In the Bible, “strange wives” refers to wives who are from foreign nations or who worship different deities, particularly in the context of Israelite men marrying women who follow pagan practices, which is viewed as leading them away from God (Ezra 10:2-3; Nehemiah 13:23-27). This term emphasizes the danger of intermarriage with those outside the faith, as it can lead to spiritual compromise and idolatry.
Scripture
2 And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, of the sons of Elam, addressed Ezra: “We have broken faith with our God and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land, but even now there is hope for Israel in spite of this.
3 Therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all these wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God, and let it be done according to the Law.
4 Arise, for it is your task, and we are with you; be strong and do it.”
5 Then Ezra arose and made the leading priests and Levites and all Israel take an oath that they would do as had been said. So they took the oath.
6 Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, where he spent the night, neither eating bread nor drinking water, for he was mourning because of the faithlessness of the exiles.
7 And a proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the returned exiles that they should assemble at Jerusalem,
8 and that if anyone did not come within three days, by order of the officials and the elders all his property should be forfeited, and he himself banned from the congregation of the exiles.
9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the open square before the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the heavy rain.
10 And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel.
11 Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from the foreign wives.”
12 Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, “It is so; we must do as you have said.
13 But the people are many, and it is a time of heavy rain; we cannot stand in the open. And the task is not for one day or for two, for we have greatly transgressed in this matter.
14 Let our officials stand for the whole assembly. Let all in our cities who have taken foreign wives come at appointed times, and with them the elders and judges of every city, until the fierce wrath of our God over this matter is turned away from us.
15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this, and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite supported them.
16 Then the returned exiles did so. Ezra the priest selected men, heads of fathers’ houses, according to their fathers’ houses, each of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to examine the matter.
17 And by the first day of the first month they had come to the end of all the men who had married foreign women.
Strange Wives in the Bible Explained
In the Bible, the concept of “strange wives” primarily reflects the broader theme of fidelity to God and the consequences of intermingling with those outside the faith tradition. This idea is prominently featured in texts such as Ezra 10 and Nehemiah 13, where the return of the exiled Jews to Jerusalem reveals their intermarriage with foreign populations, which was seen as a direct violation of the commandments given to the Israelites. These passages illustrate the theological concern that mingling with those who worship different gods could dilute the worship of Yahweh and lead to syncretism—where the pure worship of God is compromised by the introduction of foreign practices and beliefs (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).
The warnings against “strange wives” carry implications beyond the marital realm, encapsulating a broader spiritual integrity and commitment to God’s covenant. The narrative surrounding these “strange wives” serves as a cautionary tale of the potential spiritual pitfalls that accompany such unions. It reflects the importance of maintaining a community that is wholly devoted to the worship of God, as seen in the exhortations of 2 Corinthians 6:14, which urges believers not to be “unequally yoked” with non-believers. Through these teachings, the Bible emphasizes the importance of preserving one’s faith and community identity amidst external influences, reinforcing the notion that loyalty to God must outweigh worldly alliances.
The notion of “strange wives” also emphasizes the social and cultural ramifications involved in intermarriage. In the ancient Israelite context, marriages often served to forge alliances and ensure peace between tribes or nations. However, the biblical authors indicate that such unions with foreign women were fraught with spiritual danger, as they often entailed the adoption of foreign gods and practices. This is particularly evident in the narrative of King Solomon, whose marriages to women from various nations not only led him astray from exclusive worship of Yahweh but also culminated in the introduction of idolatry into Israel’s religious life. The account underscores the assertion that familial and national boundaries were established not merely for social cohesion but to safeguard the covenant relationship with the divine.
Additionally, the theme of “strange wives” is reflective of the overarching theological focus on holiness and separation within the community of faith. The biblical call for the Israelites to be set apart signifies a distinct identity tied to their covenant relationship with God. The presence of strange wives, viewed through the lens of this covenantal fidelity, symbolized the threat of compromise and moral decay. Such unions often resulted in the erosion of moral values and the weakening of a community’s commitment to God’s prescribed ways, prompting leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah to take drastic measures to rectify the spiritual direction of Israel. Thus, the discourse surrounding strange wives serves as an enduring metaphor for the broader need to guard against influences that may lead believers away from their sacred commitments.
