Ezra 10:3

Now therefore let vs make a couenant with our God, to put away all the wiues, & such as are borne of them, according to the counsell of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandement of our God, and lee it be done according to the Law. Ezra 10:3 (KJV)

The book of Ezra records the events that took place after the Israelites’ return from the Babylonian exile. During this period Ezra, a priest and scribe, was instrumental in leading the people in spiritual revival and in re‑establishing God’s law in their lives.

Ezra discovers that many Israelite men had intermarried with foreign women, a practice contrary to God’s command in Deuteronomy 7:3‑4. Such intermarriage with pagan nations often led to spiritual compromise and idolatry, prompting the community to recognize the need to separate from these relationships and cleanse themselves from the influence of foreign worship practices.

In Ezra 10:3 Ezra urges the people to make a covenant with God and to issue a public proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem that they separate themselves from the people of the land and do not intermarry with them. He references the counsel of “my lord” and of those who “tremble at the commandment of our God,” indicating that the decision was guided by both the Persian authority and the spiritual leaders who feared God.

Ezra emphasizes that the separation from foreign wives must be carried out according to the law given through Moses. By aligning their actions with God’s revealed will, the Israelites demonstrated a commitment to honoring God’s commands and to acting in accordance with the standard of the covenant law.

From this passage we learn several principles: we should take sin seriously and be willing to make necessary changes to align with God’s Word; covenanting or issuing a public directive involves committing ourselves wholeheartedly to God’s commands and purposes; seeking counsel from wise and godly individuals who fear the Lord provides valuable guidance; and acting in accordance with God’s law should be the foundation of our actions and choices.

In our own lives we must evaluate whether there are areas of compromise or disobedience to God’s commands. When such areas are identified, we are to be willing to make the necessary changes, seek God’s guidance, and follow His instructions, allowing our commitment to God’s Word to remain unwavering and grounded in His truth.