What is the meaning of Ezra 6:21? The Israelites who had returned from exile After seventy years in Babylon, a faithful remnant walked back into the land God had promised (Jeremiah 29:10; Ezra 1:1-4). Their return was nothing less than the Lord keeping His word spoken through the prophets (2 Chronicles 36:22-23). These are the same families listed by name in Ezra 2, people willing to leave comfort for covenant. They stand as living proof that God preserves a remnant and brings them home (Isaiah 44:28). ate it “It” refers to the freshly celebrated Passover (Ezra 6:19-20). • The meal looks back to Egypt, when the blood of a lamb spared Israel’s firstborn (Exodus 12:6-14). • It also looks ahead to Christ, our Passover Lamb, sacrificed for us (1 Corinthians 5:7; Luke 22:15-20). • By eating together, the restored community publicly affirmed, “We are still God’s redeemed people.” together with all who had separated themselves A beautiful phrase. The table was open not only to returnees but to anyone willing to break with sin and join the covenant people. Some were Israelites who had never gone to Babylon; others may have been Gentile converts (compare Isaiah 56:3-7; Ephesians 2:11-13). The key requirement was wholehearted separation to the Lord (Ezra 10:11; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18). from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land The issue was never ethnic pride; it was purity. “Uncleanness” points to idolatry, immorality, and the destructive customs of Canaan (Leviticus 18:24-30; Deuteronomy 18:9). God’s people must refuse every practice that defiles body and soul (James 1:27; 1 Peter 1:14-16). By stepping away from pagan patterns, these worshipers showed genuine repentance. to seek the LORD, the God of Israel Separation leads somewhere: into deeper pursuit of the Lord. To “seek” means to crave His presence, obey His word, and depend on His grace (Deuteronomy 4:29; Psalm 105:4). This was no casual curiosity but a determined, believing quest that God promises to reward (Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 11:6). summary Ezra 6:21 paints a picture of a purified, unified, worshiping community. Returned exiles and repentant newcomers sit at one Passover table, having turned from defilement to seek the living God. The verse reminds us that redemption is by God’s initiative, purity is essential, inclusion is possible for all who repent, and the goal is ever-deeper fellowship with the Lord. |
    |