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For they have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy [a]race has [b]intermingled with the peoples of the lands. Indeed, the officials and chief men have been foremost in this unfaithful act and direct violation [of God’s will].”(A)

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Footnotes

  1. Ezra 9:2 Lit seed.
  2. Ezra 9:2 Historically, intermarriage with other nations led the Jews into pagan practices which brought God’s wrath and judgment upon all the people.


[a]Israel was holy [something set apart from ordinary purposes, consecrated] to the Lord,
The first fruits of His harvest [in which no outsider was allowed to share].
All who ate of it [injuring Israel] became guilty;
Evil came on them,” says the Lord.’”

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Footnotes

  1. Jeremiah 2:3 In general, sons (children) of Israel or Israel or Israelites refers to all the people (males and females) of the various tribes descended from the twelve sons (Gen 35:23-26) of Jacob (later renamed Israel by God).

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