Ezra 6 21

Ezra 6:21 kjv

And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,

Ezra 6:21 nkjv

Then the children of Israel who had returned from the captivity ate together with all who had separated themselves from the filth of the nations of the land in order to seek the LORD God of Israel.

Ezra 6:21 niv

So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the LORD, the God of Israel.

Ezra 6:21 esv

It was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile, and also by every one who had joined them and separated himself from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to worship the LORD, the God of Israel.

Ezra 6:21 nlt

The Passover meal was eaten by the people of Israel who had returned from exile and by the others in the land who had turned from their corrupt practices to worship the LORD, the God of Israel.

Ezra 6 verses

Ezra 6 21 Meaning

Ezra 6:21 recounts a significant moment in the post-exilic community's history: the celebration of Passover immediately following the dedication of the newly rebuilt Second Temple in Jerusalem. The participants in this sacred meal included both the Israelites who had faithfully returned from their seventy-year Babylonian captivity and a distinct group of individuals. These latter participants had volitionally separated themselves from the ritual impurity, idolatrous practices, and pagan ways prevalent among the Gentile nations residing in the land. Their motivation for this decisive break was a sincere and earnest desire "to seek the LORD God of Israel," aligning themselves fully with His covenant. The collective act of partaking in the Passover meal symbolized their united purification, redemption, and re-established identity as God's dedicated people in the land of their inheritance.

Ezra 6 21 Context

Ezra 6:21 occurs within a period of immense significance for the repatriated Israelites in Judah. The preceding verses (Ezra 6:13-18) recount the glorious completion and joyous dedication of the Second Temple, an event of national rejoicing. This temple was a critical spiritual landmark, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy of the 70-year exile (Jer 29:10) and signifying God's continued faithfulness despite Israel's past unfaithfulness. The Persians, specifically Darius the Great, had reaffirmed Cyrus's decree, facilitating the Temple's rebuilding and silencing local adversaries. Following this dedication, the immediate next act of corporate worship was the celebration of Passover (Ezra 6:19). This festival, commemorating their initial liberation from Egyptian bondage, now served as a powerful symbol of their renewed spiritual liberation and establishment in the land after Babylonian captivity. The historical context reveals a people zealous to correct past errors that led to exile, namely idolatry and assimilation. Thus, their emphasis on ritual purity and careful observance of the Torah was paramount. The mention of "such as had separated themselves" is crucial here, as it demonstrates an awareness and an intentional rejection of the idolatrous, immoral practices of the surrounding peoples, aligning strictly with Mosaic Law, and ensuring the spiritual integrity of the assembled community for this most holy feast.

