Mathelas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Mathelas in the Bible?
Ma-thelas was a priest during the post-exilic period who, along with other Israelite men, had married foreign women in violation of Mosaic law. As part of the religious reforms led by Ezra, he was required to divorce his foreign wife to restore the community's covenantal fidelity.
SIGNIFICANCE
The inclusion of Ma-thelas in Ezra 10 illustrates the rigorous enforcement of endogamy among the priestly class in the restored community. Recognizing these specific individuals helps readers understand the tangible social and religious costs of Ezra's reforms, highlighting the intense pressure to maintain ritual purity and distinct identity after the Babylonian exile.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.