Definition: And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, [with] certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by [their] names, were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Ezra 10:16. It's a really important and somewhat complex section of the Bible, and it describes a significant event in Israel’s history. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Story: Imagine that after a long period of rebuilding and focusing on their religious traditions, the people of Israel were struggling with a serious problem – they had lost their way spiritually and were becoming divided. They were essentially drifting away from God's laws and teachings. Here’s what happened in detail: “And the children of the captivity did so.” This refers to a group of people who were considered “captives” – meaning they were exiled or separated from their homeland, which was Israel. It’s a bit of an old story about a group that had fallen out of favor with God. “And Ezra the priest, [with] certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and all of them by [their] names…” This tells us who was involved: Ezra, the leader of the priests, and some influential figures from the past. The “house of their fathers” refers to the original, established religious community of Israel. “were separated, and sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.” This is the crucial part. Ezra and his elders gathered with the leaders of the past to study what had happened. They were essentially looking back at their history and trying to understand why they strayed from God’s guidance. The "first day of the tenth month" was a specific date – it marked a time when they were given a chance to repent (to turn away from their wrongdoings) and begin again. So, what's the big takeaway? This passage is about repentance and restoration. It’s a story about acknowledging past mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and starting anew. It highlights the importance of returning to God after drifting away from him. In essence, it’s a historical record that emphasizes the need for repentance and rebuilding – both spiritually and in terms of community. --- Important Note: Biblical texts often have layers of meaning. This explanation is a simplified interpretation. If you're looking for deeper understanding, you could research the historical context of this period in Israel’s history or delve into the themes of repentance and restoration within the Bible. Would you like me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a larger story or theme in the Bible?