Overview
Shashai was one of the Israelites who had married foreign women during the Babylonian exile. When Ezra discovered this violation of God's command to remain separate from pagan nations, he led the people to repentance and restoration of covenant obedience.
Key Scriptures
"And of the sons of Binnui: Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, Azarel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah, Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph." (Ezra 10:40, ESV)
"And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, 'You have broken faith and married foreign women, and so increased the guilt of Israel. Now then make confession to the Lord, the God of your fathers and do his will." (Ezra 10:10-11, ESV)
Application
Shashai's example reminds us that true repentance sometimes requires difficult decisions to align our lives with God's Word and pursue holiness in our relationships and commitments.