Bible Study

Just for your thoughts.

Expository Commentary * on the Book of Ezra – Lesson* 21
In the Old Testament, it would not be an exaggeration to describe Ezra as one of the finest teachers of the Law.
He studied the Scriptures diligently, practiced what he learned in his own life, and taught others what he lived out.

These three essential qualities are clearly seen together in one verse concerning Ezra.
When the Persian king Artaxerxes sent Ezra from Babylon to the land of Israel, the command he gave him was very significant:
“You, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God which is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people beyond the River—all such as know the laws of your God; and teach those who do not know them.
Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be death, banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment.”
(Ezra 7:25–26)
In summary, the king’s intention was that the people should be governed according to the Law of Moses.
When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, he came to know a matter that caused him deep sorrow and shock.
The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, had not separated themselves from the surrounding nations. Instead, they had participated in their detestable practices. Moreover, they had taken wives from among the daughters of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites.
Thus, the holy people had mixed with the surrounding nations. What made it even more grievous was that the leaders and officials themselves had led the way in this unfaithfulness. (Ezra 9:2–3)
When Ezra heard this, he tore his garment and his robe, pulled out hair from his head and beard, and sat down in utter shock.
His deep anguish and his prayer of confession on behalf of the people are clearly seen in Ezra chapter 9. He identified himself with the sins of the people and pleaded before God as though they were his own.
Lesson for the New Testament Church
Believers must never forget that they are a set-apart people.
“Unequally yoked” refers to:
A union between a believer and an unbeliever
A relationship not centered on God
This applies especially in areas such as:
Marriage
Close partnerships
Business alliances
Major life decisions
A separated life is not only for the Old Testament; it is equally relevant for New Testament believers.
Paul the Apostle clearly teaches this:
“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.”
(2 Corinthians 6:14–16)
Present Condition and Warning
One of the major reasons for the decline and lack of spiritual power in today’s churches is this issue.
People who know God:
In marriage
In business
In relationships
are joining themselves with unbelievers and thereby going against God’s will.
Believers are called to be separated, but not isolated.
“We should be separated, but not secluded.”
Generational Challenge
The first generation of Christians often lives with strong conviction and devotion.
But the next generation tends to drift away from the path of their forefathers and becomes influenced by the world.
As a result:
The spiritual strength of the family declines
The relationship with God is not carried forward to the next generation
Responsibility of Parents and the Church
Responsibility of the Church:
To clearly teach about a separated life
To emphasize its necessity
To warn about the consequences of neglecting it
Responsibility of Parents:
Not to avoid responsibility by saying, “Marriage is the child’s personal choice”
To pray for their children
To teach and guide them
To lead them in the right path.

Biblical Warning
The incident where the Israelites united with Moabite women (Numbers 25) brought severe consequences—about 24,000 people died.
This demonstrates the seriousness of God’s holiness and judgment.
Conclusion
Every preacher should see himself as an Ezra.
Every father and mother should act as an Ezra in their family.
If such compromises are prevented:
The holiness of the church will be preserved
The church will remain powerful
This applies not only to marriage, but also to:
Business
Politics
Worldly affection
Worldly thinking
We must remain watchful in all these areas.

Just as the Jewish people have preserved their identity through many challenges, we too must guard our faith.
Final Thought
Each one of us is called to live as “an Ezra”
in our homes and in our* families.