Meshullam מְשֻׁלָּם
Opposed Ezra's plan to put away foreign wives.
Who is Meshullam in the Bible?
Meshullam was a figure in post-exilic Israel who, along with Jonathan son of Asahel, opposed Ezra's controversial plan to dissolve marriages between Israelite men and foreign women (Ezra 10:15). After the Jewish people had returned from Babylonian exile, Ezra discovered widespread intermarriage and called for repentance and separation from these unions. Though Meshullam's specific reasons for opposing this measure are not detailed in Scripture, his dissent represents one of the few recorded instances of resistance to Ezra's reform efforts. Despite their opposition, the plan proceeded, and the marriages were dissolved, making Meshullam a minor figure who stood against what became established Jewish practice during the restoration period.
Biography
Meshullam is mentioned in the book of Ezra as one of two individuals who opposed Ezra's plan to put away foreign wives (Ezr.10.15). After Ezra had led the people in confessing their sin of intermarriage with foreign women, he proposed a plan for the men to separate from their foreign wives and children. This plan was met with general agreement, but Meshullam and Jonathan the son of Asahel stood against it. The reason for their opposition is not explicitly stated in the text. Despite their dissent, the plan was carried out, and the men put away their foreign wives.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEzra 1 verse
- Ezra 10:15
"(Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, supported by Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite, opposed this plan.)"
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | מְשֻׁלָּם |