Mattithiah is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically during the time of Ezra's reforms. He is noted for being among the Israelites who divorced their foreign wives in obedience to the covenant renewal led by Ezra. This event is recorded in the Book of Ezra, which details the efforts to restore the religious and social order of the Jewish community following their return from Babylonian captivity.

Biblical Context

The return from Babylonian exile marked a significant period of religious and cultural reformation for the Israelites. Under the leadership of Ezra, a scribe and priest, the community sought to reestablish their identity as God's chosen people by adhering strictly to the Mosaic Law. One of the critical issues addressed was the intermarriage between Israelites and Gentiles, which was seen as a violation of the covenant and a threat to the purity of the Israelite faith.

Ezra 9:1-2 highlights the problem: "After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, 'The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the peoples of the lands with their abominations... Indeed, the hands of the leaders and officials have been foremost in this unfaithfulness.'"

Mattithiah's Role

Mattithiah is listed among those who responded to Ezra's call for repentance and reform. In Ezra 10:18-19 , it is recorded: "Among the descendants of the priests, the following were found to have married foreign women: From the descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Mattithiah. They pledged to put away their wives, and for their guilt they presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering."

This passage indicates that Mattithiah was a descendant of the priestly line, specifically from the family of Jeshua, the high priest who played a significant role in the rebuilding of the temple. His inclusion in this list underscores the seriousness with which the community, including its religious leaders, approached the issue of intermarriage.

Theological Significance

The actions of Mattithiah and others who divorced their Gentile wives are often viewed through the lens of covenant fidelity. The decision to separate from foreign spouses was not merely a social or cultural act but a profound commitment to uphold the sanctity of the covenant with Yahweh. This act of repentance was seen as necessary to ensure the community's spiritual integrity and to prevent the influence of idolatry and pagan practices.

Ezra's reforms, including the divorces, were aimed at preserving the distinct identity of the Israelites as a people set apart for God's purposes. The narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands and the need for communal purity in worship and practice.

Historical and Cultural Considerations

The post-exilic period was a time of rebuilding and redefining the Jewish community. The returnees faced the challenge of integrating into a land that had been influenced by various cultures during their absence. The intermarriage issue was not merely about ethnic purity but was deeply tied to religious fidelity and the potential for syncretism.

Mattithiah's decision, along with others, reflects the tension between cultural assimilation and religious distinctiveness. The reforms led by Ezra were instrumental in shaping the identity of the Jewish people in the Second Temple period, emphasizing the centrality of the Law and the need for a community wholly devoted to God.

Conclusion

While the actions of Mattithiah and his contemporaries may seem harsh by modern standards, they reflect a historical context where the survival of the Jewish faith and identity was paramount. The narrative of Mattithiah serves as a testament to the enduring struggle to maintain faithfulness to God's covenant in the face of external influences and internal challenges.Ezra 10:43
Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and Joel, Benaiah.
Nave's Topical Index

Who was Jeduthun in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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