Ezra 10:27 – “From the descendants of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad and Aziza.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Ezra 10:27 continues the list of Israelite men who had married foreign women in disobedience to God’s command. In this verse, six men from the descendants of Zattu are named: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad, and Aziza. These men, like others mentioned in this chapter, had married women from surrounding nations, which was forbidden because it posed a spiritual danger to Israel. These marriages often led the Israelites into idolatry and the worship of foreign gods, thus violating their covenant with the one true God.
This verse, like the rest of Ezra 10, is part of a larger effort to restore Israel’s spiritual purity after their return from exile. By identifying those who had broken God’s law and calling them to repent, Ezra sought to lead the community back into a faithful relationship with God.
Historical Context
Ezra 10 takes place after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. During their time in exile and even after their return, many Israelites married women from surrounding nations. These marriages were problematic because they often introduced foreign religious practices into Israel, leading the people away from worshiping God alone. The command not to intermarry was given to protect Israel’s spiritual integrity and to keep them from adopting pagan beliefs and customs.
Ezra, a priest and scribe, recognized that this issue was undermining the spiritual health of the community. He led the people in a public process of repentance, calling them to acknowledge their sin and take corrective action, which sometimes meant separating from their foreign wives. This verse, listing specific individuals, shows that repentance was a personal responsibility for each man involved.
Theological Implications
Ezra 10:27 highlights the importance of personal accountability before God. Each of the men listed had made decisions that went against God’s commands, and they were called to take responsibility for those decisions by repenting and making things right. This is a powerful reminder that sin is not just a communal issue; it’s something each individual must face and deal with personally.
The verse also underscores the need for spiritual purity in the lives of God’s people. The Israelites were called to be a holy nation, set apart for God’s purposes. By marrying foreign women, these men had compromised their spiritual integrity and risked leading the community into idolatry. This teaches us that God desires His people to remain faithful to Him and avoid anything that might pull them away from worshiping Him alone.
Literary Analysis
The structure of Ezra 10:27, like the other verses in this chapter, is straightforward and lists the names of individuals who had disobeyed God’s law. The use of names adds a personal dimension to the story, showing that these were real people with real families, not just abstract examples of sin. By naming them, the text emphasizes that their disobedience was not something they could hide from or ignore—they were publicly called to repent and take action.
The repetition of similar lists in Ezra 10 creates a cumulative effect, demonstrating the widespread nature of the problem and the seriousness with which it was addressed. Each name represents a person who had to take responsibility for his actions, contributing to the overall message of communal and individual accountability.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- 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.” This command highlights the spiritual danger that intermarriage posed to Israel, which is why Ezra took such strong action to correct the problem.
- Nehemiah 13:25-27 – Nehemiah dealt with the same issue of intermarriage, showing that this was a persistent problem for the Israelites. He also emphasizes the spiritual threat posed by these marriages.
- 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” This New Testament verse echoes the principle that the influences we allow into our lives can shape our spiritual character.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Ezra 10:27 serves as a reminder that we are all personally accountable for our actions and our relationship with God. Just as these men were called to repent for their disobedience, we too are called to take responsibility for our lives and decisions. When we recognize that we have strayed from God’s commands, we must be willing to confess our sin, repent, and take the necessary steps to restore our relationship with Him.
The verse also speaks to the importance of guarding our hearts and lives against influences that might lead us away from God. While we may not face the exact same situation as the Israelites, the principle remains that we must be careful about the relationships and influences we allow into our lives. Anything that pulls us away from God’s truth and holiness should be avoided, as it can lead to spiritual compromise.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Ezra 10:27 reflects God’s love in the way He calls His people to repentance. Even though the Israelites had disobeyed His commands, God did not abandon them. Instead, He provided a way for them to return to Him. His love is seen in the fact that He desires His people to be holy and set apart for Him, not because He wants to impose rules, but because He knows that faithfulness to Him leads to true life and joy.
God’s love is also demonstrated in His patience and mercy. Despite the widespread disobedience, God gave the people the opportunity to repent and be restored to a right relationship with Him. His discipline is not about punishment for its own sake but about leading His people back to the path of righteousness and blessing.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Ezra 10:27 points to the broader biblical theme of repentance and restoration, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While the men in this passage had to address their sin by making personal sacrifices and separating from their foreign wives, Jesus came to be the final and perfect solution to our sin problem. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made it possible for us to be fully forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God.
In Romans 5:8, we read, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate means for our forgiveness and restoration, offering us the hope of reconciliation with God even when we have strayed from His commands.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge us to take personal responsibility for our actions and our relationship with God?
- What can we learn from the Israelites’ need to address their disobedience and take corrective action?
- In what ways can we guard our hearts and lives against influences that might lead us away from faithfulness to God?
- How does God’s call to repentance in this passage reflect His love for His people and His desire for their spiritual well-being?
- How does Jesus’ sacrifice provide the ultimate solution for sin and offer us the hope of forgiveness and restoration when we fall short?