Ezra 9: Turning Away from God
SEVEN HUNDRED WIVES! Though jokes come to mind quickly when we think of Solomon's household, the Bible does not give this fact to shock or amuse, but to warn. Besides the obvious show of pride and abuse of power, Solomon violated God's law by having foreign women among his wives. These were not foreign women who followed God like Rahab and Ruth; these were women who worshiped other gods—and led Solomon to do so as well. In today's passage Ezra receives news that his people have fallen into the same trap.
Warming Up to God
How has a relationship with a non-Christian (friendship, coworker, dating, marriage) led you away from your commitment to God in some way?
Read Ezra 9. »
Discovering God's Word
- Some Jewish men were breaking their marriages to marry women who worshiped pagan gods (vv. 1-2, see also Mal 2:11-14). Describe Ezra's reaction to this news (vv. 3-5).
- How would you outline the prayer of Ezra (vv. 6-15)?
- What seems to be the problem with taking a foreign spouse (vv. 10-12)?
- How would Ezra answer the question "Why hasn't God punished us yet?" (vv. 13-15)?
- What in this passages shows that Ezra takes the holiness of God seriously?
Applying the Word
- What compromises in the Christian community need to be mourned and confessed?
- How can Ezra's prayer inform the way you confess your sins and the sins of your community?
- How can you separate yourself from "detestable" practices of our culture and still reach out to those who desperately need the hope you have in Jesus?
Responding in Prayer
Thank the Lord for not always treating us as we deserve to be treated. Pray that you will not take his mercy for granted, but instead take it wherever you go.
For Further Study
Is This the One? by Keith R. Anderson