Ezra 10:15

Onely Ionathan the sonne of Asahel, and Iahaziah the sonne of Tikuah, were employed about this matter: and Meshullam, and Shabbethai the Leuite, helped them. Ezra 10:15 (KJV)

The book of Ezra belongs to the Old Testament and records the return of the Israelites from exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. In Ezra chapter 10 the community is confronted with the serious problem of intermarriage with foreign women, a practice that violated God’s law. Ezra responded by calling the people to repentance and to separate themselves from these marriages, initiating a communal effort to restore covenant fidelity.

Among those appointed to address this matter were Jonathan, identified as the son of Asahel, and Jahaziah, identified as the son of Tikvah. The verse does not provide further biographical detail about Asahel or Tikvah, but the naming indicates that these two men were given specific responsibility for overseeing the process of separating from foreign wives and re‑establishing obedience to the law. Assisting them were Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite. As a Levite, Shabbethai would have held a special role in matters concerning worship and service to God, while Meshullam is mentioned simply as a helper in the task.

The involvement of these four individuals reflects a structured response to the crisis. Jonathan and Jahaziah were employed directly on the matter, likely tasked with organizing the separation, recording the names of those involved, and ensuring that the community complied with Ezra’s directive. Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them, providing additional manpower and, in Shabbethai’s case, possibly offering religious authority to the undertaking. Together they represent a collaborative effort by leaders and Levites to address a breach of covenant and to guide the people back to faithful obedience.