What Does Ezra 10:22 Mean?

And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah—six priests from Pashur's family are named. Pashur was another major priestly division (2:38), second in size after Jedaiah. The progression through priestly families (Jeshua, Harim, Pashur) demonstrates systematic investigation by family lines.

The name Maaseiah appears repeatedly in the list (vv. 18, 21, 22, 30), suggesting this was a common priestly name meaning 'work of Yahweh.' Multiple men named 'work of Yahweh' stood accused of covenant violation—another tragic irony. The repetition emphasizes how widespread the problem was even among those whose names proclaimed devotion.

Six violators from one family represents significant compromise. Pashur's line included over 1,200 members (2:38), so these six represent about 0.5%—yet even this percentage threatened priestly integrity. The naming demonstrates that covenant purity matters more than maintaining family reputation or avoiding embarrassment.