Ezra 9:1
Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
Ezra 9:1 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Ezra, we see the princes approaching Ezra and informing him that the people of Israel, along with the priests and Levites, have not separated themselves from the surrounding nations. They have been participating in the abominable practices of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. This was a troubling revelation, as the Israelites were meant to be a holy and separate people, dedicated to serving and worshipping the one true God. By mingling with the surrounding nations and adopting their customs and beliefs, the Israelites were compromising their relationship with God and risking His judgment. This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God, and not allowing the influences of the world to lead us astray.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Nehemiah is expressing his frustration with the people of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites, for not separating themselves from the people of the lands and participating in their abominable practices. The word "abominations" here refers to detestable acts or practices that are immoral or offensive to God. The mention of various nations such as the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites serves as a reminder of the specific groups of people with whom the Israelites were not supposed to intermingle or adopt their ways. This verse highlights the importance of maintaining spiritual purity and avoiding the influence of those who do not follow God's commandments. It serves as a cautionary tale for believers today to remain steadfast in their faith and not be swayed by the sinful practices of the world around them.
Ezra 9:1 in other translations
American Standard Version
Now when these things were done, the princes drew near unto me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
World English Bible
Now when these things were done, the princes drew near to me, saying, “The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, following their abominations, even those of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.
Douay-Rheims
And after these things were accomplished, the princes came to me, saying: The people of Israel, and the priests and Levites have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, and from their abominations, namely, of the Chanaanites, and the Hethites, and the Pherezites, and the Jebusites, and the Ammonites, and the Moabites, and the Egyptians, and the Amorrhites.
Geneva Bible (1599)
When as these things were done, the rulers came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the Priestes, and the Leuites are not separated from the people of the lands (as touching their abominations) to wit, of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Iebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.