Transcript Today’s Bible Translation Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 6 NLT, Ch. 7-8 WEB, Ch. 9-10 CEV NCV Podcast Introduction It’s the History Tuesday, and we’ll read Ezra 6-10. I’m calling this episode “Spiritual Integrity.“ Design: Jason Paschall | Photo: StockSnap on pixabay.com Summary In chapter 10, Ezra prayed and confessed the sins of Israel before God. Many people joined him in weeping bitterly. Why? The men had married pagan foreign women, disobeying God.  Shechaniah said they should divorce these wives and send them away, along with the children. This seemed very harsh.  But divorce was allowed in Israel. God hates divorce, yet permitted it due to hard hearts. Some marriages were prohibited, like those to pagans. So dissolving these forbidden marriages was necessary.   The children stayed with their mothers. Husbands likely provided support. It took weeks to examine each case. Many wives chose to follow Israel’s God and remained. Only a small percentage of men divorced. The key issue was the wives’ pagan beliefs, not their race. God had forbidden intermarriage because He knew it would lead Israel into false worship.  If Israel had obeyed God’s laws from the start, much heartache would have been avoided. God’s rules aim to protect us. Listen to the episode for more! Mud and Debris on I-10 After Tropical Storm Hillary Support This a value for value podcast. There are no advertisers because advertising equals censorship. If you enjoy the Lifespring Family Audio Bible, decide how much value it brings to you. Only you can make that determination. Then put a number on the value and donate here: SUPPORT. The Team Lifespring Family Berean, Sister Denise: Transcript CorrectionMichael Haner: Podcasting 2.0 ChaptersLifespring Family Berean, Brother Scott Snider: Show ArtJason Paschall: Show Art