this matter.

malachi, however, (written about the same time), condemns the israelites for divorcing the wives of their youth, AFTER condemning them for marrying the daughter of a foreign god (which in context is clearly idolatry – harlotry and infidelity are extremely common prophetic metaphors for idolatry). in other words, the prophet foregrounds idolatry as the main issue with marrying foreigners, not ethnicity.

i take ruth to be from roughly this time period also (several words in ruth are used in ways that only parallel the post-exilic literature, like saying they “took” wives for themselves). if so, it’s also a corrective to ezra & nehemiah’s behavior, for ruth is a moabitess (foreigner, canaanite, “other”) who is actually part of the davidic line (thus messiah’s line). r

so, in line with what rod was saying, the putting away of foreign wives in ezra-nehemiah seems more descriptive than prescriptive in my opinion. before the exile, it seems adherence to the law was missing. after the exile, we see in ezra-nehemiah the beginnings of some legalistic behavior and a move towards radical separation and distinction from “others.”

I personally hold the Bible in tension as fully trustworthy and uphold a hermeneutic of suspicion. I do not think that Ezra (or Nehemiah) prescribe something that can be universally applied. I think in light of Galatians 3, that Jesus has conquered barriers between the nations, and that we should understand this story as a warning of the anti-familial nature of ethnocentrism.

I think the question of celibacy is a valid one. Now there are some Southern Baptists who argue that marriage is necessary and there is nothing else for the Christian to do but procreate (as Genesis in their eyes commands us). However, I side with the Patristics on this issue, such as Clement of Alexandria. Monasticism as you know, was a valid lifestyle for single Christians in early Christianity. I do not believe that married life is superior (as is taught today) or the celibate life is superior (as what was taught back then). Rather, I seem them as equally valid vocations, both with unique functions. Lest we forget that the prophet Jeremiah was commanded to remain single so that he did not fall into laxity or Hosea commanded to marry a faithless wife as a sign to Israel. 2 unique callings, from the same God. But your question brings up a good point and it may be a good idea to do a follow-up on this post on singleness and celibacy.