Ezra 10:40

Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, Ezra 10:40 (KJV)

The book of Ezra records the return of the Israelites from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. In chapter 10 the community gathered in repentance over intermarriage with foreign nations, pledging to separate from these unions and to obey God’s commandments.

In verse 40 the focus shifts to the priests who had been involved in these mixed marriages. The names listed are Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jashub—members of priestly families who had transgressed God’s law by taking foreign wives.

The names carry symbolic significance. Jedaiah means “God has known” or “God knows,” reflecting divine awareness of their actions. Jehoiarib means “Yahweh pleads” or “Yahweh contends,” suggesting that God takes issue with the breach. Jashub means “He returns” or “He restores,” hinting at a desire for restoration of proper worship and obedience.

The inclusion of these priestly families in the list shows that they, too, participated in the repentance and separation process. Their acknowledgment of wrongdoing and willingness to dissolve unlawful marriages demonstrates a commitment to corrective action.

Ezra 10:40 underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands, especially for leaders such as priests. It stresses that those in authority must model fidelity to God’s standards, serving as examples for the people.

In summary, Ezra 10:40 highlights the priests who were involved in mixed marriages and records their participation in the covenant of repentance and separation. The verse serves as a reminder of the necessity of obedience for believers, urging faithfulness in devotion to the Lord.