Ezra 10:42

Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.

Study Bible

Shallum
Shallum is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with individuals who held positions of leadership or responsibility. In the context of Ezra 10, Shallum is one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Mosaic Law. This highlights the recurring theme of Israel's struggle to maintain purity and obedience to God's commandments. The name Shallum means "retribution" or "recompense," which may reflect the consequences faced by those who disobeyed God's laws. This situation underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness, a central theme throughout the Old Testament.

Amariah
Amariah, meaning "Yahweh has promised," is another name that appears frequently in the Old Testament, often associated with priests or Levites. The inclusion of Amariah in this list suggests a broader issue within the community, where even those who were supposed to lead in spiritual matters had fallen into disobedience. This reflects the pervasive nature of sin and the need for communal repentance and reform. The presence of Amariah in this context serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual leaders to uphold and model adherence to God's laws.

Joseph
Joseph, a name meaning "He will add," is historically significant in Israel's history, most notably as the name of one of the patriarchs, the son of Jacob. In the context of Ezra 10, Joseph is listed among those who had taken foreign wives, indicating a breach of the covenant. This highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining distinctiveness as God's chosen people amidst surrounding cultures. The name Joseph also evokes themes of redemption and provision, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who was used by God to preserve his family. This connection may serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the potential for restoration even after failure.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Shallum
A name that appears multiple times in the Bible, often associated with individuals who played roles in various events. In this context, Shallum is one of the Israelites who had taken foreign wives, which was against the Law of Moses.

2. Amariah
Another common biblical name, Amariah here is listed among those who had to make a covenant to put away their foreign wives, signifying a return to covenant faithfulness.

3. Joseph
Like Shallum and Amariah, Joseph is a name that appears frequently in the Bible. In this passage, Joseph is also among those who had to separate from foreign influences to restore purity to the community.

Teaching Points

Covenant Faithfulness
The actions of Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph remind us of the importance of remaining faithful to God's covenant, even when it requires difficult decisions.

Repentance and Reform
True repentance involves not just feeling sorry but taking concrete steps to correct wrongs and align with God's will.

Community Purity
The passage underscores the need for the community of believers to maintain purity and distinctiveness in their practices and relationships.

Influence of Relationships
The account highlights how relationships can influence one's spiritual life, urging believers to choose relationships that encourage faithfulness to God.

Obedience to God's Word
The account encourages believers to prioritize obedience to God's commands, even when it is counter-cultural or challenging.

Bible Study Questions

1. What steps did the Israelites take to address the issue of intermarriage, and how can we apply similar principles of repentance in our lives today?

2. How does the issue of intermarriage in Ezra 10 relate to the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from worldly influences?

3. In what ways can we ensure that our relationships, particularly marriage, align with biblical principles as seen in Ezra 10 and other scriptures?

4. How does the community's response in Ezra 10:42 reflect the importance of collective accountability in the body of Christ?

5. What are some modern-day challenges that might require us to make difficult decisions to remain faithful to God's covenant, and how can we draw strength from the examples in Ezra 10?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Ezra 9:1-2
Provides context for Ezra 10:42, describing the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which led to the need for repentance and reform.

Nehemiah 13:23-27
Nehemiah also deals with the issue of intermarriage, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the distinctiveness of God's people.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
The original command against intermarriage with foreign nations, highlighting the risk of turning away from God.

1 Corinthians 7:39
Discusses the importance of marrying "in the Lord," which echoes the principle of maintaining spiritual unity in marriage.