Ezra 10:33
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Ezra 10:33
33 Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.
Chapter Context
Ezra 10 is a historical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of wisdom, hope, righteousness. Written during the post-exilic return (c. 458-440 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The Persian Empire allowed religious freedom while maintaining political control.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-44: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Ezra and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Ezra 10:33
33 Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.
Analysis
Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei. The Hashum (חָשֻׁם, Chashum, possibly "shining" or "wealthy") family contributed seven members to the transgression roster. Mattenai (מַתְּנַי, "gift of Yahweh") and Mattathah (מַתַּתָּה, "gift") both emphasize divine giving, their similar names perhaps indicating brothers who together chose disobedience. They received the gift of restoration from exile but spurned the Giver through covenant violation.
Eliphelet (אֱלִיפֶלֶט, "God is deliverance") proclaims the divine rescue from Babylon these men experienced, yet they failed to maintain the holy separation that deliverance required. Manasseh appears again (see verse 30), showing this name's frequency among offenders—an ironic fulfillment of its meaning "causing to forget," as prosperity in the land caused forgetting of covenant obligations. Shimei (שִׁמְעִי, "renowned" or "hearing") concludes the list, the hearing/obedience theme again prominent. Seven violators from Hashum demonstrates the sin's pervasive reach across socioeconomic and family boundaries.
Historical Context
Hashum numbered 223 members at the return (Ezra 2:19), making seven violators a significant proportion. The family name suggesting wealth may indicate economic prosperity that created both opportunity and temptation for advantageous intermarriages. The 458 BC post-exilic community faced constant economic pressure, with surrounding populations controlling much of the land. Intermarriage offered access to property and trade networks, creating strong pragmatic incentives that tested covenant commitment.
Reflection
- How do the repeated "gift" names challenge believers about responding to God's gifts with gratitude expressed through obedience versus taking gifts for granted?
- What does the high proportion of violators in smaller families teach about how compromise can pervade communities when leadership fails to address sin decisively?
- In what ways might economic prosperity create spiritual amnesia, causing believers to forget covenant obligations that seemed clearer during hardship?