Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
When the people heard the law being read, they separated from Israel everyone who was of mixed heritage.
The writer is describing how the Israelites, after hearing God's law read aloud, decided to separate themselves from people of mixed ancestry who were living among them.
📚 Historical Context
This happened after the Israelites returned from exile in Babylon and were rebuilding their community under Nehemiah's leadership. The 'law' being read was likely from Deuteronomy 23:3-5, which prohibited Ammonites and Moabites from joining the assembly of God. The 'mixed multitude' referred to foreigners and people of mixed ancestry who had intermarried with Israelites or joined their community.
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