The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 271: Israel's Foreign Wives (2025)

9 snips
Sep 28, 2025
Fr. Mike explores the challenges of intermarriage in Israel, detailing Ezra's emotional response to the issue. He discusses the assembly's commitment to separate from foreign wives and the complex nature of these decisions. The prophet Zechariah's visions of judgment and hope, including the prophecies about Jesus as the humble king and the betrayal for thirty pieces of silver, come to life. The conversation also dives into the pitfalls of leadership, urging listeners to embody the qualities of a good shepherd.
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ANECDOTE

Ezra's Public Grief Over Sin

  • Ezra reacts with visible grief: he tears his garments, pulls hair, and sits appalled as he mourns Israel's unfaithfulness.
  • His response models profound shame and anguish over communal sin.
ADVICE

Respond By Covenant And Process

  • Make covenants to correct communal failures and act according to the law to restore holiness and order.
  • Ezra and the people swore an oath and organized a process to address intermarriage systematically.
INSIGHT

Holiness Means Being Set Apart

  • Holiness means 'set apart' and the Jewish people were called to live differently among surrounding nations.
  • Ezra's discovery shows the community failed to remain distinct as God intended.
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