And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:
And we promise not to give our daughters in marriage to the people living in the land around us, nor to take their daughters as wives for our sons.
The writer is describing a commitment the Israelites made to not intermarry with the non-Jewish people living around them.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Nehemiah, the Jewish people had returned from exile in Babylon and were rebuilding their community in Jerusalem, facing pressures from surrounding nations. They made a solemn covenant to obey God's laws, including prohibitions against intermarriage, to prevent the adoption of foreign religious practices that had historically led to spiritual downfall. This commitment reflected their desire to restore national purity and avoid the mistakes that contributed to their earlier captivity.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.