Esdras 10
Bob Utley · You Can Understand the Bible
Esdras 10:1-4
10:1 Note the different VERBS to describe Ezra's spiritual attitude toward God (cf. Ezra 9:6). "praying" (BDB 813, KB 933, Hithpael INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) "making confession" (BDB 392, KB 389, Hithpael INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) "weeping" (BDB 113, KB 129, Qal PARTICIPLE) "prostrating" (BDB 656, KB 709, Hithpael PARTICIPLE) ▣ "prostrating himself" This VERB (BDB 656, KB 709 Hithpael PARTICIPLE) means to fall down before the Lord (cf. Deut. 9:18,25). The normal physical position for prayer was standing with eyes and hands lifted to heaven. In some occasions kneeling was a way to show intensity (cf. Ezra 9:5). Prostration was an even further act of humility. ▣ "before the house of God" Apparently, Ezra went to the temple to pray at the time of the evening sacrifice (cf. Ezra 9:5). ▣ "a very large assembly, men, women and children gathered" The small group that came and reported the sin to Ezra (cf. Ezra 9:4) has now swelled to a large group of all age groups (cf. Neh. 8:2). Usually only men above the age of thirteen (i.e., bar mitzvah) would have been a part of this kind of group. One wonders if these particular Jewish women and children had been affected by the taking of foreign wives (cf. Mal. 2:10-16). ▣ "for the people wept bitterly" Ezra's humility and confession sparked a spiritual repentance among the returnees. Whether ignorance or apathy had allowed the sin to develop during these many years is uncertain, but God's word revealed the covenantal issue. 10:2 "Shecaniah" This (BDB 1016) was one of the sons of a guilty offender who is listed in Ezra 10:26, who had a repentant heart. He acknowledged his family's sin and that of the returnees. ▣ "Elam" The Hebrew text has "eternity" (i.e., 'olam, BDB 761) but most translations, ancient (LXX, Peshitta) and modern (JPSOA), read the Qere "Elam" (BDB 743). The Hebrew words differ only by the second similar Hebrew letter (waw and yod). ▣ "from the peoples of the land" In pre-exilic days this referred to the Jewish population, but in this context and period it refers to the population of the Persian province Beyond the River. For a good discussion of the changing meaning of this term see Roland deVaux, Ancient Israel, vol. 1, pp. 70-72. ▣ "yet now there is hope" Ezra's teaching ministry and actions had kindled a corporate contrition. YHWH's promises and merciful character kindled hope (BDB 876) for forgiveness fulfillment of future promises assurance of His personal presence (cf. 2 Chr. 20:9) 10:3 "now let us make a covenant with our God" This VERB (BDB 503, KB 500, "cut") is a Qal IMPERFECT used in a COHORTATIVE sense. In one way this is a strange statement. They already had a covenant with God. However, possibly through ignorance, these returnees did not know the Torah. With Ezra's teaching (cf. Ezra 7:21), they became aware of their transgression and now wanted a covenant renewal. Special Topic: Covenant ▣ "to put away all the wives and their children" This was the consequences of their choices. I am sure it was painful for the Jews as well as these members of their families. It is hard for modern westerners who are so influenced by individual rights to understand the corporate nature of the Bible. The health and faithfulness of the "holy seed" was crucial to God's plan of universal redemption. Special Topic: YHWH's Eternal Redemptive Plan ▣ "according to the counsel of my lord" The term "lord" is the Hebrew word adon (BDB 10), which meant "master," "owner," "husband," or "lord." Here it refers to Ezra (cf. I Esdras 8:90). It is PLURAL, which some take as a reference to God (i.e., Vulgate), but it probably is a PLURAL OF MAJESTY acknowledging Ezra's spiritual and political stature. ▣ "those who tremble at the commandment of our God" See note at Ezra 9:4 and Special Topic: Terms for God's Revelation. ▣ "let it be done according to the law" The VERB (BDB 793, KB 889) is a Niphal IMPERFECT used in a JUSSIVE sense. This is the recognition that there were divine guidelines (cf. Deut. 7:1-5); that covenant has requirements (cf. Ezra 10:4), as well as benefits. 10:4 "Arise" This VERB (BDB 877, KB 1086, Qal IMPERATIVE) is often used of God arising from His throne for action (cf. Num. 10:35; 2 Chr. 6:41; Isa. 2:19,21). Here it refers to a metaphor (cf. Jdg. 4:14) for the returnees to act on their confession and commitment. ▣ "we will be with you" This refers to Ezra himself and those who tremble at the word of God (cf. Ezra 9:4; 10:3). These sinful leaders must put away their foreign, pagan wives and their children by them. "be courageous and act" "be of good courage and do it" NRSV, Peshitta "be strong and do it" "so go ahead and get it done" "be brave, take action" "take strong action" These VERBS (BDB 304, KB 302, "be strong" and BDB 793, KB 889, "do") are both Qal IMPERATIVES. The first VERB has a good parallel in Deut. 31:6. This was God's word to Joshua several times (cf. Jos. 1:6,7.9.18). This admonition to action is reminiscent of the Shema (Deut. 6:4, "hear and do!"). A good parallel for the second command is 1 Chr. 28:10. Put feet to your prayers!
