Who was Mattathah?
Mattathah was one of the sons of Zattu who had married foreign women during the time of Ezra‘s reform in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. His name is mentioned briefly in the list of offenders found in Ezra 10:43, which documents those Israelites who had taken pagan wives, an act forbidden by the Law of Moses.
The name Mattathah (Hebrew: מַתַּתָּה, Mattathah) means “gift of Yahweh” or “Yahweh’s gift.” It is derived from the Hebrew root nathan (נָתַן), meaning “to give.” This name emphasizes a sense of divine bestowal, indicating that the bearer was viewed as a blessing or special provision from God.
Biblical Reference
- Ezra 10:43 – “Of the sons of Zattu: Mattathah, Zabad, and others.”
- Cross-reference: See the broader context of Ezra 9–10, which outlines the crisis of intermarriage and the national repentance that followed.
What Happened in the Bible?
Mattathah appears in a somber context, during a national moment of repentance and reform. The book of Ezra records that many of the Israelites, including priests and Levites, had married women from the surrounding pagan nations—Moabites, Ammonites, Canaanites, and others. This intermarriage was not merely a matter of ethnicity but of idolatrous influence, as these marriages often led God‘s people into syncretism and disobedience (cf. Deuteronomy 7:1-4; Nehemiah 13:23-27).
In Ezra 10, a public confession was made under the leadership of Ezra, and the community agreed to separate themselves from these unlawful unions. Mattathah was among those listed from the family of Zattu who had committed this transgression and had pledged to put away his foreign wife as a step toward covenant faithfulness.
What It Means for Today’s Christians
Mattathah’s brief mention is a reminder that even small names in Scripture serve to highlight critical theological truths. His inclusion in the list of those who repented underscores the seriousness of disobedience to God‘s Word and the communal responsibility to pursue holiness.
For Christians today, Mattathah’s example is not about ethnicity or cultural background in marriage, but about the spiritual unity that should mark the people of God. Just as Israel was called to be separate from pagan influence, so believers are called to be distinct in their values, loves, and loyalty to Christ. Paul echoes this in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, urging believers not to be “unequally yoked with unbelievers,” particularly in marriage and spiritual fellowship.
How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel
Mattathah’s story is ultimately about sin, repentance, and restoration—key elements of the gospel. His inclusion in the list of repentant men shows that God is gracious to forgive and restore when His people turn from their sins. Though the Law revealed guilt, God provided a way of reconciliation through repentance and obedience.
This theme finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Whereas the Old Covenant required separation and purification through outward acts, the New Covenant in Christ brings transformation from the inside out. Jesus died to bear the guilt of sinners and rose to give new life to those who repent and believe (Romans 6:1-4). Mattathah’s humble repentance foreshadows the call of the gospel: to turn from sin and walk in faithfulness to God.
Broader Biblical Themes
1. Holiness and Separation
Mattathah’s story reinforces the biblical theme that God calls His people to be holy, set apart for His purposes (Leviticus 19:2). Holiness includes not just outward actions but inward faithfulness and loyalty to God‘s truth.
2. Repentance and Restoration
The list in Ezra 10 is not merely a record of shame but a testimony of national repentance. It shows that acknowledging sin is the first step toward restoration. God does not abandon His people when they fall but calls them back to Himself.
3. Covenant Faithfulness
Israel was in covenant with God, and intermarriage with pagan nations was a breach of that covenant. Mattathah’s repentance reflects a desire to return to that covenant fidelity. Christians today are part of a New Covenant through Christ and are called to live in loyal obedience to Him.
4. The Importance of Leadership in Spiritual Reform
Ezra’s leadership was instrumental in bringing about national repentance. Faithful leaders who uphold Scripture are key in restoring God’s people to truth. Mattathah responded to godly leadership, an example for believers today.
Reflection Questions
- Why was intermarriage with pagan nations such a serious issue for post-exilic Israel?
- What can Mattathah’s quiet repentance teach us about obedience and humility?
- Are there areas in your life where cultural influence might be drawing you away from God’s Word?
- How does true repentance differ from mere regret?
- In what ways do the themes of sin, confession, and restoration in Ezra 10 point us to the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Mattathah may be a lesser-known figure, but his story contributes to the greater narrative of God‘s redemptive work. Even in the smallest names and quietest acts of obedience, God reveals His grace and call to holiness.