From the days of our forefathers until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today. Ezra 9:7 (Ezra 9-10)
When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem he finds the priests and Levites have intermarried with foreign women who have not set aside their gods. Under this leadership, layman followed, some forsaking their Jewish families while others kept Jewish wives as well. The state of God’s Holy people was a risk from the crumbling foundation of familial integrity. Do NOT mistake this as an act of prejudice. We see in the narratives of Ruth and Jonah, God reaches out to extend love and Grace universally. This is the Blessing Israel is expected to be, however, these unions were detrimental to Israel’s survival. They were toxic and a death knell for the remnant.
In Deuteronomy 7:1-5 God gave a boundary to keep His people safe, whole, healthy and Holy, both emotionally and physically. He said, DO NOT INTERMARRY WITH HEATHENS! The wilderness wanders who did not heed God’s command met with disaster. Ezra stated the spiritual crisis and went immediately into prayer, seeking God’s direction. The conclusion; men would have to divorce their wives, heathen children and their detestable practices OR forfeit their property and all ties to Jewish heritage.
This complete purge is extremely severe by today’s standards, but the future of this fragile nation depended on it. The result was a complete cure of idolatry.
God knows best. He is serious about His care, but we must GIVE Him access to our choices and rights, He will NOT overstep our free will. Again I say, God knows best. He will take care of you if you trust and obey.
Love,
Gretchen