For they have taken of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that the holy offspring have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been chief in this trespass.”
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 2. First. Or “was in this first transgression,” incurred by those who returned with Zorobabel; or “was concerned in this very heinous transgression;” in transgressione hac prima. Calmet.—Prot. “hath been chief.” 3 Esd. “and the leaders and grandees partook in this illegal affair, from its commencement.” Septuagint “and the hand of the chiefs was in this transgress, in the beginning.” This would greatly increase the difficulty of reformation. Some of the princes were however ready to undertake the work, and had preserved themselves from the two general contagion. Bible.—All marriages with the Moabites, and so forth were prohibited, if the women remained infidels. Exodus 34. Tirinus.