Esdras 10:5-8
10:5 "priests. . .Levites. . .Israel" These were the three levels of Jewish society (cf. Ezra 9:1). ▣ "take oath" This VERB (BDB 989, KB 1396) is used twice in this verse (Hiphil IMPERFECT andNiphal IMPERFECT). It means to swear to God as an act of worship (cf. Deut. 6:13; 10:20; Ezek. 16:8). Ezra believed they had a change of heart, but still required that they act on that change both by actions (cf. Ezra 10:4) and oath. 10:6 NASB, NKJV, JPSOA, Peshitta "went into the chamber" "into the living quarters" "went to the treasure room" "(where) he spent the night" "he lodged" The VERB (BDB 229, KB 246, Qal IMPERFECT with waw, twice) is the common VERB for "go" or "walk." The UBS Text Project, pp. 512-513, suggests that here the VERB means "spend the night" ("B" rating, denoting "some doubt"). The interpretive issue is the meaning of "chamber" (BDB 545). a room connected to the sanctuary where sacred food was eaten by the priests, 1 Sam. 9:22 living quarters of Levites, 1 Chr. 9:33 storerooms, 1 Chr. 23:28; 28:12; 2 Chr. 31:11; Ezra 8:29; Neh. 10:38,39 used for individuals, Neh. 13:7 ▣ "Jehohanan the son of Eliashib" Many have used this person to assert that Ezra is chronologically after Nehemiah, but both are very common names and we cannot be too dogmatic on the sketchy history of this period. The name Eliashib can refer to a person who helped Ezra (cf. Ezra 10:6; Neh. 12:10,22,23) a Levitical singer who had married a pagan (cf. Ezra 10:24) a son of Zattu who had married a pagan (cf. Ezra 10:27) a son of Bani who had married a pagan (cf. Ezra 10:36) the high priest during Nehemiah's rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem (cf. Neh. 3:1,20,21; 13:4,7,28) The name Jehohanan can refer to a son of Bebai who married a pagan (cf. Ezra 10:28) a priest who returned with Zerubabbel (cf. Neh. 12:13) a Levitical singer who participated in the dedication of the walls of Jerusalem (cf. Neh. 12:42) These are both very common names and they cannot be identified with precision. For a good brief discussion of this issue of chronology, see Derek Kidner, "Ezra and Nehemiah," Tyndale Commentary Series, pp. 146-158. ▣ "he did not eat bread nor drink water" This was a total fast (cf. Exod. 34:28; Deut. 9:18; Jonah 3:7). Ezra was very concerned about these acts of unfaithfulness towards YHWH (cf. Ezra 9:3-15; 10:1). 10:7 It must be remembered how small the territory that the returnees had been allocated by the Persian court. Only Jerusalem and a small part of the territory of Judah before the exile made up post-exilic Judah. Therefore, it was possible for all the people to come to Jerusalem as Ezra commanded. 10:8 NASB, NRSV, NJB, Peshitta "forfeited" NKJV, TEV, REB, JPSOA "confiscated" "anathematized" This is the Hebrew term (BDB 355, KB 353, Hophal IMPERFECT) herem, which denotes something given to God (cf. Lev. 27:28-29), like Jericho (cf. Deut. 13:12-18; Jos. 6:17-19; 7:1,11,15, "under the ban"). Apparently those who refused to assemble also refused to put away their foreign wives and children, therefore, their property was given to the temple (or the priests, cf. Lev. 27:21) and they personally were excommunicated ("excluded," BDB 95, KB 110, Niphal IMPERFECT) from the people of God. For a good brief discussion of herem, see Robert B. Girdlestone, Synonyms of the Old Testament, pp. 278-281.
Esdras 10:9-15
10:9 "the men of Judah and Benjamin" The vast majority of the returnees were from pre-exilic Judah, which was made up of the tribe of Simeon the tribe of Benjamin the tribe of Judah most of the tribe of Levi (priests and Levites) The northern tribes were taken into exile in 722 B.C. by Assyria and most were assimilated into their exiled lands. ▣ "the ninth month" This refers to the month of Kislev which was midwinter, therefore, they were trembling not only from Ezra's statement but also from the cold brought on by the winter rains. Special Topic: ANE Calendars ▣ This verse records eye-witness details of this event. This is Ezra's journal! 10:10 Ezra calls on them for a public, cultic acknowledgment of their covenant violation (cf. Ezra 10:19). This was not the only sin of Israel (i.e., "adding to the guilt of Israel"), but it was a significant sin of God's people. 10:11 "make confession" This VERB (BDB 793, KB 889, Qal IMPERATIVE) shows the seriousness and mandatory nature of their confession (this verse has three IMPERATIVES). The Hebrew term "confession" (BDB 392) also means "to give praise to." Confession was an act of religious worship (cf. Jos. 7:19). This same Hebrew NOUN is used in Neh. 12:27,31,38,40 to describe the Levitical choir praising God. It was also used of "thank offerings" (cf. 2 Chr. 29:31; Ps. 50:14,23; Amos 4:5; Jer. 17:26; 33:1). 10:12 "so it is our duty to do" "so we must do" "we must do" "we will do" "our duty is to do" Young's Literal Translation of the Bible has "on us to do," p. 320. The VERB (BDB 793, KB 889, Qal INFINITIVE CONSTRUCT) has been used several times in this context. "let it be done according to the law," Ezra 10:3 "be courageous and act," Ezra 10:4 "take oath that they would do according to this proposal," Ezra 10:5 "make confession to the Lord God of your fathers and do His will," Ezra 10:11 "so it is our duty to do," Ezra 10:12 "But the exiles did so," Ezra 10:16 The people acknowledged their guilt and agreed to act on Ezra's proposals. Faith starts in the mind, but must work out into actions (cf. Lev. 26:40-42). 10:13-14 "Nor can this task be done in one or two days" These separations involved some investigation. Apparently some of the wives had truly become proselytes and were raising their children in the YHWHistic traditions, while others remained pagan. It is possible that these Hebrew men had put away their Jewish wives (cf. Ma1. 2:10-16) in order to marry these foreign wives. This really caused problems with inheritance rights. There were 110 cases investigated in 75 days, but we do not know how many other cases were involved. 10:15 There was not unanimity (four men were opposed, see 1 Chr. 21:1; Dan. 8:25; 17:14, where the same idiom is used) on this issue, but a clear majority. This is obviously an eye-witness detail. ▣ "Meshullam" Of the men listed in this verse nothing else is known. Some try to link Meshullam with a man by the same name who worked on the walls of Jerusalem (cf. Neh. 3:4,6), but this was a common name. Notice the number of times people by this name are mentioned, in 1 Chronicles—3:19; 5:13; 8:17; 9:7,8,11,12; and in Nehemiah—3:6; 8:4; 10:7,20; 11:7; 12:13,16,25,33.
Esdras 10:16-17
10:16 In spite of opposition, Ezra's proposals were acted on by the heads of the families/clans.
Esdras 10:18-22
10:18-43 If you are interested in a detailed discussion of the etymology of these Hebrew names, a good brief source is The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 4, pp. 674-676. 10:18 "Among the sons of the priests" The priests had been divided into divisions by David (cf. 1 Chronicles 23); only four of them returned (cf. Ezra 2:36-38). Those same four are named here. ▣ "the sons of Jeshua" Even the family of the first returning High Priest with Zerubabbel was not exempt from this sin nor was their family's sin covered up. I Esdras 9:19 asserts that Jeshua himself was not involved. 10:19 "They pledged" It literally says, "gave their hand" (BDB 678, KB 733, Qal IMPERFECT and 388 construct, cf. 2 Kgs. 10:15; 1 Chr. 29:24; 2 Chr. 30:8; Ezek. 17:18; I Esdras 9:20). This was a cultural gesture of sealing an agreement. ▣ "being guilty, they offered a lamb" This refers to the guilt offering of Lev. 5:14-26, which involves unintentional sin. It is not certain whether only the priest offered the sacrifice or if each of the offenders offered the sacrifice.
Esdras 10:23
10:23-24 These same divisions of the Levites are mentioned in the genealogy of chapter 2 (cf. Ezra 2:40-42). No mention is made of any Nethinim (cf. Ezra 2:43-54) having taken foreign wives, nor of Solomon's servants (cf. Ezra 2:55-59).
Esdras 10:25-44
10:44 The Hebrew is very difficult. Derek Kidner, "Ezra and Nehemiah" Tyndale Commentary Series, p. 72, footnote #2, shows the problem: "and some of them (MASCULINE ) were women and they (MASCULINE) appointed sons" Young's Literal Translation of the Bible, p. 321, has "and there are of them women ‒ who adopt sons" the Septuagint has "all these had taken strange wives and begotten sons of them" the Revised Standard Version quotes I Esdras 9:36, "all of these had married foreign women, and they sent them away with (their) children"