Ezra 6 21 Word analysis

• And the children of Israel: This refers to the core covenant community, specifically those descendants of Jacob who had returned from Babylonian captivity to their ancestral homeland in Judah, re-establishing their national and spiritual identity.
• which were come again out of captivity: Hebrew: šābū min-haššĕḇî (שבו מן השבי). This phrase denotes the physical return of the exiles from Babylon. It underscores the fulfillment of God's prophetic promises of restoration, highlighting His divine sovereignty in orchestrating their release and return after the prescribed seventy years, making them central to the rebuilt community.
• and all such as had separated themselves unto them: Hebrew: wəḵol hazzōṭ nāzərū ʻăleḵem (וכל אלה נזרו אליהם) from the root nazar (נזר). This is a pivotal point. Nazar signifies a conscious, decisive act of dedication, consecration, or setting oneself apart, often for sacred purposes (cf. Nazarite vow, Num 6). Here, it implies that individuals, whether native inhabitants who had not been exiled but adopted pagan practices, or even genuine proselytes of non-Israelite descent, actively and voluntarily cut ties with the ungodly ways of the Gentile peoples to join the covenant community of returned exiles and embrace the worship of YHWH. This group chose spiritual allegiance over convenience or previous identity.
• from the filthiness of the heathen of the land: Hebrew: mittumʼaṯ gôyē hāʼāreṣ (מטמאת גויי הארץ). "Filthiness" is tum'ah (טומאה), referring to ritual impurity or defilement, often associated with idolatry, pagan sacrifices, and prohibited immoral practices as defined by the Torah (e.g., Lev 18; Ezek 36:17). "Heathen of the land" (gôyē hāʼāreṣ) identifies the surrounding non-Israelite populations whose polytheistic worship, syncretistic customs, and immoral lifestyles were deemed defiling and antagonistic to the pure worship of the LORD. This explicit separation reflects a strong polemic against the pervasive idolatry that led to the exile and highlights a renewed commitment to ritual purity and Mosaic Law.
• to seek the LORD God of Israel: Hebrew: ləḍorēš Yahweh ĕlōhê yiśrāʼēl (לדרש יהוה אלהי ישראל). The verb darash (דרש) implies an earnest, diligent, and active pursuit; to inquire, investigate, or worship. This phrase clarifies the motivation behind the "separation": it was not merely an external break from paganism but an internal, heart-felt commitment and pursuit of the one true God, YHWH, who is specifically identified as the covenant God of Israel. It denotes their fervent desire for His presence, guidance, and favor through obedience and worship.
• did eat: This denotes their full, communal participation in the sacred Passover meal. This was more than a physical act; it was a deeply symbolic covenant ceremony affirming their shared redemption from bondage and their re-established identity as a consecrated people under YHWH. Their unity in eating underscored their acceptance and belonging within the purified Israelite community.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them": This specific grouping emphasizes the two primary components forming the legitimate worshiping community during this crucial post-exilic period. It includes both the "native" exiles by lineage and divine action of return, and the "volunteers" who, though perhaps not exiles themselves, chose an intentional and active alignment with the God of Israel and His covenant people. This signifies a broader definition of who truly constitutes "Israel"—not solely by birth or return from exile, but by spiritual allegiance.
• "separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel": This passage meticulously links external separation with internal spiritual motivation. The act of "separating" (nazar) from defiling pagan practices was a direct consequence of their deep desire "to seek the LORD." This connection reveals the integrity of their commitment: their purity was not a superficial adherence to custom but stemmed from a sincere, heartfelt devotion to the covenant God. It underscores that genuine worship requires active renunciation of anything contrary to God's holiness and an earnest pursuit of Him.

Ezra 6 21 Bonus section

• The inclusion of those who "separated themselves" suggests a proto-proselytism, laying a foundation for future understanding that the covenant people of God could be joined by non-Israelites who truly committed to YHWH and His Law (e.g., Isa 56:3-7 concerning eunuchs and foreigners, Ruth joining Israel). This broadens the scope of inclusion beyond strict lineal descent for faithful participation in God's covenant blessings.
• The strong emphasis on purity, reflected in "filthiness of the heathen," directly addresses the pervasive issue of syncretism and idolatry that plagued pre-exilic Israel and ultimately led to their judgment. The post-exilic community had evidently internalized the bitter lessons of the past, now viewing strict adherence to ritual purity as vital for maintaining divine favor and preventing future calamities.
• The verse highlights a profound theological truth: merely being in the land or of a certain lineage was insufficient; genuine commitment to "seek the LORD" through separation from sin was the true mark of being part of His people. This prioritization of the internal spiritual condition over mere external circumstances resonates throughout biblical theology.

Ezra 6 21 Commentary

Ezra 6:21 marks a powerful moment of spiritual and communal rebirth for Israel following the Babylonian exile and the dedication of their Second Temple. This verse illustrates that the covenant community gathered for Passover was not limited to those physically returned from Babylon but inclusively embraced others who demonstrated genuine, active spiritual commitment. The crucial act of "separating themselves from the filthiness of the heathen of the land" was a direct lesson learned from the exile—the disastrous consequences of idolatry and assimilation. This deliberate purification allowed them to approach God in worship. Their motive, "to seek the LORD God of Israel," defines the authenticity of their inclusion; external ritual was accompanied by an internal desire for God. By sharing the Passover meal, a foundational act of remembrance and renewal, they collectively reaffirmed their identity as God's redeemed people, united not just by bloodline but by a shared devotion to YHWH and His holy demands. This serves as a timeless principle: true spiritual fellowship and acceptable worship demand intentional separation from the world's defilements and a wholehearted pursuit of God.