Ezra 10 42

Ezra 10:42 kjv

Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.

Ezra 10:42 nkjv

Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph;

Ezra 10:42 niv

Shallum, Amariah and Joseph.

Ezra 10:42 esv

Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.

Ezra 10:42 nlt

Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.

Ezra 10 verses

Ezra 10 42 Meaning

Ezra 10:42 simply lists three names: Shalium, Amaryahu, and Joseph. These men are recorded as part of the extensive roster of Israelites who had married foreign women during the post-exilic period and had now committed to putting them away, in compliance with the covenantal reform initiated by Ezra. The verse marks a concluding segment of this specific list, highlighting individual accountability within the community's corporate act of repentance and purification.

Ezra 10 42 Context

Ezra chapter 10 recounts the immediate aftermath of Ezra’s fervent prayer of confession in chapter 9. Overwhelmed by the widespread sin of intermarriage between the returned exiles and the pagan peoples of the land, Ezra tears his garments and falls into deep lamentation. This profound distress moves many of the Israelites, especially those who "trembled at the words of the God of Israel," to assemble around him, recognizing the gravity of their collective transgression. Shecaniah, a prominent leader, bravely proposes a radical solution: a covenant with God to put away all foreign wives and their children, according to the Law. The chapter then details the swift and solemn implementation of this decree. A general assembly is convened in Jerusalem, despite a harsh rain, where Ezra confronts the people. They acknowledge their guilt and agree to cleanse themselves of the foreign influences. This leads to a three-month process during which judges systematically identify and record the names of all the men who had taken foreign wives. Ezra 10:42 falls within the extensive and final list of those specific individuals (Ezra 10:18-44) from various families and tribes who complied with this severe but necessary act of purification. The list's inclusion underscores the meticulous nature of the reform and the extent of the commitment required to restore the spiritual integrity of the post-exilic community.

Ezra 10 42 Word analysis

• Shalium (שַׁלּוּם - Shallum):

  • Meaning: Derived from the Hebrew root shalem (שָׁלַם), meaning "to be complete," "to be sound," "to be whole," "to restore," "to make good." Thus, "Shalium" often means "restitution" or "recompense." It also shares a linguistic connection with "shalom" (peace, welfare, wholeness).
  • Significance: In the context of Ezra 10, the name "restitution" or "completeness" is poignant. It resonates with the act of repentance and making amends for a broken covenant. His inclusion among those who put away their foreign wives highlights the theme of restoration and a return to wholeness with God. It symbolizes a desire for peace and proper order within the covenant community after a period of significant transgression.

• Amaryahu (אֲמַרְיָהוּ - Amariah):

  • Meaning: Composed of "amar" (אָמַר - to say, speak) and "Yahu" (a short form of Yahweh). The name therefore means "Yahweh has spoken" or "Yahweh has promised."
  • Significance: This name underscores the divine authority behind the Ezraic reform. The entire endeavor of separating from foreign wives was not a human invention but a direct response to God's previously spoken commands and promises of purity and blessing conditional on obedience. The inclusion of "Amariah" in the list subtly points to the idea that these individuals are aligning themselves with the revealed will of God, acknowledging the supremacy of His Word.

• Joseph (יוֹסֵף - Yosef):

  • Meaning: Derived from the Hebrew root yasaf (יָסַף), meaning "to add," "to increase." Hence, "Joseph" means "may He add" or "He has added."
  • Significance: This name, deeply rooted in Israel's foundational narrative through Joseph son of Jacob, can carry a dual meaning here. Firstly, it could be a simple reflection of its common usage among Israelites. Secondly, given the post-exilic context of a diminished and recovering community, "may He add" could subtly allude to a prayer or hope for God's continued blessing, increase, and rebuilding of the purified Israelite remnant. After cleansing themselves of sin, the hope for God to "add" prosperity, numbers, and strength to His people was significant.

• Word Group: "Shalium, Amaryahu, Joseph."

  • These three names appear consecutively at the very end of the lengthy and specific list of men who were charged with having taken foreign wives. Their grouping signifies that, like the hundreds of names preceding them, they represent individual men who acknowledged their transgression and underwent the painful process of putting away their non-Israelite wives. The mere recording of their names highlights the thoroughness of the reform. The specific Hebrew meanings of these names, while not necessarily chosen by design for their bearers in this specific context, still resonate deeply with the themes of restoration (Shalium), obedience to God's word (Amaryahu), and the hope for God's continued blessing (Joseph), which were central to the community's aspirations following this pivotal act of corporate repentance. This entire record served as a legal and spiritual documentation of the nation's purification.

Ezra 10 42 Bonus section

• The placement of this list, spanning Ezra 10:18-44, at the close of the book of Ezra, emphasizes that the primary outcome of Ezra's ministry at this point was the spiritual purification of the returning exiles. It wasn't just about rebuilding the temple (covered earlier), but rebuilding the people as God's covenant community.
• The inclusion of specific names indicates the historical accuracy and thoroughness of the biblical record. It grounds the narrative in real people and real, difficult decisions.
• This act of purification was a preventative measure, learning from past failures of assimilation that led to idolatry and divine judgment. The emphasis on holiness and distinctness was foundational for Israel's role in salvation history.
• The reform, though externally painful (putting away wives and children), was fundamentally about spiritual restoration—removing idols from their hearts and households. It laid a foundation for future faithfulness, preparing them to truly live under the Law.

Ezra 10 42 Commentary

Ezra 10:42 is a powerful yet unassuming verse, concluding a lengthy and critical record of corporate repentance and purification for the post-exilic community. It lists three specific individuals—Shalium, Amaryahu, and Joseph—as participants in the painful but necessary act of separating from foreign wives. The meticulous recording of these names underscores the profound seriousness of the matter, illustrating that the reform was not a vague policy change but involved personal confession, identification, and a tangible commitment by individuals. This painful process, mandated by Ezra's unwavering devotion to God's Law, aimed to safeguard the spiritual and cultural identity of Israel, ensuring they remained a distinct, holy people dedicated to their covenant with Yahweh, free from the pagan influences that had historically led to their exile. The very inclusion of such lists serves as a testament to the fact that genuine national reformation begins with individual accountability and a public commitment to righteous living according to God's Word. It demonstrated a resolute commitment to reverse past apostasies and secure God's blessings for the renewed community in the Promised Land.