Old Testament
Ezra 10:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this passage, the leaders of the community are called to take responsibility for the actions of the people.
- Author
- Ezra the priest and scribe
- Written
- Around 440 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Returning Jewish exiles
Let our leaders represent the whole assembly. Then let everyone in our towns who has married a foreign woman come at scheduled times, along with the elders and judges of each town, until God's fierce anger over this matter is turned away from us."
Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, the leaders of the community are called to take responsibility for the actions of the people. They recognize that some individuals have married foreign women, which has caused a rift between them and God. The leaders propose a plan where those who have married outside their community come forward at designated times. This gathering will include the elders and judges from each town, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The goal is to address the issue collectively and seek forgiveness from God. They believe that by confronting this problem together, they can turn away God's anger. This moment highlights the importance of accountability and unity in facing challenges. It shows that when a community comes together to resolve issues, they can find a path toward healing and restoration. The leaders are not just acting for themselves but for the entire assembly, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of their people and their relationship with God. Explore related leadership.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Ezra 10:14 to your life
Consider how you can take responsibility for your actions and their impact on your community. Are there issues that need to be addressed collectively? By coming together with others, you can find solutions and strengthen your relationships. Unity can lead to healing and positive change in your life and community.
Curated for this public verse page. Ezra Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Ezra 10:14 mean?
Ezra 10:14 discusses the leaders of the community taking responsibility for the issue of men marrying foreign women. They propose that those affected come forward at scheduled times to address the situation collectively, aiming to seek forgiveness from God and turn away His anger.
What is the significance of leaders in Ezra 10:14?
In Ezra 10:14, leaders play a crucial role by representing the entire assembly and guiding the community in addressing their collective wrongdoing. Their involvement emphasizes accountability and the importance of unity in resolving issues that affect the community's relationship with God.
What does 'strange wives' refer to in Ezra 10:14?
In Ezra 10:14, 'strange wives' refers to foreign women whom the Israelite men married, which was seen as a violation of their covenant with God. This term highlights the cultural and religious tensions that arose from these marriages.
What is the main theme of Ezra 10:14?
The main theme of Ezra 10:14 is accountability within the community, emphasizing the need for collective action to address sin and seek forgiveness. It illustrates the importance of leadership and unity in facing challenges and restoring a right relationship with God.
The Book of Ezra
Ezra 1
In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king of Persia, the Lord stirs his spirit to fulfill the prophecy of Jeremiah. Cyrus makes a proclamation throughout his kingdom and puts it in writing, stating that the Lord God of heaven has given him all the kingdoms of the earth and has charged him to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. He grants permission for any of God’s people to return to Jerusalem to build the house of the Lord God of Israel, and he encourages those who remain behind to support the returning exiles with silver, gold, goods, and beasts, in addition to a freewill offering for the house of God.
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