SCRIPTURE: EZRA 9
EZRA’S PRAYER ABOUT INTERMARRIAGE (vs. 1-15)
The leaders came to Ezra telling him that the people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites had not kept themselves separated from the neighboring people with their detestable practices. They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials had led the way in this unfaithfulness.
When Ezra head this, he tore his tunic and cloak, pulled hair from his head and beard and sat down appalled until the evening sacrifice. Then at the evening sacrifice, Ezra prayed to the Lord praising His mercy and greatness and confessing their sins of seeking a treaty of friendship with detestable practices and impurity of other nations. As he prayed, he trembled, knelt and bowed down.
THOUGHTS:
Ezra was so burdened upon hearing that the Jews had mingled with their heathen neighbors and married heathen wives. He tore his garment in sorrow and repentance and sat there until the hour for the evening sacrifice. The people who knew God’s word began to tremble, fearing for more judgment from God.
The reason for opposition to mixed marriage is because a person who is married to a pagan is inclined to adopt that person’s pagan belief and practices. He would not be strong enough to stand firm against their spouse’s idolatry. The New Testament says that believers should not team up with those who are unbelievers. Such marriage cannot have unity in commitment and obedience to God. Don’t allow emotion of passion to blind you to marrying someone with whom you cannot be united spiritually.
After learning about the sins of the people, Ezra felt down to his knees in prayer. He confessed the sins of the people and identified with their sins. He expressed shame for sin, fear of the consequences and desire that the people would come to their senses and repent. His prayer moved the people to tears. He demonstrated the need for a holy community. In our local church, we also need a holy community. We need prayer of repentance.