Ezra 10:12 is a pivotal moment in the story of the returned exiles from Babylon in the book of Ezra. It signifies a turning point where the people of Israel commit to a difficult but necessary action to purify their community. Let's break down what the verse means:
Context: Ezra has just learned that many Jewish men have married foreign women, which is forbidden by Jewish law and considered a great sin because it could lead to the adoption of foreign gods and practices, threatening the integrity of the Jewish community and their covenant with God. Ezra mourns, confesses the sin, and calls the people to action.
"Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice..." This indicates a widespread and unified response. The people aren't hesitant or divided. The "loud voice" suggests conviction and sincerity.
"...“As you have said concerning us, so must we do." This is the heart of the verse. It means:
"As you have said concerning us...": They acknowledge that Ezra's assessment of their situation (i.e., they have sinned by intermarrying) is correct and just. They accept his authority and his interpretation of God's law.
"...so must we do.": They commit to taking action to rectify the situation, even though it will be painful and difficult. This implies a willingness to obey God's law, as interpreted by Ezra, even when it is not easy.
In essence, Ezra 10:12 means that the assembled Israelites, realizing the gravity of their sin of intermarriage, unanimously agreed to follow Ezra's instructions and take the necessary steps to correct the wrong, even if it meant painful consequences, like separating from their foreign wives and children.
Key takeaways:
Acceptance of Guilt: The people acknowledge their sin and its implications.
Submission to Authority: They accept Ezra's leadership and his interpretation of God's law.
Commitment to Action: They pledge to take concrete steps to remedy the situation, demonstrating repentance and obedience.
Resolution for Change: This is a turning point where the community resolves to align its practices with God's commandments.
This verse is a significant illustration of repentance, obedience, and the commitment to restore a broken relationship with God. It also highlights the importance of leadership in guiding a community back to faithfulness.
Ezra 10:12 is a pivotal moment in the story of the returned exiles from Babylon in the book of Ezra. It signifies a turning point where the people of Israel commit to a difficult but necessary action to purify their community. Let's break down what the verse means:
Context: Ezra has just learned that many Jewish men have married foreign women, which is forbidden by Jewish law and considered a great sin because it could lead to the adoption of foreign gods and practices, threatening the integrity of the Jewish community and their covenant with God. Ezra mourns, confesses the sin, and calls the people to action.
"Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice..." This indicates a widespread and unified response. The people aren't hesitant or divided. The "loud voice" suggests conviction and sincerity.
"...“As you have said concerning us, so must we do." This is the heart of the verse. It means:
"As you have said concerning us...": They acknowledge that Ezra's assessment of their situation (i.e., they have sinned by intermarrying) is correct and just. They accept his authority and his interpretation of God's law.
"...so must we do.": They commit to taking action to rectify the situation, even though it will be painful and difficult. This implies a willingness to obey God's law, as interpreted by Ezra, even when it is not easy.
In essence, Ezra 10:12 means that the assembled Israelites, realizing the gravity of their sin of intermarriage, unanimously agreed to follow Ezra's instructions and take the necessary steps to correct the wrong, even if it meant painful consequences, like separating from their foreign wives and children.
Key takeaways:
Acceptance of Guilt: The people acknowledge their sin and its implications.
Submission to Authority: They accept Ezra's leadership and his interpretation of God's law.
Commitment to Action: They pledge to take concrete steps to remedy the situation, demonstrating repentance and obedience.
Resolution for Change: This is a turning point where the community resolves to align its practices with God's commandments.
This verse is a significant illustration of repentance, obedience, and the commitment to restore a broken relationship with God. It also highlights the importance of leadership in guiding a community back to faithfulness.