Ezra 10:26
And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִבְּנֵ֖י
And of the sons
H1121
וּמִבְּנֵ֖י
And of the sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
1 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
עֵילָ֑ם
of Elam
H5867
עֵילָ֑ם
of Elam
Strong's:
H5867
Word #:
2 of 8
elam, a son of shem and his descendants, with their country; also of six israelites
וִֽיחִיאֵ֣ל
and Jehiel
H3171
וִֽיחִיאֵ֣ל
and Jehiel
Strong's:
H3171
Word #:
5 of 8
jechiel (or jechavel), the name of eight israelites
Historical Context
The Elam family numbered 1,254 returnees (Ezra 2:7), representing substantial portion of the restored community. Their six violators indicate widespread problem even among families who had experienced exile's judgment. The historical context of 458 BC involved constant pressure from Samaritan and other surrounding populations to assimilate through intermarriage, making this list's public nature a bold stand for covenant distinctiveness.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Zechariah's name ("Yahweh remembers") teach about the relationship between God's faithfulness and human responsibility?
- How does the irony of these Yahweh-invoking names challenge superficial religious identity not rooted in obedience?
- In what ways might modern believers compromise covenant faithfulness while maintaining outward religious appearance?
Analysis & Commentary
And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Eliah. The family of Elam (עֵילָם, 'Elam, meaning "hidden" or "eternity") contributed six offenders to the list. The name Zechariah (זְכַרְיָה, "Yahweh remembers") carries particular poignancy—Yahweh remembered His covenant promises to restore Israel from exile, yet Zechariah failed to remember covenant obligations by taking a foreign wife who would introduce idolatry into his household.
Mattaniah (מַתַּנְיָה, "gift of Yahweh") represents the bitter irony that God's gifts of restoration and renewed identity were being squandered through syncretistic compromise. The appearance of Jehiel (יְחִיאֵל, "God lives") among offenders raises the question whether marriages to women who worshiped dead idols demonstrated genuine faith that the living God inhabits His people. This roster serves as covenant lawsuit evidence—names invoking Yahweh's character now associated with covenant violation.