Ezra 10:20

“And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.”

Context:The Book of Ezra describes the return of the Israelites from exile in Babylon and the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem. In Ezra 10, the people of Israel were confronted with the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which was contrary to the law of God. Ezra, the priest and scribe, led the people in a process of repentance and separation from these foreign wives.

In Ezra 10:20, we encounter the mention of two individuals, Hanani and Zebadiah, who were from the priestly family of Immer. This verse is a part of a list of individuals who had married foreign wives and were now willing to separate from them in obedience to God’s command.

Hanani and Zebadiah were likely among those who had intermarried and realized the need to rectify their actions. By separating from their foreign wives, they demonstrated their commitment to the Law of Moses and their desire to restore the purity of the Israelite community.