How we cite our quotes:
Quote #10
On that day they read from the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and in it was found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, because they did not meet the Israelites with bread and water, but hired Balaam against them to curse them—yet our God turned the curse into a blessing. When the people heard the law, they separated from Israel all those of foreign descent. (NRSV Nehemiah 13:1-3)
On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude. (KJV Nehemiah 13:1-3)
It was true that the Law of Moses prohibited intermarriage with Ammonites and Moabites specifically, since they were especially nasty to Israel. But hey, even the patriarchs of the Bible and King Solomon had foreign wives. There was never a 100% prohibition against marrying someone outside the community. This was Ezra's interpretation, though, and he probably had his reasons. Sometimes an "us vs. them" mentality gives people a sense of solidarity.
Quote #11
In those days also I saw Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab; and half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod, and they could not speak the language of Judah, but spoke the language of various peoples. And I contended with them and cursed them and beat some of them and pulled out their hair; and I made them take an oath in the name of God, saying, "You shall not give your daughters to their sons, or take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves." (NRSV Nehemiah 13:23-25)
In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. (KJV Nehemiah 13:23-25)
Whoa. Nehemiah is really serious in his opposition to these mixed marriages. It's not just the wives who are the problem, but the kids too apparently—even if they're half-Israelite. They gotta go. They might start asking for Christmas presents and visits from the Easter Bunny.