Esther 1

Esther 1:1

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:2

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:3

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:4

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:5

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:6

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:7

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:8

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:9

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:10

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:11

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:12

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:13

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:14

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:15

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:16

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:17

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:18

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:19

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:20

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:21

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.

Esther 1:22

Who Had Foreign Wives

The opposition of Jonathan and others (Ezra 10:15) has no effect on the people. The exiles do not let themselves be stopped by them and do as they promised (Ezra 10:16). A commission is formed and a session is organized to investigate the matter. As a result, the sending away must take place in good order. The sending away is not done without an investigation. Everything is done thoroughly, carefully, and without haste. Discipline in the church, too, may only take place after investigation by reliable people.

When it is clear which men have brought foreign women to live with them, they will proceed to send them away. Sending them away must have resulted in heartbreaking scenes. It is all the fruit of abandoning God and acting willfully. After three months – from the first day of the tenth month to the first day of the first month – the matter is settled and the cleansing is completed (Ezra 10:17). When finished, it heralds a new period of spiritual prosperity, as we can see from the expression “the first day of the first month”.

The first to be mentioned of those who have transgressed in this matter are the priests (Ezra 10:18). Even descendants of Jeshua, who came with the first group out of Babylon, have taken foreign wives. They are most guilty. As priests they have not obeyed the commission as it is written in Malachi 2 (Malachi 2:7). However, they confess their sin and promise to cleanse themselves by sending their wives away.

It is a sad and humbling fact that many faithful and devoted servants of the LORD had sons who did not walk in the footsteps of their father. We see this for example with Aaron and two of his sons, with Samuel and his sons, with some of David’s sons, with Hezekiah and his son. This should bring us to much prayer for the families of those who serve the Lord.

The transgressing priests bring a ram as a guilt offering (Ezra 10:19). A ram is the animal used in the ordination of a priest when he takes up the priestly ministry (Leviticus 8:22). By offering a ram as a trespass offering, the priests again consecrate themselves to the LORD. Bringing a trespass offering (Leviticus 5:14-19; Leviticus 6:1-7) means that not only sin is acknowledged, but also made good.

We are only free from our guilt when we see that the Lord Jesus is the true trespass offering, Who has put in order with God what we have been guilty of. He has been completely devoted to God in everything on earth (ram) and has always given to God what is His due and much more besides (trespass offering).

The list of names (Ezra 10:20-43) is this time very different from previous lists. Earlier lists contained names as an honorable mention for going a way of faith. This list contains names that evoke embarrassment, although these are people who want to submit to God again and therefore appear to be victorious over sin.

On this list are the names of people whose names are to be said: “All these had married foreign wives” (Ezra 10:44). Not only were wrong marriages entered into, but “some of them had wives [by whom] they had children”. Those children also have to be sent away. We see here that the more serious the deviation is, the more fruits of that deviation there are, and that as a result of the self-judgment the deeper the grief is.

Nothing and no one escapes God’s eye. “We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). It is to be hoped that the last chapter of our lives will also be the best in our history. That means there will be more self-judgment than ever, more appreciation of Christ, more separation to God, more priestly feelings, more suitability for the service of God. Whatever has happened in history, let’s make sure we end up as victors.