EZRA'S INDIGNATION AT INTERMARRIAGES WITH THE HEATHEN 1. The Canaanites, etc.] In the Law it was only with the various Canaanite nations that marriage was altogether forbidden (Exodus 34:12; Deuteronomy 7:1). David was descended from a union between an Israelite and a Moabitess (Ruth 1:4; Ruth 4:17)... [ Continue Reading ]
PLUCKED OFF THE HAIR] Baldness artificially produced was a sign of mourning: Isaiah 15:2; Isaiah 22:12; Jeremiah 16:6; Amos 8:10; Job 1:20.... [ Continue Reading ]
A NAIL] a figure for security: cp. Isaiah 22:23. IN HIS HOLY PLACE] i.e. Jerusalem: cp. Psalms 24:3; Isaiah 56:7; Isaiah 57:13.... [ Continue Reading ]
WE _were_ BONDMEN] RV 'we are bondmen': i.e. subjects of the Persians: cp. Nehemiah 9:36. A WALL] i.e. protection (RM 'a fence').... [ Continue Reading ]
THE FILTHINESS OF THE PEOPLE] The iniquity of the Canaanite peoples, whose land Israel had taken in possession, is alluded to in Genesis 15:16; Deuteronomy 9:5 : cp. also 1 Kings 21:26.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Such_ DELIVERANCE] RV 'such a remnant.'... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR WE.. ESCAPED] better, 'for we are left but a remnant that is escaped.' God's righteousness had been vindicated by the almost complete destruction of the guilty people; but His mercy had been manifested in the survival of a few who were now imperilling themselves by fresh offences.... [ Continue Reading ]