Ezra 10:3

EZRA—NOTE ON Ezra 10:3 Shecaniah’s belief that “there is hope for Israel” (v. Ezra 10:2) depends on their making a covenant with God. In this case it means a binding promise to put away the foreign wives and their children. This is not the usual expression for “divorce” and may also imply that these were not proper marriages. It simply means “bring out,” in effect removing them from the community. Thus, the situation is not the same as 1 Corinthians 7:12, where Paul tells Christians not to divorce their unbelieving spouses. This account in Ezra 1:1 describes an unusual situation and does not call for divorcing unbelieving spouses today. the counsel of my lord (that is, Ezra). Ezra may have already outlined a plan for taking care of the foreign wives and their children, even though it is not recorded here (but see note on Ezra 10:18–44). according to the Law. That is, Deuteronomy 7:1. those who tremble. See note on Ezra 9:4.