Mixed Marriages

by R. Armstrong, Toronto | Category: Crossroads | Dec 1969

Among the many corrective measures taken by Nehemiah to bring the remnant of Judah back into the right ways of the Lord, he had to deal with the problem of mixed marriages. This growing practice was stopped by Nehemiah's fearless attack on the offenders, but the damage done was not easily repaired. A half-breed offspring resulted from this unholy alliance of Jews with women of Ashdod, Ammon and Moab. "Their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people" (Nehemiah 13.23, 24).

This clearly shows the dominance of foreign women in the training of their children in these domestic situations, and it became a serious threat both to the spiritual and to the national existence of Judah. Nehemiah recognized this defection as symptomatic of a deeper malady in the rejection of the word of the Lord, and if it continued the identity of God's people would be lost.

Besides inflicting painful physical punishment on some of the offending males Nehemiah made them "swear by God" that the practice would cease. He also recalled the liberalism of Solomon. Although he was a great king yet his reign was clouded by the tragedy of his illicit association with foreign women.

Ezra too, dealt with a similar problem in his ministry, and the humiliation he experienced in his confession reveals his appreciation of the claims of God in the area of marriage relations. Focussing the word of God on these unholy relationships resulted in these marriages with idolatrous women being annulled. The issue was clear and serious, "For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons; so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the peoples of the lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass" (Ezra 9.2).

Nothing short of drastic measures could save Judah, and God had men of deep sensitivity to His claims, and the courage to act in defence of His holiness. The requirements of God in separation, morally and spiritually, are not different today.

"Wherefore Come ye out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing" (2 Corinthians 6.17).

"THOU CROWN EST THE YEAR WITH THY GOODNESS; AND THY PATHS DROP FATNESS".

Psalm 65.11

R. Armstrong, Toronto | Dec 1969
Crossroads