Ezra 10:14
Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.
Ezra 10:14 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, the leaders of the congregation are called upon to address a grave issue of people marrying those from foreign nations. This act was seen as a transgression against the laws and traditions of the community, as it was believed that marrying foreigners could lead to the corruption of their faith and culture. The leaders, including rulers, elders, and judges, are instructed to gather together to take action against those who have violated this rule. By coming together and addressing the issue as a united group, they hope to quell the anger of God and restore favor upon their community. This verse emphasizes the importance of upholding religious purity and traditional values within the congregation, reminding the people of their commitment to their faith and the consequences of straying from it.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Ezra, we see a call to action for the leaders of the congregation to address the issue of intermarriage with foreign women. The use of the term "strange wives" refers to women who were not part of the Jewish faith, which was forbidden according to Jewish law. The word "strange" conveys a sense of foreignness or unfamiliarity, reflecting the idea that these marriages were seen as outside the social and religious norms of the community. The assembly of rulers, elders, and judges in each city signifies the seriousness of the situation and the need for collective responsibility in dealing with the issue. The reference to the fierce wrath of God highlights the belief that disobedience to his laws would bring about divine retribution. Through theological interpretation and word studies, we can gain a deeper understanding of the context and significance of this verse, shedding light on the importance of upholding religious and cultural traditions within the community.
Ezra 10:14 in other translations
American Standard Version
Let now our princes be appointed for all the assembly, and let all them that are in our cities that have married foreign women come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God be turned from us, until this matter be despatched.
World English Bible
Let now our princes be appointed for all the assembly, and let all those who are in our cities who have married foreign women come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and its judges, until the fierce wrath of our God be turned from us, until this matter is resolved.”
Douay-Rheims
Let rulers be appointed in all the multitude: and in all our cities, let them that have taken strange wives come at the times appointed, and with them the ancients and the judges of every city, until the wrath of our God be turned away from us for this sin.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Let our rulers stand therefore before all the Congregation, and let all them which haue taken strange wiues in our cities, come at the time appoynted, and with them the Elders of euery citie and the Iudges thereof, til the fierce wrath of our God for this matter turne away from vs.