Ezra 10:10-11
And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel. Now then make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that Ezra isn't just pointing out a rule broken; he's declaring they've actively added to Israel's sin. The phrase "to increase the trespass" means their actions have piled onto the existing guilt that led to their exile in the first place. This wasn't just a personal mistake, but a communal offense that deepened their spiritual debt.
Following a period of deep mourning and confession over the people's unfaithfulness, Ezra publicly addresses the large assembly gathered in Jerusalem. He directly confronts them, stating their transgression of marrying foreign women has compounded Israel's existing guilt and brought further spiritual danger to the nation. This address marks the pivotal moment where the sin is clearly identified and the need for a drastic remedy is laid bare before the people.
Ezra doesn't just point out a mistake; he uses strong language. What does it truly mean to 'break faith' in this context?
When Ezra confronts the people in Ezra 10:10, he declares, "You have broken faith." This isn't a casual accusation; it's a profound spiritual indictment.
A Covenant Betrayed
"Broken faith" here speaks to a betrayal of their covenant relationship with God. Israel was called to be a distinct people, set apart for God. Marrying foreign women, especially those who likely still practiced idolatry, was a direct violation of the covenant commands that sought to protect Israel's spiritual purity and their unique identity.
Increasing Israel's Guilt
Ezra continues, "and so increased the guilt of Israel." This highlights that their actions weren't just personal sins; they compounded the spiritual corruption within the entire community. Their choices added to the existing burden of disobedience that had already led to exile. It's a stark reminder that our actions have ripple effects, impacting the whole body of believers.
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Ezra doesn't hide behind the scenes. He steps forward in a critical moment. What does his posture and speech reveal about true leadership?
The verse opens with a powerful image: "And Ezra the priest stood up..." This simple action is packed with meaning.
Rising to the Occasion
Ezra didn't just send a message or delegate. He physically stood up before the assembled people. This signifies taking a public stand, assuming responsibility, and boldly confronting a deeply ingrained problem. He wasn't afraid to address the people directly and point out their sin.
Speaking Truth with Authority
His words are direct and unambiguous. He identifies the specific transgression – marrying foreign women – and its consequence – increasing Israel's guilt. This shows a leader committed to God's law and willing to speak uncomfortable truths for the sake of the community's spiritual health. He acts with the authority given to him, not out of personal anger, but out of deep concern for Israel's relationship with God.
Understand the original words
māʿal · Hebrew Verb
In a biblical context, to 'break faith' (or act treacherously) describes a violation of a covenant relationship, particularly through unfaithfulness to God, his laws, or his people. It implies a breach of trust and rebellion against the established covenant.
ʾašmâ · Hebrew Noun
A legal or moral standing of being liable for wrongdoing; in biblical terms, it reflects the state of being under divine displeasure due to violation of God's law or covenant. It requires atonement or restitution to be removed.
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun
One set apart and appointed to perform sacred duties on behalf of the people before God, serving as a mediator and teacher of the Law. The office involves offering sacrifices, intercession, and preserving the holiness of the congregation.
yadah · Hebrew Verb
To acknowledge or confess sin, literally meaning to throw or cast forth, indicating an outward expression of an inward reality of guilt before God.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant-making, personal name of God, revealed to Israel, emphasizing His faithfulness and eternal nature.
ratson · Hebrew Noun
To act in accordance with God's revealed law or desire; to perform the pleasure or purpose of God.
badal · Hebrew Verb
To set apart for a holy purpose, or to withdraw from profane or defiling associations to maintain covenant purity.
am ha-aretz · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the surrounding pagan nations whose religious practices, idols, and social structures were considered a corrupting influence on the holiness of Israel.
Ezra's confrontation highlights the immediate spiritual crisis upon the return from exile, where the reintegration of the people into their homeland was threatened by assimilationist practices, directly challenging the purity and future of the covenant community.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
The first wave of Jewish exiles returned from Babylon to Judah following Cyrus the Great's decree, beginning the rebuilding of the Jerusalem Temple.
c. 458 BC— this verse
Ezra's Commission and Return
Ezra, a scribe and priest, leads a second significant group of exiles back to Jerusalem with royal authorization and resources to restore Jewish law and practice.
Shortly after Ezra's arrival
Discovery of Intermarriage
Upon his arrival, Ezra is shocked to discover that many of the returning Israelites, including prominent leaders, have married foreign women, violating Mosaic Law.
Following Ezra's Address
People Agree to Reform
After Ezra's impassioned speech, the assembled people agree to put away their foreign wives and children and make restitution, demonstrating remorse and a desire for obedience.
c. 457 BC
Appointment of Investigation Commission
A commission is formed to investigate the extent of the intermarriage and ensure the law is applied systematically, taking about three months to complete.
This passage directly addresses the prohibition against intermarrying with foreign nations, setting the theological stage for Ezra's strong rebuke about 'foreign women'.
Nehemiah 13:23Nehemiah echoes Ezra's concern, condemning the practice of marrying foreign women and highlighting the ongoing struggle to maintain the people's identity and faithfulness.
Leviticus 18:24-30This section of Leviticus explains the spiritual danger of the surrounding nations' practices, including intermarriage, as a reason for God's judgment and the potential defilement of the land.
1 Corinthians 15:33Paul warns against bad influences, stating 'bad company corrupts good character,' which resonates with Ezra's concern that foreign marriages were corrupting the 'guilt of Israel'.
pooleEzra 10:10: "And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel."
No text from Poole on this verse.
gillEzra 10:10: "And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel."
And Ezra the priest stood up,.... In the midst of the assembly to make his speech, acquainting them with the reason of their meeting together: and said unto them, ye have transgressed; the law of God in the following instance: and have taken strange wives; of the people of the land and others, idolatrous persons: to increase the trespass of Isra…
What's easy to miss is that Ezra isn't just pointing out a rule broken; he's declaring they've actively added to Israel's sin. The phrase "to increase the trespass" means their actions have piled onto the existing guilt that led to their exile in the first place. This wasn't just a personal mistake, but a communal offense that deepened their spiritual debt.
Following a period of deep mourning and confession over the people's unfaithfulness, Ezra publicly addresses the large assembly gathered in Jerusalem. He directly confronts them, stating their transgression of marrying foreign women has compounded Israel's existing guilt and brought further spiritual danger to the nation. This address marks the pivotal moment where the sin is clearly identified and the need for a drastic remedy is laid bare before the people.
Following a period of deep mourning and confession over the people's unfaithfulness, Ezra publicly addresses the large assembly gathered in Jerusalem. He directly confronts them, stating their transgression of marrying foreign women has compounded Israel's existing guilt and brought further spiritual danger to the nation. This address marks the pivotal moment where the sin is clearly identified and the need for a drastic remedy is laid bare before the people.
"And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel. Now then make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from…" — What's easy to miss is that Ezra isn't just pointing out a rule broken; he's declaring they've actively added to Israel's sin. The phrase "to increase the trespass" means their actions have piled o…
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