“Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law?”
The full verse · Ezra 10:3 · KJV
Now let us a with our to put all the , and such as are of them, according to the of my , and of those that at the of our ; and let it be according to the .
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionShekaniah sought to formalize a covenant to send away foreign wives and children, aligning with God’s commands and leaders’ counsel. His inquiry was genuine, aiming to restore covenant purity and obedience as a corrective measure after Israel’s sin (Ezra 9:1-2). It fits the narrative of national repentance and reform.
The Response
What Scripture recordsEzra responded with encouragement to Shekaniah and the people, saying, ‘Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage’ (Ezra 10:4). Ezra affirmed leadership and communal responsibility to obey God’s law regarding the foreign wives.
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyWiersbe notes that Shekaniah’s proposal reflects a heart for covenant purity and communal responsibility; Ezra’s encouraging response empowers the people to act boldly (Ezra 10:4). Matthew Henry emphasizes the gravity of Israel’s sin and the necessity of decisive repentance to restore fellowship with God. The question is both a seeking of confirmation and a rallying cry for obedience. Together, these insights show how God’s people must deal decisively with sin, relying on His strength and leadership to maintain holiness (Ezra 10:3-4). This passage challenges believers to confront sin with courage, uphold the covenant, and trust God for renewal.
Modern believers are called to covenant faithfulness, guarding spiritual purity (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). While cultural contexts differ, the principle of wholehearted devotion to God applies. Believers must courageously confront sin, seek repentance, and uphold God’s commands in relationships and community (Hebrews 12:1-2). Encouragement comes from God’s sustaining grace (Philippians 4:13).
Built from the biblical text and checked against trusted commentaries and lexicons. References & Sources
Keep questioning
“What are the names of the men that make this building?”
“You have no part with us in building a temple to our God. We alone will build it for the LORD, the God of Israel?”
“Let us help you build because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria, who brought us here?”
“Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations?”