Ezra 10 THERE IS HOPE When there is repentance and reform in a nation, an assembly or an individual through the impact of the word of God, it is real and the result is good in spite of the pain and cost. The whole book of Ezra gives a clear message on the place and power of the word of God in the religious, social and civil life of His people. The revival under Ezra was a revival of Bible study and obedience to the revealed will of God. We are still experiencing the results of that movement as we meet to study the Bible together or apply ourselves to private study seeking the proper interpretation and how to apply what we learn. The word of God worked in the lives of God's people when taught by a God-sent man. It produced genuine repentance that led to true separation that was obvious and effective. There was separation from Babylon in chapter one. There was separation from worldly help in chapter four when "the adversaries" said, "Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do..."
There was also separation from leaning on the flesh in chapter eight when the second group of exiles, chose to trust God for safety on the way from Babylon to Jerusalem rather than a "band of soldiers." Lastly in chapter ten there is separation from sinful alliances of the most intimate kind that would have undermined the whole character, and ultimately, the very existence of a nation of people who had been called by God to be His people. Idolatry in any form, from the household to the throne, if allowed to continue, brings an end to the testimony of faith in God alone.
Remorse for sinful activity is not repentance for sin. Ezra's attitude and actions were real and obvious to others. His sincere sorrow for sin sets an example for us when we understand the seriousness of sin. Many believers do not realize the awfulness of sin and the serious consequences that can follow if the practice is continued. Those of spiritual maturity need to realize the impact on others when we face the reality of the problems we face because of sin.
The attitude and actions of Ezra who identified himself with the sins of the nation motivated another leader to clearly articulate the problem they faced as a people. The example of one godly man resonated in another who was willing to follow his example and do what he said needed to be done. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of, but the sorrow of this world worketh death." When sin has been indulged in and allowed to control our lives, there will be pain and suffering in ourselves, and criticism and even hate from others when the wrong has been made right; such is the reality of sin indulged in.
The responsibility for knowing, understanding clearly, and dealing with the problems caused by sin, is on those who are spiritually mature and who know and are committed to the word of God. Ezra knew what God said in Deuteronomy 7. It was his consciousness of the will and presence of God that awakened Shechaniah first, then the priests and Levites, and ultimately the people that there was a major problem among them. True shepherds know when there is a latent danger, but they also know the state of the flock and what has to be done to preserve the testimony of God's people.
It would have been heartening to Ezra to hear Shechaniah's words of personal identification with the sin, his clear confession of the sin, and then his confidence that "there is hope." Men of faith can see the problem and results of sin, but they also know God well enough to be able to define the solution. "A covenant with God" puts the whole matter on the right footing. Such covenants are clear and decisive. There can be no compromising with sin. Shechaniah knew the word of God well enough to know what had to be done "at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law." A good example has a good impact for good results.
Unfaithfulness to God is not a light matter to be treated casually or simply confessed as sin with a promise not to do it again. In this case there was needed genuine repentance it is true, but like assemblies today, they needed to "repent, and do the first works." There was the necessity of making right that which was wrong, getting rid of the cause of the wrong, and starting over. For a Christian to marry a Satan worshipper (similar to the idolaters of Ezra's day) would be a similar comparison as to the problem Ezra and God's people were facing. Not only were some of the common folks involved in this practice, but also some of the connections in the families of the priests and Levites. Those whose work was guarding the temple, singing the psalms and spiritual songs were in a position to undermine the whole work, worship and service of God.
Some sins call for drastic action and it needs to be done quickly. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." The Lord's people in Corinth had become used to blatant and open sin. If it had been allowed to continue without discipline, the whole assembly would have suffered and perhaps died as a testimony to the result of mixing saved and unsaved people in church testimony. That practice is now common even in so-called Christian churches that have decided to accommodate to the desire of the people rather than to the will and word of God. The word of many leaders is "We want to make everyone happy," and the result is the confusion of denominations that claim to be "Christian" but leave non-Christians wondering what is Christian and what is right. All of this leaves people to attend "the church of your choice," rather that the house of God.
Correction and a changed attitude are needed as evidence of sorrow for sin and repentance. When sin is dealt with in a biblical way, confession of sin is real and forgiveness is assured and we accept the grace and mercy of God with grateful thanks. Without a changed attitude, corrected behavior is generally ineffective as far as restoring true fellowship with God and His people. In the situation Ezra was facing, the marriages had to end and the idol worshipping women and their children sent away. The women would not only have turned their believing husbands away from God, but the children and grandchildren would have continued the licentious practices of idolatry and influenced those around them to practice the immoral ways of idol worship.
The standards of marriage revealed to us in scripture are first of all, one man and one woman for life. A believer in Christ is not to marry an unbeliever because that is an "unequal yoke." If a person is saved after marriage, they are to remain in the marriage. However, if the unbeliever in the marriage wants to leave and divorce the believer, the marriage bond is broken. Before God saved us, we were "not a people. After God saved us we are "now the people of God [1Pe.2:10]." As a result of our present position in Christ, our practical conduct should be that of separated people [2Cor.6:16]. God's people have a peculiar designation [Titus 2:14; 2Pe.2:9] as a "peculiar people, zealous of good works and a "people for His possession." A propitiating atonement [Heb.2:17] has been made, and a promised rest [Heb.4:9] is ahead for the people of God. In a state of eternal blessing [Rev.21:3] "they shall be His people."
