Definition: And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 10:30. It’s a really important and somewhat sobering passage about protecting Jewish people. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core of the Verse: “And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:” Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And that we would not..." : This is a strong prohibition. It’s telling us not to do something . "...give our daughters unto the people of the land..." : This means not to marry or have children with people from Israel . Basically, it's saying avoid relationships with Jewish people. "...nor take their daughters for our sons:" : This is where it gets a bit more complex and highlights a very serious issue. It suggests that the speaker (Nehemiah) is worried about replacing the children of Israelites with his own offspring. What’s the Big Picture? This verse points to a period of intense conflict between Jewish people and their Judean neighbors in ancient Jerusalem. The Jews were facing rebellion and threats, and this verse speaks to a deliberate attempt to protect their identity and way of life from being undermined by other groups. It's essentially a defensive measure against potential harm to the Jewish community. Historical Context (Briefly): Nehemiah was a leader in Jerusalem during a time of crisis. The Jews were living in a precarious situation, and this verse reflects a conscious effort to safeguard their position. Important Note: The exact details surrounding this incident are debated by historians, but it's generally understood that this verse is part of a larger pattern of Jewish protection and resistance against threats. In essence, this verse is a reminder of the importance of protecting one’s people and preserving Jewish identity. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this verse in more detail (like its historical context)?