection to a Loving God
God’s Desire for Holiness
The requirement for the Israelites to separate from their foreign wives reflects God’s desire for His people to be holy and set apart for Him. This demonstrates God’s loving intention for His people to live lives that reflect His character and purposes.
Biblical Reference: 1 Peter 1:15-16
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'” (NIV)
Assurance of God’s Forgiveness
The narrative of repentance in Ezra 10, including Mattenai’s actions, shows that God is willing to forgive and restore those who turn back to Him. This highlights God’s loving nature and His readiness to embrace His people when they seek Him with sincere hearts.
Biblical Reference: Joel 2:13
“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” (NIV)
Connection to Jesus Christ
Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law
The actions required of Mattenai and others in returning to God’s Law foreshadow the fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Law and offers His righteousness to all who believe in Him. Through Christ, believers are empowered to live lives of holiness and obedience.
Biblical Reference: Matthew 5:17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (NIV)
Redemption and Restoration Through Christ
The need for repentance and restoration seen in Mattenai’s story points to the ultimate redemption and restoration available through Jesus Christ. Just as Mattenai and his contemporaries sought to correct their ways and return to God, Jesus calls all people to repent and find new life in Him.
Biblical Reference: Acts 3:19
“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (NIV)
Conclusion
Mattenai, mentioned in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, serves as a significant figure in the post-exilic period of Israel’s history. His actions, both in terms of repentance and his role as a priestly leader, highlight essential lessons for modern Christians about obedience, repentance, and the importance of godly leadership. The narrative involving Mattenai underscores the importance of adhering to God’s commands and the willingness to restore a right relationship with Him through repentance. Ultimately, his story points to the greater fulfillment found in Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect obedience and offers redemption to all who believe in Him. By learning from Mattenai’s example, believers today can strive to live faithfully and experience the blessings of walking in God’s ways.