Ezra 9:2 - For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy offspring have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Ezra 9:2" mean?
This verse from Ezra 9:2 describes a situation where Jewish men, including leaders ("princes and rulers"), have intermarried with women from the surrounding non-Jewish populations ("peoples of the lands"). The key concerns highlighted in the verse are:
Religious Purity: The phrase "holy offspring" refers to the Jewish people, who were considered set apart for God. The intermarriage is seen as a mixing of the "holy" with the "unholy," compromising their distinct religious identity and covenant with God.
Transgression of Law: Intermarriage was generally prohibited in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3-4) due to concerns about religious influence and the potential for turning away from the worship of Yahweh. The verse emphasizes that this law has been broken.
Leadership's Role: The verse specifically points out that "the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass." This highlights the severity of the issue, as the leaders, who were expected to uphold the law and set an example, are the primary offenders. Their actions not only violate the law but also set a precedent for others to follow.
In essence, Ezra 9:2 expresses deep concern over the perceived corruption and dilution of the Jewish community's religious identity through intermarriage, particularly due to the involvement and leadership of influential figures. It sets the stage for Ezra's prayer of confession and the subsequent reforms aimed at separating the Jewish people from foreign influences.
Ezra 9:2 - For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy offspring have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.”
What does "Ezra 9:2" mean?
This verse from Ezra 9:2 describes a situation where Jewish men, including leaders ("princes and rulers"), have intermarried with women from the surrounding non-Jewish populations ("peoples of the lands"). The key concerns highlighted in the verse are:
Religious Purity: The phrase "holy offspring" refers to the Jewish people, who were considered set apart for God. The intermarriage is seen as a mixing of the "holy" with the "unholy," compromising their distinct religious identity and covenant with God.
Transgression of Law: Intermarriage was generally prohibited in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:3-4) due to concerns about religious influence and the potential for turning away from the worship of Yahweh. The verse emphasizes that this law has been broken.
Leadership's Role: The verse specifically points out that "the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass." This highlights the severity of the issue, as the leaders, who were expected to uphold the law and set an example, are the primary offenders. Their actions not only violate the law but also set a precedent for others to follow.
In essence, Ezra 9:2 expresses deep concern over the perceived corruption and dilution of the Jewish community's religious identity through intermarriage, particularly due to the involvement and leadership of influential figures. It sets the stage for Ezra's prayer of confession and the subsequent reforms aimed at separating the Jewish people from foreign influences.