by Ian McKee (Northern Ireland)
Recorded for all to see are the names of those who had taken strange wives. Name by name every individual transgressor is identified. Each had violated God’s law. The first to cohabit may have scandalised the Jewish community. However, with each successive transgression, another precedent was established to accelerate the downgrade towards widespread and gratuitous disregard for God’s Word.
The fact that seventeen priests are named in the list of transgressors is shameful. That four of these priests were from the family of the High Priest is exceedingly so. These who were most culpable are cited first as a warning against sin. They had violated Lev.21.7. Comparison with Ezra 2.36-39 would indicate that not one of the families of the priests who had returned from Judea was free from involvement in this transgression.
While “sin is a reproach to any people,” Prov.14.34, those sins which take hold in the upper echelons of society have a pernicious influence on the rest of the population. Today, every avenue of the media is used to pander to base appetites. By extensive coverage and reiteration, by exposing the scandals of the famous and employing fiction containing dysfunctional families, contemporary western society has become sufficiently desensitised to accept marital infidelity and perversion either as normal or as an alternative lifestyle! In view of this pervasive atmosphere every Christian should, from Scripture, establish the mind of God on these matters and hold fast to Biblical teaching without equivocation. However, it is recognised that such a position will run contrary to contemporary sociology and permissiveness. But no matter what contrary view is taken by the opinion formers of this world, sin is still sin. And God hates sin.
There is also the risk that, owing to the general atmosphere in society, that Christians become withdrawn and hesitant in relation to public teaching on the indissolubility of marriage, faithfulness to one’s spouse and the sanctity of married life. Sadly in Ezra’s day, the mouths of those who should have taught Scriptural principles were closed either because of partiality towards family, or embarrassment. But we cannot abrogate responsibility, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad,” 2Cor.5.10.
It is sobering to note that a family prominent in the revival under Jeshua and Zerubbabel, is here prominent in sin. Priests contributed some 10 per cent of the total that returned to Jerusalem in Ezra ch.2. But they contributed a much greater percentage in the list of the unruly in Ezra ch.10! Neither godly forbears nor privileged position can guarantee preservation.
However, “they gave their hands” that they would put away these women. This solemnises a treaty or covenant, 2Kgs.10.15; Ezek.17.18. “And being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass,” Ezra 10.19. Trespass and sin through ignorance in the holy things of the Lord, Lev.5.14-19, must have priority over trespass against the Lord in relation to matters involving other people, Lev.6.1-7. Ignorance of the law cannot be cited in mitigation; nor can a previously tranquil conscience. But once the trespass has been brought to light (here by Ezra’s teaching) it is needful for an unblemished ram to die, for part to be offered to God on the brazen altar, for the officiating priest to retain the skin and to share with other priests in the eating of the trespass offering in the holy place, Lev.7.1-10.
In addition, we learn from Ezra 10.23,24 that ten Levites (including one singer and three gatekeepers) were also implicated in the trespass. When men of position and influence sin, others follow. From Ezra 10.25-44 we see that over eighty others had trespassed, implicating nine of the thirty-three families mentioned in Ezra ch.2, plus another two families.
Depending on the precise view taken on certain textual interpretations there is a total of some 111 or 113 individuals involved in this sin. An equal number of women were also implicated. An equal number of homes were affected and an equal number of families. Had Ezra not given timely teaching, the entire community would have been corrupted. Certainly this was another satanic attempt to frustrate the purpose of God in regard to the incarnation of Christ on the lineage of David and His redemptive purpose for all mankind.
Reformation was not without sorrow and pain as, in some of the cases investigated, children had been born, Ezra 10.44. On this poignant note Ezra’s present ministry to apply the law of God to this people is completed and he disappears from this page of inspiration until he reappears, some 13 years later, in Neh.ch.8.
We have travelled many miles together from the broad boulevards of Babylon to rebuild among the ruins. We have enjoyed the company of great men. But beyond it all, we marvel at the grace, longsuffering and faithfulness of God.
“Therefore thus saith the Lord; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: My house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. Cry yet, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts; My cities through prosperity shall yet be spread abroad; and the Lord shall yet comfort Zion, and shall yet choose Jerusalem”, Zech.1.16,17.
Amen, let it be so as Thou hast said.
—Concluded