What is the meaning of Ezra 10:29? From the descendants of Bani: • Ezra 10 catalogs those who had taken foreign wives in disobedience to the Law (Ezra 10:2–3; Deuteronomy 7:3–4). • Verse 29 opens a new line in that list with the family of Bani, a clan already prominent among the exiles who returned with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:10; Nehemiah 7:15). • Their naming underscores personal accountability: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). • The public record also affirms corporate responsibility within God’s covenant people, echoing Joshua 7:1–26, where the sin of one household threatened the whole community. Meshullam • Meshullam appears frequently in post-exilic records (Nehemiah 3:4; 8:4). While we cannot be certain this is the same man, the repetition of the name shows how widespread the compromise had become, touching even well-known servants. • His inclusion reminds us that prior reputation never exempts believers from ongoing vigilance (1 Corinthians 10:12). Malluch • A Malluch later signs the renewed covenant in Nehemiah 10:4, indicating repentance bore fruit. • This models the NT principle that genuine sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation without regret (2 Corinthians 7:10). Adaiah • The name also surfaces among priests in Nehemiah 11:12. If the same individual, the grace of God restored him to ministry. • It illustrates Psalm 103:10–12—God “does not treat us as our sins deserve.” Jashub • The name means “he returns,” fitting the theme of turning back to God. • Like the prodigal in Luke 15:20, Jashub’s presence in the list signals the hope of restoration when sin is confessed. Sheal • Though little else is recorded of Sheal, anonymity does not lessen accountability (Hebrews 4:13). • Every believer’s choices matter to the purity of the congregation (1 Corinthians 5:6–7). Jeremoth • Jeremoth appears among Levites elsewhere (1 Chronicles 23:23), suggesting that even those dedicated to temple service were affected. • His inclusion underlines James 3:1—teachers are judged more strictly, making repentance essential. summary Ezra 10:29 serves as a sober snapshot of real men—Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal, and Jeremoth—within the family of Bani who had compromised God’s clear command against intermarriage with pagan nations. Their public listing demonstrates that: • God records sin accurately and personally. • Reputation or position offers no immunity. • Genuine repentance leads to forgiveness and future usefulness. Thus the verse calls every believer to personal holiness, communal responsibility, and confidence in God’s restoring grace. |
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