Ezra 10:3 (KJV) reads, "Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law."

Ezra 10:3 is a verse that deals with the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding pagan nations. The passage is part of the larger story of the Israelites who had returned from exile in Babylon and were attempting to reestablish themselves in the land of Judah. Upon returning, the people discovered that many of the Israelite men had married foreign women, contrary to the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4), which prohibited intermarriage with the surrounding nations.

The verse begins with Ezra, a priest and scribe, addressing the assembly of Israelites who had gathered at the temple in Jerusalem. He calls for the people to make a covenant with God to put away their foreign wives and any children born to them. This was a difficult and controversial decision, as it involved breaking up families and going against cultural norms of the time.

Ezra's counsel to the people was based on the commandment of the Lord and the law of Moses, which prohibited intermarriage with the surrounding pagan nations. The counsel of "those that tremble at the commandment of our God" refers to those who feared and respected the authority of God's word.

The verse reflects several important themes. First, it speaks to the issue of obedience to God's commands. The Israelites were called to uphold the laws and commandments of God, even when it involved difficult decisions and going against cultural practices. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical narrative of God's people being called to be separate from the surrounding pagan nations and to live in obedience to God's laws.

Additionally, the verse highlights the importance of covenant and commitment to God. Making a covenant with God to put away the foreign wives was a solemn and binding agreement, demonstrating the Israelites' commitment to following God's commands, even when it required sacrifice and hardship.

The context of Ezra 10:3 is important for understanding its significance. The book of Ezra, along with the book of Nehemiah, records the events surrounding the Israelites' return from exile in Babylon and their efforts to rebuild the temple and the city of Jerusalem. These books emphasize the importance of spiritual renewal, obedience to God's law, and the restoration of the people of Israel.

The symbolism in Ezra 10:3 is also significant. The act of putting away foreign wives and children born to them symbolized the Israelites' commitment to purity and faithfulness to God. It represented a turning away from idolatry and a recommitment to the covenant relationship with God. Additionally, the verse symbolized the need for spiritual purity and separation from the influence of the surrounding pagan nations.

In conclusion, Ezra 10:3 addresses the sensitive issue of intermarriage and the Israelites' commitment to obedience to God's commands. The verse reflects the themes of obedience, covenant, and spiritual purity, and it is situated within the broader context of the Israelites' return from exile and their efforts to rebuild and restore their relationship with God. While the verse may raise difficult and challenging questions, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faithful obedience to God's word.