Jozabad יוֹזָבָד

Jozabad is mentioned in Ezr.10.23 as one of the Levites who had married foreign women during the post-exilic period. The context of the passage is Ezra's reforms and the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the pagan peoples of the land (Ezra 9-10).

Upon learning of the widespread intermarriage, Ezra led the people in confession and repentance (Ezr.9.1-10:4). The Israelites made a covenant to put away their foreign wives and children (Ezr.10.5). Jozabad is listed among the Levites who had married foreign women and agreed to send them away (Ezr.10.23).

This event highlights the importance of maintaining religious and cultural purity among the Israelites, especially in the post-exilic period when they were re-establishing their identity and covenant relationship with God.