Ezra 10:2

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Alors Schecania, fils de Jehiel, d'entre les fils d'Elam, prit la parole et dit à Esdras: Nous avons péché contre notre Dieu, en nous alliant à des femmes étrangères qui appartiennent aux peuples du pays. Mais Israël ne reste pas pour cela sans espérance.

What Does This Mean?

Shechaniah, speaking to Ezra, admits that the Israelites have sinned by marrying foreign women, but believes there is still hope for the community. This verse reflects a moment of confession and a desire for restoration.

Explained for Children

Imagine you and your friends made a mistake and took something you shouldn't have. Shechaniah is like a friend saying, 'We made a big mistake, but we can fix it and get better.' This shows that even when we make mistakes, we can still hope for a better future.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of Ezra, written around the 5th century BCE. Ezra, a Jewish scribe, returned from exile in Babylon and found his people had married non-Israelites, which was against their religious laws. The verse reflects a time of deep introspection and communal resolve among the returned exiles.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, imagine a workplace where team members have broken a key company policy. Like Shechaniah, one of the team members could step up, admit the mistake, and propose a plan to correct the situation, showing that there is still hope for the team's future.

Topics

• repentance
• community
• hope
• marriage
• sin
• restoration

Related Verses

• Deuteronomy 7:3
• Nehemiah 13:23
• 1 Corinthians 7:14
• Malachi 2:11
• Genesis 38:2

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Shechaniah?

Shechaniah is one of the leaders among the returned exiles, addressing Ezra and the community about their sins.

Why is marrying foreign wives a problem?

Marrying foreign wives was against the religious laws of the Israelites because it could lead to the worship of other gods.

What does 'there is hope in Israel' mean?

It means that despite their mistakes, the community can still be restored and regain God's favor.

How does this verse relate to today's issues?

It shows the importance of admitting mistakes and working towards restoration, a lesson applicable to various aspects of modern life, from personal relationships to professional settings.