Amongst those listed as having to put away their wives are the sons of Jeshua. Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, was one of the chief men that returned with Zeruabbabel (Ezra 2:1; 3:2); he was also the high priest (Zech. 6:11). It was a serious thing for this family to be associated with this guilt in such a definitive way. Should the anointed priest sin, it brought guilt upon all the people of God (Lev. 4:3). In this instance, the trespass was not committed by the high priest himself, but in that the sin was associated with his family, it was still a most solemn matter. The priests had a special responsibility as Malachi tells the corrupt priests of his day: “The priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts” (Mal. 2:7).
Through their example, the sons of Jeshua had no doubt turned aside many. Of these individuals alone do we read of their offering a ram of the flock for their trespass (Ezra 10:19). A trespass or guilt offering especially seemed to be associated with wrongs done to Jehovah in the holy things (Lev. 5:15). A ram was used in the consecration of the priests (Ex. 29:19-22); it was fitting that a ram should also be used in the trespass offering for the desecration of the holy things (Lev. 5:15).