Intermarriage With Pagans

Ezra 9:1–5
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After Ezra had been in the land for a period of time, he was informed by some of the princes that many were involved in sin. This grievous sin involved not only the people in general but even the priests and Levites who should have been the spiritual leaders (v. 1). This lack of separation involved intermarriage with the Gentile population around them (v. 2). In disobedience to God’s word (Deut. 7:1-6) the men of the land had married heathen wives and thus mixed with the wicked and idolatrous people of the land. Another example of this type of situation was when Godly Lot became corrupt and intermingled with those in perversion (Gen. 19). In fact Lot enjoyed staying in Sodom even though it was sinful.

The effect of this information upon Ezra was heart rendering (v. 3). In deep sorrow he tore his clothes and plucked out some of the hair from his head and beard. As he sat in silent amazement there gathered around him a crowd of like-minded people (v. 4). These were people who “trembled at the words of the God of Israel” and were fearful of the awful judgement God would bring on His people because of this sin. At the evening sacrifice he arose from his depression, and, having rent his undergarment and his mantle, he fell on his knees and spread out his hands to the Lord (v. 5).

Application

The next time I ask God for fair and just treatment I need to stop and think what would happen if He gave me what I really deserve. How fortunate I am that God gives me mercy and grace rather than justice