Jaasau is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Ezra. He is identified as one of the descendants of Bani, a family that returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The family of Bani is listed among those who had taken foreign wives, which was a significant issue addressed during the post-exilic period as the Israelites sought to reestablish their covenantal identity and purity.

Biblical Context

The context of Jaasau's mention is found in the book of Ezra, which details the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the subsequent efforts to restore the temple and religious practices in Jerusalem. The narrative highlights the challenges faced by the returning exiles, including the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which was seen as a threat to the religious and cultural integrity of the Israelite community.

Scriptural Reference

Jaasau is specifically mentioned in Ezra 10:37: "And among the descendants of Bani: Maadai, Amram, Uel, Benaiah, Bedeliah, Cheluhu, Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jaasau, Shimei, Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph."

This passage is part of a larger list of those who had taken foreign wives and were called to put them away as part of a covenant renewal process. The leaders, including Ezra, were deeply concerned about the influence of foreign cultures and religions on the Israelite community, which had historically led to idolatry and disobedience to God's commandments.

Theological Significance

The mention of Jaasau and others in this context underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness and the need for the community to adhere strictly to the laws given by God. The post-exilic period was a time of reformation and renewal, where the returning exiles sought to reestablish their identity as God's chosen people. The issue of intermarriage was not merely a social concern but a theological one, as it was believed to compromise the purity of worship and obedience to Yahweh.

Historical and Cultural Background

The family of Bani, including Jaasau, represents the broader community of Israelites who had been in exile and were now faced with the challenge of reintegrating into the land of their ancestors. The Babylonian exile had exposed the Israelites to various cultures and practices, and the returnees were tasked with the difficult process of distinguishing themselves as a holy people set apart for God's purposes.

The decision to put away foreign wives, as painful as it might have been, was seen as a necessary step to ensure the community's faithfulness to the covenant. This action was part of a larger movement led by Ezra and Nehemiah to restore the religious and social order according to the Law of Moses.

Conclusion

Jaasau's inclusion in the list of those who had taken foreign wives serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for covenant faithfulness and the challenges faced by the Israelite community in maintaining their distinct identity. His account, though brief, is part of the larger narrative of redemption and restoration that characterizes the post-exilic period in Israel's history.Ezra 10:37
Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,
Nave's Topical Index

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus