Ezra and Nehemiah's Expulsion of Foreign Wives and Children

Yes, during the reforms led by Ezra and Nehemiah, those who had married foreign wives were required to separate from them and, in many cases, send away both the wives and the children born of those unions Ezra 10:3+1RH February 20, 1908, par. 15+1.

The Reform Under Ezra

When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, he was confronted with the report that the holy seed had mingled with the people of the surrounding lands through intermarriage Ezra 9:1-2PK 619.4. This trespass involved not only the general populace but also the priests, Levites, and princes Ezra 9:1-2KJV — Ezra 9:2. Deeply moved by this apostasy, Ezra led the people in a period of intense confession and prayer Ezra 10:1RH February 20, 1908, par. 3.

• The Proposal for Separation: Shechaniah, acknowledging the national guilt, proposed a formal covenant with God to put away all foreign wives and the children born to them according to the law Ezra 10:2-3RR 219.2+1.

• The Proclamation: A proclamation was issued requiring all those of the captivity to gather at Jerusalem within three days, under penalty of having their substance forfeited and being separated from the congregation Ezra 10:7-8SBD Esdras.2.

• The Investigation: Because the number of transgressors was large and the weather was rainy, a commission of elders and judges was appointed to examine each case individually Ezra 10:13-14KJV — Ezra 10:14. This process began on the first day of the tenth month and was completed by the first day of the first month Ezra 10:16-17SBD Meshullam.13.

• The Outcome: The record identifies numerous individuals, including priests and Levites, who were compelled to put away their foreign wives Ezra 10:18-43SBD Athla-i.2+1. Some of these families already included children who were also part of the separation Ezra 10:44SITI June 25, 1885, page 391.1.

The Continued Struggle Under Nehemiah

Despite the earlier reforms, Nehemiah found upon his return from Persia that the evil of mixed marriages had resurfaced and deepenedPK 669.1+1.

• Corruption of Language and Faith: Nehemiah observed that children from these unions spoke the language of Ashdod, Ammon, or Moab rather than the language of the Jews Nehemiah 13:23-24ST January 24, 1884, par. 1. He recognized this as a sign of heathen inroads that would lead the next generation into dangerous idolatryST January 24, 1884, par. 1.

• High-Level Apostasy: Even the family of the high priest was affected; a grandson of Eliashib had married the daughter of Sanballat the Horonite and was consequently chased away by Nehemiah Nehemiah 13:28SS 347.1+1.

• Strict Enforcement: Nehemiah confronted the offenders, making them swear by God that they would no longer give their children in marriage to heathens, citing the fall of King Solomon as a warning of how such marriages cause even the wisest to sin Nehemiah 13:25-27GEP 131.2+1.

Reasons for the Strict Separation

The prohibition against intermarriage was rooted in the command to remain a peculiar and holy people, separate from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations Deuteronomy 7:1-33SG 60.2+1.

• Protection Against Apostasy: God forbade these unions because He knew they would lead His people into idolatry and the sacrifice of principle for the sake of harmony Exodus 34:11-16EP 107.2+1.

• Spiritual Heritage: The goal was to seek a godly seed and prevent the Hebrew faith from becoming a mixture of confused ideas and heathen rites Malachi 2:15RH February 1, 1906, par. 5.

• National Consequences: Historical examples, such as the mingling of the Sethites and Cainites before the flood and the later apostasy of Solomon, served as evidence that such unions resulted in the loss of holy character and eventual national ruin2BC 1039.3+3.