And of the sons of Pahath-moab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.
The verse belongs to the detailed record of Ezra's practical work to separate Israel from forbidden alliances with the surrounding nations and from heathen practices. That separation was undertaken before the people could be taught the law. By it the people were restored to a spiritual condition fit for rebuilding Jerusalem.
The verse stands as part of God's clear counsel on marriage given in love and mercy, carrying important instruction and timely warning to be read and prayerfully considered and cheerfully obeyed. It teaches that marriage must be only in the Lord and that the duties of marriage must be studied before entering it. Failure to consult and walk according to God's word in marriage brings bitter anguish of heart and painful regret for long years, frequent disappointments of that honorable estate, and repentance at once too soon and too late.
The verse belongs to the detailed record of Ezra's practical work to separate Israel from forbidden alliances with the surrounding nations and from heathen practices. That separation was undertaken before the people could be taught the law. By it the people were restored to a spiritual condition fit for rebuilding Jerusalem.
The verse stands as part of God's clear counsel on marriage given in love and mercy, carrying important instruction and timely warning to be read and prayerfully considered and cheerfully obeyed. It teaches that marriage must be only in the Lord and that the duties of marriage must be studied before entering it. Failure to consult and walk according to God's word in marriage brings bitter anguish of heart and painful regret for long years, frequent disappointments of that honorable estate, and repentance at once too soon and too late.