Ezra 10:35 (KJV) says: "Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, went up to the priests which were in the house of the Lord, and said unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, Let every one of you put his filthiness from him, and change your garments."

This verse is located in the book of Ezra within the Old Testament. The book of Ezra describes the Israelites' return from Babylonian exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and the restoration of the Jewish community under the leadership of Ezra. In this particular verse, something significant is happening as Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada, is addressing the priests in the house of the Lord.

The context of this verse is within the larger narrative of the Israelites returning from exile and working on purifying themselves and their community. The verse takes place after Ezra has confronted the people with their sin of intermarriage with the surrounding pagan nations, which is explicitly forbidden in the law of Moses. Ezra's response to this sin was to call for a national covenant to put away these foreign wives and their children (Ezra 10:3). The people responded by gathering in Jerusalem, and as the leaders of the people, including the priests, were met, they all took oaths to put away their foreign wives (Ezra 10:5).

In this verse, Benaiah is addressing the priests directly, delivering a message from the Lord. His message is a call to action, urging the priests to put away their filthiness and change their garments. This imagery of putting away filthiness and changing garments can be interpreted both literally and symbolically. Literally, it could refer to the priests cleansing themselves and changing into clean garments in a physical and ceremonial sense. Symbolically, it could represent a spiritual cleansing and a change in behavior, symbolized by a change in clothing.

This call to "put away filthiness and change your garments" is a call to holiness and purity. The priests were to set an example for the people in their obedience to God and adherence to his laws. This imagery of changing garments, in particular, carries significant symbolism in the Bible. In the Bible, changing garments is often associated with a change in status or identity, as seen in the story of Joseph receiving a new robe from his father Jacob (Genesis 37:3) and the parable of the wedding feast in the New Testament (Matthew 22:11-14).

The broader theme of this verse is the importance of personal and communal purity before God. The Israelites were called to separate themselves from the pagan practices and influences around them and to honor God by following his commandments. This verse serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and transformation in the face of sin and disobedience.

Furthermore, Benaiah's message to the priests is a reminder of the authority and responsibility of the priesthood in leading the people in their relationship with God. The priests were to be examples of holiness and righteousness, guiding the people in their worship and obedience to God. As such, Benaiah's message also highlights the importance of leadership and accountability within the religious community.

In summary, Ezra 10:35 (KJV) provides a powerful call to holiness and purity, emphasizing the need for repentance and transformation in the face of sin. The symbolism of putting away filthiness and changing garments serves as a reminder of the spiritual transformation that is required to honor and obey God. This verse highlights the themes of obedience, leadership, and personal and communal purity within the religious community, as well as the ongoing call to align with God's will and live in accordance with his commandments.