Ezra 10:15
Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.
Original Language Analysis
אַ֣ךְ
H389
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 14
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עָֽמְד֣וּ
were employed
H5975
עָֽמְד֣וּ
were employed
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
8 of 14
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
9 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וּמְשֻׁלָּ֛ם
about this matter and Meshullam
H4918
וּמְשֻׁלָּ֛ם
about this matter and Meshullam
Strong's:
H4918
Word #:
11 of 14
meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites
וְשַׁבְּתַ֥י
and Shabbethai
H7678
וְשַׁבְּתַ֥י
and Shabbethai
Strong's:
H7678
Word #:
12 of 14
shabbethai, the name of three israelites
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern legal reforms typically faced resistance from affected parties and their allies. The fact that a Levite (Shabbethai) opposed the reform shows even religious leaders sometimes prioritized personal interests over covenant faithfulness. In post-exilic Judah, intermarriage often connected to economic and political alliances with neighboring peoples, giving some influential families incentive to resist dissolution of these marriages.
Questions for Reflection
- How should church leaders respond when facing minority opposition to necessary disciplinary action?
- What does Meshullam and Shabbethai's opposition (as Levites) teach about the danger of religious leaders compromising conviction?
- How can churches maintain unity while addressing serious sin, even when some members object to discipline?
Analysis & Commentary
Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this matter—the Hebrew amdu al-zot can mean either 'stood against this' (opposing the process) or 'were appointed over this' (administering it). Context suggests opposition, as Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them in resistance.
This verse reveals that reform faced internal opposition, even from Levites who should have championed covenant purity. The opposition wasn't unanimous rejection but minority dissent—four named individuals against the proposal. Their objection may have been procedural (questioning the process) or substantive (rejecting divorces). The text doesn't elaborate their reasoning, maintaining focus on the majority's covenant commitment.
The presence of dissent demonstrates the painful reality of necessary reform—not everyone supports even biblically mandated correction. Yet the minority opposition didn't derail the process, showing proper balance between hearing objections and maintaining conviction.