Ezra 10:11

Arabic SVD 1865 Version (Smith and Van Dyke)

فاعترفوا الآن للرب اله آبائكم واعملوا مرضاته وانفصلوا عن شعوب الارض وعن النساء الغريبة.

What Does This Mean?

Ezra 10:11 is a command from Ezra, a leader among the returned exiles, to the people of Israel. He tells them to confess their sins to God and to separate from their non-Israelite wives. The main message is about returning to God and purifying the community by removing influences that are against God's will.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends made a big mistake by playing with toys that your parents said were off-limits. Now, your mom or dad is asking you to say sorry for that mistake and to stop playing with those toys. That's what Ezra is asking the people to do, but with much bigger things.

Historical Background

Ezra 10:11 is part of the book of Ezra, written by Ezra the scribe around 450 BCE. It addresses the Jewish exiles who returned from Babylon to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. The Israelites had married non-Israelite women, which was against God's commandments, and Ezra is calling for a return to purity and obedience to God.

Living It Out Today

In modern terms, this verse can apply to situations where a community or individual needs to separate from harmful influences that are leading them away from their spiritual goals. For example, a group of friends might decide to distance themselves from a peer who is encouraging them to engage in activities that go against their values or beliefs.

Topics

• purity
• community
• obedience
• confession
• repentance
• separation

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 7:3
• 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
• 1 Corinthians 7:12-16
• Ephesians 5:11
• James 4:4

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Ezra command the people to separate from their foreign wives?

Ezra was concerned that intermarriage with non-Israelites would lead the Israelites to follow foreign gods and abandon their own religious practices, which was against God's commandments as given in the Torah.

Is Ezra's command in 10:11 applicable to all Christians today?

While the specific command about separating from foreign wives is not directly applicable, the principle of separating from influences that lead one away from God is still relevant and can be applied in various contexts today.

How can one understand the concept of 'pleasure of God' in Ezra 10:11?

The 'pleasure of God' refers to God's will or desire, which is to have a pure and obedient community. Following God's pleasure involves aligning one's actions with His commands and values.

What does the phrase 'confess to the LORD God of your fathers' mean?

Confessing to God means acknowledging one's sins and turning away from them. It involves a sincere repentance and a commitment to live according to God's will, as followed by their ancestors.