The Book of Nehemiah — Bible Study 21 Expository Commentary on the Book of Nehemiah
The Book of Nehemiah — Bible Study 21
Expository Commentary on the Book of Nehemiah
Scattered Pearls — 5
Marrying unbelievers is a grievous offense we commit against God.
In Nehemiah 13:27, Nehemiah strongly opposed the Jews marrying pagan women. These marriages may have taken place during two different periods.
First Possibility — During the Babylonian Exile
From the biblical context, it is highly possible that these mixed marriages began during the Babylonian captivity and continued even after the Jews returned to Jerusalem.
Important Background
The Jews lived in Babylon for nearly 70 years. During that time:
They lived among many pagan nations.
Some were influenced by the culture and family relationships of those nations.
As a result, marriage relationships with Gentiles developed.
Even after returning to Jerusalem:
The practice did not completely stop.
Even Jewish leaders and priests married foreign women.
Because of this, God’s people began to experience spiritual corruption.
Biblical Passages That Confirm This
In Ezra chapters 9–10, we see that even after returning to Jerusalem, the Jews had married Canaanites, Ammonites, Moabites, and other foreign peoples. Ezra 9:1–2 clearly reveals this.
During the Time of Nehemiah
Nehemiah 13:23–27 speaks about Jews marrying women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. Their children could no longer even speak the Jewish language (13:24). This shows that these mixed marriages had been continuing for a long time.
The Main Point
Nehemiah’s opposition was not based on racism or ethnicity, but on preserving spiritual holiness. These foreign women brought idol worship with them. Nehemiah points out that even Solomon fell because of this (Nehemiah 13:26).
“Should we then hear of your doing all this great evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”
— Nehemiah 13:27
For God’s people, entering into marriage relationships with unbelievers is a serious act of unfaithfulness against God.
Believers must understand this clearly.
When we are saved, we are delivered from the dominion of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13).
Those who truly understand the mystery of salvation will not willingly commit this sin.
Marriage Relationship and Social Relationship — There Is a Difference
Marriage is one thing; social interaction with unbelievers is another. Believers must understand this distinction. When believers unite themselves in marriage with unbelievers, it results in spiritual compromise and loss of holiness.
Choosing unbelieving marriage partners based on caste, ethnicity, district, social standing, or worldly considerations is not a truth acceptable according to Scripture. One of the greatest warning examples in the Old Testament is the life of Solomon.
A Clarifying Note About Ruth
The example of Ruth makes this even clearer. Ruth was a Gentile woman, yet she was accepted because of her faith. Therefore, the issue was never race or ethnicity; it was always about faith.
Apostle Paul’s Warning
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul also strongly warns about this truth (2 Corinthians 6:14–18).
“And I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
— 2 Corinthians 6:17–18
This is a warning to those who enter marriage relationships with people who do not know the Lord.
For the sake of money, beauty, status, education, or social advantage, compromising the holy life that God predestined for us before the foundation of the world is a great betrayal against Him.
Only when we live a separated and consecrated life do we truly remain His children, and He remains our Father.
This Truth Never Changes.