Ezra 9:2

There is a reason for the introduction in this place of the word seed. It is to point out that they were a holy people, separated to God. They were born of His people Israel, whom He had redeemed to Himself on the ground of the blood of the Passover Lamb. They were therefore a "holy seed" (Ezra 9:2; compare 1 John 3:9), and as such were to maintain their holy character... No doubt this was narrowness in man's eyes, and it was sure to bring on them the charge of being unloving. But what did that matter, as long as they were acting according to God? If God sets the feet of His people in a narrow path, it is their part to keep in it if they would be in the path of blessing.

What evil more deadly for a Jew, unless it were worshipping other gods? And to this it habitually tended. In itself it was a basic violation of Jehovah's will. It gave up that separateness to Himself from the nations, which was essential to their standing as His people. They not only surrendered their own privilege as the one nation of His choice. They rebelled against the rights and glory of God, Who had so favoured them.

It was therefore in wilful disobedience that they had contracted these shameful alliances with the world; for this is what these marriages typify — the besetting sin of God's people in every age. The apostle James says, "Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?" (James 4:4); and the apostle Paul cries, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers... What accord has Christ with Belial?" (2 Cor. 6:14-15.)

2 Cor. 6:14, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers," is often applied to marriage with unbelievers. But this is an error, though marriage ought to be "only in the Lord," as 1 Cor. 7 urges. The subject is the ministry or service of Christ.

It would seem then that the princes and rulers had first set the example, and that the others had only been too ready to follow. "One sinner destroys much good," especially when that one has a place of position and influence. When a standard-bearer faints in the day of battle, the soldiers are often discouraged and quickly defeated. In the same way, once Satan has trapped a leader among God's people, he often finds it easy work to ensnare many who are less prominent.

The surrounding world had crept into the assembly of Israel. Even if they were not all contaminated, they were in great danger of it, for their leaders had been the first to make profane alliances. It is a sad thing to note that all revivals are ruined one after another by alliance with the world.

The first thing, then, is individual humiliation, while waiting for the people to recognise their fault and humble themselves in a general way. This must always be so. When the sin of the people of God comes to light, our first call is not to take action, but to humble ourselves. Even if we stand alone, let us not fail to take this attitude before God. He looks on the heart that is humbled and broken and He answers its cry.

"And in this faithlessness the hand of the officials and chief men has been foremost." And do you suppose that we are clear from such dangers? Not at all... all true blessing for us must begin with individual blessing, and individual blessing always has its root in self-judgment before God.