Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Ezra 9:2 "For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands; indeed, the hands of the princes and the rulers have been foremost in this unfaithfulness." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ezra 9:2 "For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy race has intermingled with the peoples of the lands. Indeed, the officials and chief men have been foremost in this unfaithful act and direct violation [of God's will]." [Deut 7:3, 4] |
Subject: Intermarriage |
Bible Note: Steve, I think that neither of us can see the others point to be very convincing. I think that the people were heavily influenced by Ezra's behavior, and they felt guily only after his prayer and other comments. They saw nothing wrong with what they were doing. They just came out of captivity, they knew what was right and wrong, Ezra over-reacted in an attempt to honor God, the people felt bad that they made Ezra upset, so they broke up their families and did what Ezra told them to. Keep in mind that God never said anything in this situation- Ezra and others only used previous scripture to support their actions. Think about this: What does God value more- heart or actions? I know that you can use this to support your view as well, but I truly think that God knew their hearts, and that he wanted them to live with the Gentiles, not just use them or cast them out of the city. ischus |