Ezra 10:41
Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,
Ezra 10:41 (KJV)
Context
Ezra 10 records a solemn moment in Israel’s history after the return from exile in Babylon. The people had disobeyed God by marrying foreign wives, and under Ezra’s leadership they gathered to confess their sin and make a covenant to obey God’s law. This verse is part of a long list of names, beginning in Ezra 10:18, of the men who had taken such wives and who agreed to put them away.
The verse names three men: Azareel, Shelemiah, and Shemariah. The list itself is the main point; it shows that the repentance was not vague or general but involved specific individuals. Each name represents a real person who was accountable for his actions.
Meaning
The verse simply records these three names as part of the larger register. It does not give any details about their families, tribes, or later lives. Their inclusion in the list is what matters: they were among those who confessed their sin and took the costly step of obedience.
The act of listing names one by one emphasizes personal responsibility. The people acted together, but each man had to make his own decision. This pattern shows that corporate repentance is made up of individual choices.
Biblical connections
The surrounding passage, Ezra 10:18-44, gives the full list and notes that the men offered a trespass offering as part of their repentance (Ezra 10:19). This connects their confession to the sacrificial system, which pointed to the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement.
For Christian readers, this Old Testament account foreshadows the complete cleansing from sin that comes through Christ. The men could only offer animal sacrifices, but believers today are cleansed by the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus.
Application
This verse challenges readers to take sin seriously and to respond with concrete action. The men in this list did not merely feel sorry; they changed their behavior. True repentance involves both confession and a willingness to do what God commands, even when it is difficult or costly.
The list also reminds believers that no one is exempt from the call to holiness. Every person is accountable before God, and each one must examine his or her own life. The church is strengthened when individuals, not just the group, choose to obey.
Reflection
As you read these names, consider that God knows each of His people personally. He sees not only the crowd but also the individual. This verse invites you to reflect on your own walk with God and to ask whether your repentance leads to real change.
The men in this list are not famous, and their stories are not told. Yet their obedience was recorded in Scripture. This shows that faithful obedience, even in small and unseen ways, matters to God and has lasting value.
