And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away.
Anyone who didn't show up within three days, as ordered by the leaders and elders, would lose all their possessions and be kicked out of the community of people who had returned from exile.
The leaders are threatening serious consequences - losing everything and being cut off from the community - for anyone who doesn't respond to their urgent call.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon around 458 BC. Ezra had discovered that many Jewish men had married women from surrounding nations, which violated God's law and threatened the religious purity of the community. The leaders called an emergency assembly to address this crisis that could destroy their identity as God's people.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.