Ezra 10:40

Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,

Ezra 10:40 (KJV)

Context

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. Verses 18–44 list the names of those who had taken foreign wives and agreed to the reform.

Meaning

Verse 40 contains three names: Machnadebai, Shashai, and Sharai. These are Israelite men who had married foreign wives during the post-exilic period. The verse is part of a continuous enumeration, with surrounding verses continuing the list. The chapter concludes in verse 44 with the summary that all these had taken strange wives, and some of them had children by these wives.

The names themselves carry no additional doctrinal or narrative significance in the text. Their primary value lies in their place in the historical record of Israel’s obedience to God’s law regarding marriage and covenant faithfulness.

Biblical connections

The inclusion of these men in the list shows that they participated in the repentance and separation process. Their acknowledgment of wrongdoing and willingness to dissolve unlawful marriages demonstrates a commitment to corrective action. This verse underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands, especially for leaders such as priests, who must model fidelity to God’s standards.

Application

Ezra 10:40 reminds believers that covenant faithfulness requires concrete steps of repentance. The comprehensive nature of the reform—listing even obscure names—shows that God values individual obedience and that no one is exempt from the call to holiness.

Reflection

This verse serves as a reminder of the necessity of obedience for believers, urging faithfulness in devotion to the Lord.