Ezra 10:21

And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

Ezra 10:21 (KJV)

Context

Ezra 10 records the Israelites’ response to a serious sin after their return from exile. Many men had married foreign women who worshiped other gods, violating God’s command and threatening the purity of their worship. Ezra the priest led the people in confession and covenant renewal.

Ezra 10:21 names five men from the family of Harim: Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, and Uzziah. They were among those who had taken foreign wives and agreed to separate from them as part of the public commitment to obey God’s law. This listing is part of a larger record of families who made this difficult decision.

Meaning

Each name carries a reminder of faith. Maaseiah means “work of the Lord,” Elijah means “Yahweh is my God,” Shemaiah means “Yahweh has heard,” Jehiel means “God lives,” and Uzziah means “Yahweh is my strength.” These meanings point to the people’s identity as God’s own, even when they failed.

The listing of names shows that repentance is personal. Each man had to make a decision to obey. The public record made their commitment known to the whole community. This was not a private matter only; it was a shared act of turning back to God. The names also remind us that God’s character remains constant, even when His people stumble.

Biblical connections

The warning against being unequally yoked with unbelievers in 2 Corinthians 6:14 connects directly to this situation. Marriages to foreign wives led the Israelites away from faithful worship, so the separation was a difficult but necessary step to restore their relationship with God. This passage shows that obedience often requires personal sacrifice.

Application

This verse reminds us to take personal responsibility for our choices. We must examine our lives and identify areas where we have disobeyed God. True repentance means not only feeling sorry but also taking concrete steps to turn away from sin.

We should also be careful about our closest relationships. Surrounding ourselves with people who share our commitment to God helps us stay faithful. Influences that pull us away from Him can lead us into trouble. As the men in this verse did, we may need to make hard choices to honor God.

Reflection

The names in this verse encourage us to remember who God is. He is our strength, and He hears us. Even when we fail, He calls us back to Himself. Repentance is a gift that restores us to His grace.