Definition: Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Ezra 10:14. It’s a really important and complex passage about repentance and judgment in ancient Israel. Here's a simplified explanation: The Basic Situation: Imagine a time when the Jewish people were experiencing a serious problem – they had adopted foreign wives (people from other countries). This was causing division and conflict within their communities. The verse describes a specific gathering where these leaders would be called upon to address this issue. Let Now… What’s Happening? “Let now” is a crucial word here. It means now . It's not just about a plan for the future; it’s about an immediate, urgent situation. The verse says they need to immediately gather together. Standing and Coming Together: The phrase "let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times" is key. It means that these leaders are being called upon to assemble – to meet – with people who had married people from other nations. “Strange wives” refers to those who were marrying people outside of Israel. The Elders and Judges: “And let all them which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times” specifically mentions the elders (religious leaders) and judges. These are responsible for upholding the laws and traditions of the community. They’re being tasked with leading this gathering. The ‘Fierce Wrath’ – The Problem: “Until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us” is where it gets really serious. “Wrath” means intense anger, punishment, or divine condemnation. The verse says that if these leaders fail to address this issue and bring about repentance (turning away from their wrongdoings), God will unleash His wrath upon them. It’s a warning that if they don't change their ways, there will be serious consequences. Overall Meaning: This verse is essentially saying that the Jewish community was in a terrible state due to these foreign marriages. The leaders were being called upon to address this problem and bring about repentance. If they didn’t do so, God would punish them severely with intense anger and possibly even destruction. Important Context (Briefly): Ezra 10:14 is part of a larger story in the Book of Ezra. It describes a period when the Jewish people were experiencing a crisis of faith and repentance after a significant betrayal. The verse highlights the need for leaders to show remorse and take action to restore unity and righteousness. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Compare it to another Bible story? Discuss what “repentance” might mean in this context?