What is the meaning of Ezra 10:31? Eliezer Ezra 10:31 records Eliezer as one of the men who had taken foreign wives. This single line packs weight because it shows: • A specific individual—no hiding behind anonymity—called to account before God (see Numbers 32:23, “your sin will find you out”). • God’s faithfulness to name names so that sin is dealt with and not glossed over (compare Acts 5:1-11, where specific believers are named). • An invitation for us to respond personally; just as Eliezer’s compromise was identified, so the Spirit identifies ours (James 1:23-25). Isshijah Isshijah stands next in the list, reinforcing that the sin problem was widespread. Notice: • More than one family member of Harim had compromised; sin can run in circles of influence (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Yet each man answers individually—biblical accountability is personal, not merely corporate (Ezekiel 18:20). • The record highlights God’s call to separated holiness for His covenant people (Leviticus 20:26). Malchijah Malchijah’s inclusion teaches: • Even leaders can fall; elsewhere men named Malchijah serve in priestly roles (Nehemiah 3:11, Nehemiah 8:4). The same name here warns that position never guarantees purity (1 Timothy 3:2-7). • Restoration requires confession; Ezra labored for genuine repentance, not mere ritual (Ezra 10:10-12; 1 John 1:9). • God cares about generational faithfulness—what Malchijah does impacts descendants yet unborn (Deuteronomy 5:9-10). Shemaiah With Shemaiah the tally grows, underscoring: • Sin seldom stands alone; compromise in one sphere opens doors in others (Galatians 5:9, “A little leaven leavens the whole batch”). • The matter was not racial prejudice but covenant fidelity; foreign wives brought foreign gods (Deuteronomy 7:3-4; 1 Kings 11:1-8). • God’s mercy shines in granting space to repent before judgment (2 Peter 3:9). Shimeon Finally, Shimeon rounds out the list, reminding us: • God’s Word leaves no loopholes; every offender is acknowledged (Hebrews 4:13). • Repentance involves hard choices—these men sent away wives and children (Ezra 10:44). Costly obedience remains the mark of true discipleship (Luke 14:26-27). • The naming assures future generations that holiness matters to God; Israel’s purity protected the Messianic line (Matthew 1:1-17). summary Ezra 10:31 is more than a roster; it is a divine spotlight exposing specific sin and calling for concrete repentance. By listing Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, and Shimeon, Scripture underscores God’s commitment to personal accountability, covenant holiness, and restorative grace. Each name testifies that compromise cannot stand unchallenged before a holy God, yet genuine confession can restore fellowship and secure the future of God’s people. |
    |