Ezra 10:21

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

des fils de Harim, Maaséja, Elie, Schemaeja, Jehiel et Ozias;

What Does This Mean?

This verse lists the names of some individuals from the family of Harim who were involved in a situation where they had married foreign wives. The names mentioned are Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. This list is part of a larger account of the Israelites returning to Jerusalem after exile and dealing with the issue of intermarriage.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're part of a big family reunion where everyone is checking who's there. In this case, the family is named Harim, and they're making sure everyone who married someone from their own family is there. The names they're looking for are Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah.

Historical Background

Ezra wrote this verse as part of a historical record around 450 B.C. The audience was the returning Israelites who were coming back from exile in Babylon. The cultural setting was one of religious and cultural purity, as intermarriage with foreigners was seen as a threat to their faith.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this verse can remind us of the importance of staying true to our values. For instance, if you're part of a group that values honesty, this verse could inspire you to make sure your friends and associates also uphold this value.

Topics

• purity
• faithfulness
• family
• community
• identity
• marriage

Related Verses

• Ezra 9:1-2
• Nehemiah 13:23-27
• Deuteronomy 7:3-4
• 1 Corinthians 7:39
• 1 Timothy 5:14

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are these specific names listed in Ezra 10:21?

These names are listed to document the individuals involved in the situation of intermarriage, which was a significant issue for the returning exiles in maintaining their religious and cultural identity.

What was the issue with intermarriage in the context of Ezra?

Intermarriage was seen as a threat to the religious purity of the returning Israelites, as it could lead to the adoption of foreign gods and practices, diluting their faith and identity.

How does this verse fit into the larger narrative of Ezra?

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Ezra and other leaders are addressing the issue of intermarriage, encouraging the people to separate from their foreign wives to maintain their religious purity.

What can we learn from this verse about the importance of community values?

This verse teaches us the importance of upholding community values and maintaining our identity, even when faced with pressures from outside influences that could dilute our core beliefs and practices.