Machnadebai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Ezra. He is listed among the descendants of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity. The name Machnadebai appears in the context of the reforms led by Ezra, a scribe and priest, who sought to restore the religious and social order of the Jewish community according to the Law of Moses.

Biblical Reference:

Machnadebai is mentioned in Ezra 10:40. The passage is part of a larger narrative detailing the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding pagan nations. Ezra, upon learning of these intermarriages, was deeply distressed and called for repentance and separation from foreign wives to preserve the sanctity of the Israelite community. The people responded by confessing their sins and agreeing to put away their foreign wives.

Ezra 10:40 states: "From the descendants of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel,"

In this verse, Machnadebai is listed among the sons of Bani who had taken foreign wives. The inclusion of his name in this list indicates his participation in the collective act of repentance and commitment to the covenantal laws of Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile marked a significant period in Jewish history, characterized by efforts to re-establish religious identity and adherence to the Torah. The issue of intermarriage was particularly sensitive, as it threatened the distinctiveness of the Jewish people and their covenant relationship with God. Ezra's reforms were aimed at addressing these concerns and ensuring the community's faithfulness to God's commandments.

The mention of Machnadebai, though brief, highlights the broader theme of communal responsibility and the importance of maintaining purity in worship and practice. The narrative underscores the collective effort required to align with divine expectations and the willingness of individuals to make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the community.

Name Meaning and Significance:

The name Machnadebai is of Hebrew origin, though its exact meaning is not definitively known. Like many biblical 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, serving as a reminder of their role within the unfolding account of God's people.

Theological Implications:

The account of Machnadebai and others in Ezra 10 serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the post-exilic community in maintaining their distinct identity amidst external influences. It illustrates the tension between cultural assimilation and religious fidelity, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. The willingness of individuals like Machnadebai to adhere to Ezra's call for reform demonstrates the enduring commitment to uphold the covenant and the centrality of obedience in the life of faith.

In summary, Machnadebai's mention in the Book of Ezra, though brief, is part of a significant moment in Israel's history, reflecting the community's dedication to restoring their covenant relationship with God and the importance of collective repentance and reform.Machnadebai

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Machnadebai

(what is like the liberal), one of the sons of Bani who put away his foreign wife at Ezra's command. (Ezra 10:40)

MACHNADEBAI

mak-nad'-e-bi, mak-na-de'-bi (makhnaddebhay): Son of Bani, one of those who married foreign wives (Ezra 10:40).

4367. Maknadbay -- an Israelite
... Maknadbay. 4368 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Maknadbay Phonetic Spelling:
(mak-nad-bah'-ee) Short Definition: Machnadebai. ... NASB Word Usage Machnadebai (1). ...
/hebrew/4367.htm - 6kMachnadebai (1 Occurrence)
...MACHNADEBAI. mak-nad'-e-bi, mak-na-de'-bi (makhnaddebhay): Son of Bani, one of those
who married foreign wives (Ezra 10:40). ...Machnadebai (1 Occurrence). ...
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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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Ezora
... ra (Ezora, the King James Version Ozora): He and his six sons "gave their hands
to put away their strange wives" (APC 1Esdras 9:20, 34 = "Machnadebai" of Ezra ...
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Machnadbai (1 Occurrence)

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Shashai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shashai (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:40 Machnadebai, Shashai,
Sharai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/s/shashai.htm - 6k

Sharai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sharai (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:40 Machnadebai,
Shashai, Sharai, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
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Sha'rai (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Sha'rai (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:40 Machnadebai, Shashai,
Sharai; (See RSV). Sharai, Sha'rai. Sharaim . Reference Bible.
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Mabnabedai
... Mabdai, Mabnabedai. Macalon . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia MABNABEDAI.
mab-nab'-e-di. See MACHNADEBAI. Mabdai, Mabnabedai. Macalon . Reference Bible
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