Ezra 10:17
And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְכַלּ֣וּ
And they made an end
H3615
וַיְכַלּ֣וּ
And they made an end
Strong's:
H3615
Word #:
1 of 11
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
בַכֹּ֔ל
H3605
בַכֹּ֔ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲנָשִׁ֕ים
H376
אֲנָשִׁ֕ים
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 11
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
הַֽהֹשִׁ֖יבוּ
that had taken
H3427
הַֽהֹשִׁ֖יבוּ
that had taken
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
נָכְרִיּ֑וֹת
strange
H5237
נָכְרִיּ֑וֹת
strange
Strong's:
H5237
Word #:
6 of 11
strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)
עַ֛ד
H5704
עַ֛ד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 11
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
י֥וֹם
day
H3117
י֥וֹם
day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
8 of 11
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
אֶחָ֖ד
by the first
H259
אֶחָ֖ד
by the first
Strong's:
H259
Word #:
9 of 11
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
Historical Context
The three-month timeline (December 29 to March 27, 458 BC) allowed careful investigation of each case. The list in verses 18-44 includes priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and laypeople—showing covenant violation crossed social boundaries. Completing the process before Passover held theological significance: just as Israel left Egypt purified for covenant relationship, so the restored community purified itself for covenant renewal.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the thorough completion of all 113 cases teach about the importance of following through in church discipline?
- How does the timing before Passover demonstrate the connection between judgment, purification, and celebration?
- What encouragement does the 2% violation rate offer regarding the faithfulness of God's remnant even in difficult times?
Analysis & Commentary
And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives by the first day of the first month—the investigation concluded exactly three months after it began (Tebeth 1 to Nisan 1). The phrase vaykhalu (וַיְכַלּוּ, 'they finished') indicates completion, thoroughness. No cases were left unresolved or swept aside.
The timing is significant: Nisan 1 marked the religious new year and approached Passover (Nisan 14). Resolving the crisis before Passover allowed the community to celebrate redemption with renewed covenant purity. This echoes the original Passover requirement that participants be ceremonially clean (Exodus 12:43-49, Numbers 9:6-14).
The 113 guilty men (counted in vv. 18-44) represented about 2% of the 5,000+ returnees, suggesting most had maintained covenant faithfulness. Yet even this minority threatened corporate identity, requiring thorough action. The completion demonstrates that comprehensive reform, though painful, is achievable through diligent leadership and community commitment.