Ezra - Chapter 10

In this chapter there is an enquiry into the sins of the people, by marrying wives from other nations.  There is a list of those found "guilty" and also agreement that there will be a ruthless response, with the foreign wives sent away.

"Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, ‘You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel’s guilt. Now honour the Lord, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.’ The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: ‘You are right! We must do as you say.’ "

It is often said that the Old Testament is full of passages like this which show a strict approach to the law, while the New Testament is about love, tolerance and forgiveness.  However, Jesus addressed this idea in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5).  While his suggested remedy (gouging out you eye, or cutting of your hand) might be figurative rather than literal, they do show that Jesus wants righteousness to be taken seriously:

" ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall not commit adultery.” But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell."