Understanding Ezra 10:21

Verse: Ezra 10:21 - "And of the sons of Pahathmoab; Adna the son of Jehoahaz, and Amasiah the son of Athaliah, and Jehaziah the son of Tikvah, and Eliezer the son of Zicri, and among the sons of Zicri, and the son of Amariah."

Summary of Meaning

The verse lists names of individuals involved in a significant restoration effort among the Jewish community returning from exile, highlighting their roles and lineage. This emphasis on names signifies the importance of heritage and community identity in the context of religious renewal. These individuals represent those who committed to addressing the issues of intermarriage with foreign nations, seeking to uphold their covenantal faithfulness to God.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the significance of names in the verse, asserting that each name conveys the notion of individual accountability within the national restoration. He discusses how the naming also reflects God's faithfulness to His people and the re-establishment of proper worship.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes provides context about the men mentioned, indicating that they were leaders who played a crucial role in guiding others back to faithfulness to God's laws. He analyzes the implications of their lineage and how these connections bolster the community's religious identity.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke focuses on the historical context of the return from exile, interpreting the passage as a reminder of God's promises being fulfilled through the restoration of the Jewish people. He underscores the extraordinary task these men faced in re-establishing Israel's connection with God after a period of disobedience and separation.

Related Biblical Themes

This verse connects with numerous themes throughout the Bible, reflecting widespread principles of community, accountability, and fidelity to God's covenants. The following sections highlight inter-Biblical dialogues and thematic connections found in scripture.

Bible Verse Cross References

Here are several Bible verses that relate to Ezra 10:21, emphasizing its themes:

• Nehemiah 10:28-29: Addresses the commitment of the people to separate themselves from foreign influences.
• Malachi 2:11: Describes the corruption of the priesthood through intermarriage with foreign women, linking to the issue at hand in Ezra.
• 1 Chronicles 2:54-55: Offers a genealogy that echoes the need for maintaining pure lineage among the tribes.
• Ezra 9:1-2: Highlights the initial problems of intermarriage, establishing the context for the call to repentance in Ezra 10.
• Deuteronomy 7:3-4: Details God's command against intermarrying with outsiders, providing a foundational law that Ezra's actions seek to uphold.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14: Encourages believers to avoid unequal yokes, mirroring the exhortation present in Ezra's narrative.
• Matthew 1:1-16: Lists the genealogy of Jesus, affirming the importance of lineage within the biblical narrative.

Cross-Referencing Biblical Texts

Ezra 10:21 underscores the interconnectedness within the Scriptures, showcasing how themes of restoration and covenant fidelity resonate across both the Old and New Testaments. Utilizing a Bible concordance or Bible reference resources can aid in identifying these connections effectively.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

Using tools for Bible cross-referencing like cross-reference Bible study methods and Bible cross-reference guide, believers can explore the intricate relationships between verses, leading to a deeper understanding of scriptural themes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ezra 10:21, through its historical context and associations, invites readers to appreciate the importance of community and the commitment to uphold religious values. It serves not only as a historical account but also as a beguiling call to maintain purity and integrity within the faith community.