What is the meaning of Ezra 10:28? From the descendants of Bebai “From the descendants of Bebai” (Ezra 10:28) places this verse in the catalog of families who confessed sin and resolved to obey God’s law by sending away their foreign wives (Ezra 10:2–3). • The clan of Bebai had already been noted among those returning from exile (Ezra 2:11; Nehemiah 7:16), showing they belonged to the restored community. • Their willingness to admit failure now mirrors earlier calls to covenant faithfulness, such as Joshua 24:14–25 and Nehemiah 10:28–31. • Scripture consistently stresses corporate responsibility: “If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26), so the clan’s name heads the entry. Jehohanan Jehohanan stands first among the four men. • Other men named Jehohanan served faithfully (2 Chronicles 17:15) or courageously (1 Chronicles 12:13), reminding us that even godly heritage or reputation does not exempt anyone from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:12). • His inclusion underscores personal accountability within a believing family, echoing Ezekiel 18:20: “The soul who sins is the one who will die.” • By confessing, he models the openness urged in 1 John 1:9. Hananiah Hananiah follows. • Scripture records both a false prophet named Hananiah who opposed Jeremiah (Jeremiah 28:1–17) and heroic believers bearing the same name (Daniel 1:6–7, 19). The contrast reminds us that a good name must be matched by obedient living (Matthew 7:21). • His repentance lines up with the pattern in Psalm 51:17—“a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Zabbai Zabbai is next. • A man with this name later helped repair Jerusalem’s wall (Nehemiah 3:20), showing that failure need not define the future; restored people can serve again (John 21:15–17). • His listing illustrates Romans 2:11—“For there is no favoritism with God.” Every individual, regardless of prominence, stands under the same standard. Athlai Athlai completes the group. • Little else is known of him, yet Scripture records his name forever. This highlights God’s detailed knowledge of each person (Luke 12:7) and His call for each believer to walk in holiness (1 Peter 1:15–16). • No one is overlooked—encouragement for ordinary believers that their choices matter profoundly (Colossians 3:23–24). summary Ezra 10:28 spotlights four men from the respected clan of Bebai who humbled themselves, acknowledged sin, and aligned with God’s covenant. Their example teaches that: • Entire families and communities must guard holiness. • Individuals remain responsible for personal obedience. • Confession opens the door to restoration and future service. The verse, though brief, affirms God’s meticulous record-keeping, His impartial justice, and His gracious readiness to forgive those who turn back to Him in sincere repentance. |
    |