Shechaniah knew what needed to be done according to the law of God, and he also knew Ezra to be a man of "the book," so was willing to submit to Ezra's leadership even though he had recently come from Babylon. His promised support of Ezra would have been a great encouragement and had a good effect on Ezra's resolve. Ezra maintained his position of a supplicant in private the same as in public. His concern and commitment were not really affected. When "all the people" are affected by the actions of some, then all the people need to be informed and the corrective actions need to be carefully gone over so there is no question as to the reason for the action and the results expected.
Even though the intermarriages were a bit over one hundred in number, this issue was known by many and needed to be publicly dealt with by the people of God so "that others may fear." Immorality and idolatry are serious matters both personally and spiritually. This special gathering was to deal with the sin and initiate the corrective actions to be taken. Those who chose not to attend, either out of sympathy for the offenders or as a statement of their disagreement, would be under an even more severe and lasting punishment.
The correction and forsaking of sin permanently was very explicitly spoken by Ezra so there was no mistaking the problem and the action to be taken to bring the correction and conclusion expected. Open confession of guilt and a willingness to act is evidence of reality in bringing about recovery. There was no ambiguity in the statement of the sin, and there was none in the confession of guilt and the action to be taken to rectify the problem. It was a reasonable request that a period of time be given to judge each case and bring finality to the matter. Those in positions of responsibility knew what was expected of them and did it.
Sincerity and commitment to do the will of God are essential in being recovered to fellowship with Him. Separation from "the people of the land" was needed to solve the problem. There is a difference between isolation and separation. Isolation leaves no testimony of the grace of God and the intention of God to have a people for His name. Separation means we are "in the world but not of the world." Our very presence among the nations of people is evidence of the interest of God in having human beings who live godly lives being in harmony with His will and ways. When that is true, there are happy citizens who can live without shame and guilt. Social connections do not bring about spiritual life in unbelievers. Instead of us being like them, they should want to be like the people of God.
There were four men who were opposed to the command to put away the idolatrous women and their children. Meshallum was one of the four and is named as one who had married a "strange" woman. He did not want this decision to be carried out, so stood against the edict and thus against the nation. Whatever happened to him and the other three men is not stated in the account, but if they did not comply to the command, at the least they would have forfeited their inheritance and would have been separated and put way from the "congregation."
After the review of all the cases over a period of three months, this difficult task was completed. Each person found guilty offered "a ram for their trespass." They had broken the law of God and the confession and forsaking of their sin was accepted, on the basis of an innocent, sinless substitute being offered in their place. Failure confessed, forsaken and abandoned completely opens the way for recovery for some service for the Lord. God is willing to allow service for him after restoration. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
Recovery after failure is a blessing. Sin brings serious and tragic consequences, but when sin is dealt with and repentance is real, order can be restored and effective service for God can continue. Obedience to the word of God may be costly and painful, but the result is the clearing of guilt, peace of mind, the joy of forgiveness and acceptance by God. The man of the book had many trials and heartaches, but the integrity of his spirit he was able to maintain his testimony and bring about change and recovery to others. That principle remains the same today.
Ezra 10: 4. “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.” DO IT. The evidence is there to be seen; something must be done. What is a Christian to do when he realizes the one; He is married to is a worshiper of demons? Should he ignore the fact that Satan has come between them? What about the children you love as life itself? Can you expect them to follow God, when you’ve done wrong yourself? There comes a time when sin must be faced, there must be true repentance. Righteousness insists that you must pass upon yourself the sentence, That you have done wrong and instead of being covered, sin has found you out. It is time to face the consequences and do what you can about This deep, fundamental barrier that has kept you, and others, from God. Stop! And for the sake of all concerned, bow to the chastening rod.
You made the mistake at the beginning by compromising what you believe. The one you married, you know worshipped idols, so really you deceived Her into thinking it made no difference, you each could do your own thing. But what about the children that soon into the world you bring? Will they follow one who has compromised for the sake of personal attraction? Or will they listen more attentively to the parent who is committed to action? They will follow the one who follows the way of the world, the flesh and the devil. And they will find the attractions around so appealing, not realizing the evil That comes hard on the back of those who want to be like the ones they hang around, Because a parent who has done wrong himself is living on shaky ground – With nothing really to offer a child who is impressionable at a young age. Act now! Do what you can so the damage you have done may be assuaged.
“O Lord God, the damage done by poor choices seems to escape the attention of many until it is too late. May we Thy children be made aware again of the dangers of unequal yokes of any kind. May our consciences be awakened. May we be willing to do what is necessary to right wrongs that have negative consequences if it is at all possible. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”