While the people generally seemed to be of one mind concerning the matter, there were two that took the lead in standing against it; in this they had two helpers (Ezra 10:15 JND). This opposition did not alter what had to be done; all must be according to the commandment of God. Unanimity is not required in such matters; the assembly of God is not a democracy. Perhaps it seemed unnecessarily harsh to these men, as it may even to us — though Meshullam appears to have had a personal motive (see v. 29). However, God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isa. 55:9) and “the foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1 Cor. 1:25). Blessing can only come when we do things God’s way — no matter how foreign it may feel to human nature. It is good to see that these men, Meshullam included, ultimately appear to have submitted to the decision of that assemblage (Ezra 10:29; Neh. 8:7; 11:16).
It is important to recognize that we cannot judge these Israelites by the principles of this present dispensation. We live in a day of grace, whereas they lived under law. The Apostle Paul writes, “the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy” (1 Cor. 7:14). Paul describes the situation where the husband or wife is saved after marriage, thereby finding him or herself in an unequal yoke with an unbeliever. It in no way gives liberty to the believer to marry an unbeliever. Furthermore, for one that has knowingly entered into an unequal yoke, there is no exit because of the sin committed. “Let not the wife depart from her husband: but and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife” (1 Cor. 7:10-11). One contemplating an unequal union should be strongly counseled as to the painful consequences, and that such willful disobedience must bear bitter fruit: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7). This subject is addressed again at the close of the book of Nehemiah.