Ezra 10:12
Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This loud, unified declaration, "It is so; we must do as you have said," reveals a profound shift. It's not just agreement, but an acceptance of personal obligation and the solemn necessity of obedience to God's word, even when the required actions are incredibly difficult.
Ezra had just passionately confronted the assembly about their intermarriages with foreign women, which was a serious breach of covenant and a threat to their community's identity. After a period of mourning and intense prayer by Ezra, the people, acknowledging their sin and the necessity of obedience, publicly and unanimously agreed to Ezra's proposal to dissolve these unlawful marriages. This powerful acclamation marks the moment they committed to following through with the difficult and painful process of sending away their wives and children.
Imagine standing in a vast crowd, a weighty decision hanging in the air. Then, a single voice erupts, and suddenly, the entire multitude roars in agreement. That's the scene here!
The people's response in Ezra 10:12 isn't a quiet nod; it's a "loud voice" – a powerful, unified acclamation. This wasn't just a polite 'yes,' but a declaration of their full commitment to Ezra's challenging command to separate from their foreign wives.
A Unity of Purpose
This collective shouting signifies a profound moment of shared conviction. They weren't just agreeing to a rule; they were embracing a necessary, albeit painful, action to realign with God's covenant. Their 'loud voice' echoes the thunderous pronouncements of God's own word, demonstrating they understood the gravity and the absolute necessity of this obedience.
It's easy to say 'yes' to God when it's convenient. But what about when obedience demands a radical, painful change? That's the heart of this declaration.
The phrase "we must do" (literally, 'it behooves us to do') isn't optional advice; it carries the force of absolute obligation. The people recognized that their sin of intermarrying with foreign women had brought them under God's displeasure, and turning away from it was not merely a suggestion but a vital necessity for their covenant relationship with God.
Embracing the Hard Path
This wasn't a decision made lightly. It meant potentially breaking up families, sending away wives and children who had become dear. Yet, their "must" reveals a profound understanding that obedience to God, even when difficult, is paramount. They accepted the responsibility that came with their commitment, choosing God's way over their comfort or convenience.
Understand the original words
qahal · Hebrew Noun
A general term for a congregation or gathering of the people of Israel, often with a religious or legal purpose.
The people's hearty 'It is so!' echoes their recognition of a deep spiritual crisis and their willingness to obey God's command, even at great personal cost, in the context of returning from exile and seeking to re-establish a faithful community.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus's Edict for Return
King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, marking the beginning of the post-exilic period.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple Dedicated
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is finally dedicated, a significant spiritual and communal milestone for the returning exiles.
c. 458 BC
Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem
Ezra, a scribe learned in the Law of Moses, leads a second major contingent of exiles back to Jerusalem, bringing with him resources and authority.
c. 458 BC— this verse
Ezra Confronts Mixed Marriages
Upon learning of widespread intermarriage with surrounding peoples, Ezra is deeply distressed and calls the community to account for this violation of God's Law.
The people here, like the Israelites in Joshua's time, make a loud and public declaration of their commitment to obey God's commands, even when they are difficult.
Deuteronomy 29:10-13This passage highlights the communal covenantal aspect of Israel's relationship with God, showing how the assembly's unified commitment in Ezra's day was part of a larger, ongoing covenantal responsibility.
Nehemiah 13:23-27This passage reveals that despite the resolution in Ezra 10, the problem of intermarriage persisted, showing the ongoing struggle of obedience and the need for constant vigilance in upholding God's commands.
Matthew 21:28-31Jesus tells a parable about two sons, one who says he will obey and doesn't, and another who initially refuses but then does. The assembly's loud declaration in Ezra reflects the verbal commitment, but true obedience, as Jesus teaches, lies in action.
clarkeEzra 10:12: "Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do."
As thou hast said, so must we do - They all resolved to do what Ezra then commanded, they did put away their wives, even those by whom they had children; Ezra 10:44 : this was a great hardship on the women and children. Though by the Jewish laws such marriages were null and void, yet as the women they had taken did not know these laws, their case was deplorable. However, we may take it…
pooleEzra 10:12: "Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As thou hast said, so must we do."
No text from Poole on this verse.
This loud, unified declaration, "It is so; we must do as you have said," reveals a profound shift. It's not just agreement, but an acceptance of personal obligation and the solemn necessity of obedience to God's word, even when the required actions are incredibly difficult.
Ezra had just passionately confronted the assembly about their intermarriages with foreign women, which was a serious breach of covenant and a threat to their community's identity. After a period of mourning and intense prayer by Ezra, the people, acknowledging their sin and the necessity of obedience, publicly and unanimously agreed to Ezra's proposal to dissolve these unlawful marriages. This powerful acclamation marks the moment they committed to following through with the difficult and painful process of sending away their wives and children.
Ezra had just passionately confronted the assembly about their intermarriages with foreign women, which was a serious breach of covenant and a threat to their community's identity. After a period of mourning and intense prayer by Ezra, the people, acknowledging their sin and the necessity of obedience, publicly and unanimously agreed to Ezra's proposal to dissolve these unlawful marriages. This powerful acclamation marks the moment they committed to following through with the difficult and painful process of sending away their wives and children.
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c. 458 BC
Community Agrees to Divorce Foreign Wives
Following Ezra's impassioned plea and a period of mourning, the assembly agrees with a loud voice to divorce their foreign wives and send them away with their children.
c. 444 BC
Nehemiah Returns to Jerusalem
Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of the city walls, facing opposition from local leaders. He later also addresses religious and social issues.
c. 444 BC
Nehemiah Addresses Continued Mixed Marriages
During Nehemiah's leadership, he discovers that the issue of intermarriage with foreign women (including those from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab) has persisted, indicating ongoing challenges.
"Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said." — This loud, unified declaration, "It is so; we must do as you have said," reveals a profound shift. It's not just agreement, but an acceptance of personal obligation and the solemn necessity of obedie…
