Machnad'ebai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the post-exilic period. The name Machnad'ebai appears in the book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the subsequent efforts to rebuild the temple and restore the community according to the Law of Moses.

Biblical Reference:
Machnad'ebai is listed among the descendants of the priests who had taken foreign wives, an issue that Ezra the scribe and priest sought to rectify in order to maintain the purity of the Israelite community. The relevant passage is found in Ezra 10:40, which states:

"Machnad'ebai, Shashai, Sharai."

This verse is part of a larger list of individuals who had married foreign women, contrary to the Mosaic Law, which prohibited intermarriage with the surrounding nations to prevent the Israelites from being led astray into idolatry and other practices contrary to their covenant with God.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Jewish history. The exiles faced the challenge of re-establishing their identity as God's chosen people in the land of their ancestors. A significant aspect of this re-establishment was adherence to the Law, which included prohibitions against intermarriage with non-Israelites. Such marriages were seen as a threat to the religious and cultural integrity of the community.

Ezra, a scribe well-versed in the Law, was deeply concerned about the spiritual state of the returned exiles. Upon discovering that many, including priests and Levites, had married foreign women, he took decisive action. Ezra's reforms included a public confession of sin and a covenant renewal, which required those who had married foreign wives to send them away.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Machnad'ebai in this context underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness in the post-exilic community. The issue of intermarriage was not merely a social or ethnic concern but a theological one. It was about maintaining the distinctiveness of the people of Israel as a holy nation set apart for God's purposes.

The narrative in Ezra highlights the tension between cultural assimilation and religious fidelity. The actions taken by Ezra and the community reflect a commitment to uphold the covenant relationship with God, even at great personal and communal cost. This episode serves as a reminder of the call to holiness and the need for vigilance in preserving the faith against influences that could lead to compromise.

Name Meaning:
The name Machnad'ebai is of uncertain etymology, but like many Hebrew names, it may carry a theophoric element, possibly indicating a relationship or dedication to God. Names in the biblical context often reflect the character or destiny of individuals, as well as the hopes and beliefs of their parents or community.

In summary, Machnad'ebai's inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives serves as a testament to the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining their covenant identity and the lengths to which they were willing to go to restore their relationship with God.Machnad'ebai (1 Occurrence)

Ezra 10:40
Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai;
(See RSV)

Machnad'ebai (1 Occurrence)
Machnad'ebai. Machnadebai, Machnad'ebai. Machpelah . Multi-Version Concordance
Machnad'ebai (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai; (See RSV ...
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Machnadebai (1 Occurrence)

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Machpelah (6 Occurrences)

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