Jozabad יוֹזָבָד

Jozabad is mentioned in Ezr.10.22 as one of the priests who had married foreign women during the post-exilic period. The context of the passage is Ezra's reforms and the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the pagan peoples of the land (Ezra 9-10).

Upon learning of the widespread intermarriage, Ezra led the people in confession and repentance (Ezr.9.1-10:4). The Israelites made a covenant to put away their foreign wives and children (Ezr.10.5). Jozabad is listed among the priests who had married foreign women and agreed to send them away (Ezr.10.18-22).

This event highlights the importance of maintaining religious and cultural purity among the Israelites, especially in the post-exilic period when they were re-establishing their identity and covenant relationship with God.