Theological Implications of Intermarriage
The concept of “strange wives” in the Bible often refers to marriages with individuals outside of the Israelite community, particularly those who worship foreign gods. This notion underscores the theological concern of maintaining a pure worship of Yahweh. Intermarriage is seen as a potential threat to the faith and practices of the Israelite people, as it could lead to the dilution of their religious identity and the adoption of pagan practices. Thus, the term serves as a warning against compromising one’s faith through intimate relationships.
Cultural and Social Context
In the ancient Near Eastern context, marriage was not merely a personal or romantic union but also a significant social contract that could affect alliances and community dynamics. The term “strange wives” reflects the cultural apprehension surrounding marriages that could disrupt social cohesion and lead to the integration of foreign customs and beliefs. This highlights the importance of cultural identity and the role of marriage in preserving communal values and traditions.
Moral and Ethical Considerations
The reference to “strange wives” also raises moral and ethical questions regarding loyalty, fidelity, and the consequences of choices in relationships. The biblical narrative often illustrates the struggles faced by individuals who marry outside their faith, leading to moral dilemmas and conflicts. This serves as a broader commentary on the importance of aligning one’s personal life with one’s values and beliefs, emphasizing the potential repercussions of straying from established moral guidelines.
How to Embrace Love and Faith in Unity
Embracing love and faith in unity is a beautiful journey that requires intentionality and openness in our daily lives. As we navigate our relationships, both with God and with others, we must remember that love is not just an emotion but a choice we make every day. Start by cultivating a heart of compassion, seeking to understand and support those around you, even when it’s challenging. Engage in prayer and scripture, allowing God’s word to guide your actions and thoughts, reminding you that we are all part of one body in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). When we approach each interaction with a spirit of love, we create a ripple effect that fosters unity, breaking down barriers and building bridges. Let’s commit to being vessels of God’s love, reflecting His grace in our communities, and encouraging one another to grow in faith together. Remember, it’s in our unity that we truly shine as lights in the world, drawing others to the love of Christ.
Bible References to Strange Wives:
Nehemiah 13:23-27: 23 In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
24 And half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but only the language of each people.
25 And I confronted them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair. And I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.
26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of such women? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, and he was beloved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless, foreign women made even him to sin.
27 Shall we then listen to you and do all this great evil and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?”
1 Kings 11:1-8: 3 He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines. And his wives turned away his heart.
2 from the nations concerning which the Lord had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love.
3 He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines. And his wives turned away his heart.
4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.
6 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done.
7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, on the mountain east of Jerusalem.
8 So Solomon did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord, as David his father had done.
Deuteronomy 7:1-4: 1 “When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, seven nations more numerous and mightier than you,”
2 and when the Lord your God gives them over to you, and you defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them.
3 You shall not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons,
4 For they would turn away your sons from following me, to serve other gods. Then the anger of the Lord would be kindled against you, and he would destroy you quickly.
Judges 3:5-7: 5 So the people of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
6 and they took their daughters to themselves for wives, and their own daughters they gave to their sons, and they served their gods.
7 And the people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. They forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the Asheroth.
Malachi 2:11-12: 11 Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.
12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob
any descendant of the man who does this,
who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!
Genesis 24:3-4: 3 that I may make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell,
4 but will go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
Exodus 34:15-16: 15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and when they whore after their gods and sacrifice to their gods and you are invited, you eat of his sacrifice,
16 and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods.
Joshua 23:12-13: 12 For if you turn back and cling to the remnant of these nations remaining among you and make marriages with them, so that you associate with them and they with you,
13 know for certain that the Lord your God will no longer drive out these nations before you, but they shall be a snare and a trap for you, a whip on your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good ground that the Lord your God has given you.
1 Corinthians 7:12-14: 12 To the rest I say (I, not the Lord) that if any brother has a wife who is an unbeliever, and she consents to live with him, he should not divorce her.
13 If any woman has a husband who is an unbeliever, and he consents to live with her, she should not divorce him.
14 For the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.