Ezra 1
At the conclusion of the 70 years of Babylonian captivity the Lord
stirs the heart of king Cyrus of Persia to allow the Jews to return
and rebuild the Temple of the Lord 1-4. God put this in his heart
and indicates that the Sovereign Lord can and does move individuals
to do His will. Sometimes they know and recognize this 2, and other
times they are oblivious to the fact that God is using them. The
articles of gold and silver were kept and accounted totaling 5,400
(5-11) Note: I find it amazing that these were still around
and in tact after 70 years. God is able to protect and account for
those things He plans to use. If He did this for the items used in
temple worship, how much more does He do this for His own people
and all the individuals who are children of God through faith in
the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ezra 2
This long chapter records those who were return to Jerusalem with
Zerubbabel. The various descendants of the families are listed in
detail 3-61. Note: God 'keeps perfect record' of those who are His
own along with books on everyone's life (see: Revelation 20:11-15).
Because some could not show their family record, they were excluded
from the priesthood and the provisions of the priests 62. The Lord
would be sought to determine the answer with the Urim and Thumim
63. Note: When we are at a loss to know what to do or need an
answer to a problem do we seek the Lord to make His will and truth
known ? The total of all who returned was approximately 50,000
(64-65). They also brought animals which are listed 66-67. Once in
the land they take a free-will offering for the temple and those
who serve in it 68-69. They the Jews begin to resettle in the land
70. Note: The number that return to the land is small considering
that the nation at one time was well over 1 million in population.
Note: Even though the Jewish people were judged by the Lord with
the 70 years of captivity, they were still His chosen people and
the land was still their's by God's promise. The same can be said
of the nation of Israel in our day. God has a plan for them which
will culminate with the return of the Lord Jesus Christ and their
salvation, when He comes (Romans 11:25-29).
Ezra 3
The people in the land are unified and rebuild the altar of the
Lord despite the fear of the people around them 1-3. They celebrate
the Feast of Tabernacles with the prescribed number of offerings
for each day (191 animals for this eight day feast, Numbers
29:12-38). Note: This would require faith on their part considering
they just returning to the land and were not fully established.
They offered these sacrifices even though the temple was not yet
rebuilt 5-6. Note: Does this not teach that one is to worship the
Lord and offer to Him of what we have and where we are and not wait
till there is more or things are better established. (think of the
hymn 'Just as I am, I come to Thee oh, Lamb of God'). The temple
foundation is laid amidst both praises and weeping 7-13. Why did
some weep ? Was it repentance, realizing the sin that caused the
first temple to be destroyed or did this temple not compare with
the glory of the first one (a matter the Lord addressed through the
prophet Haggai 2:1-9). Note: The response of praise to the Lord
declares 'He is Good' 11. Note: I need to praise the Lord for He is
good and for His love for me in Christ !
Ezra 4
Opposition to the rebuilding of the temple comes from enemies of
Judah and Benjamin (what was the southern kingdom) 1-4. Note: God's
work is always opposed by 'His enemies'. People will spend money
and persist in discouraging the people of God from doing the work
and will of God 5. We should not be surprised by this but expect it
(Matthew 10:17-26, John 15:18-25). The opposition even take matter
to the king ('legal action') 6-10. They misrepresent the purpose
and intent of the Jews (the people of God) 11-16. The king orders a
work stoppage until the matter could be reviewed 18-24. Note:
God had a purpose in bringing the work to a halt. Maybe it was a
test to see if the people would trust Him in this trial and to
reveal what was in the heart of the people.
Ezra 5
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied during this time to
the people and also helped in the work of the rebuilding of the
temple 1-2. God was with them in this work 5. The Jews were
questioned about the rebuilding by the governor Tattenai 3. Because
God was with them they continue the work until the matter could be
investigated 4-7. The report sent to King Darius 7-17 includes a
testimony to the Lord 11 and an admission of sin and guilt on the
part of the Jewish people 12. They also indicate the
'authorization' that came from Cyrus 13-16 along with an appeal to
confirm the matter 17. Note: God's people (Christians) should be
respectful of the law and leadership that exists in the nation in
which they reside (Romans 13:1-7). Note: Even though the people are
restored to the land, they continue to 'suffer' by being under the
rule of foreign nations (ie. being subject to their laws and
standards of right and wrong). This too is the lingering impact sin
has on a nation and the people of God. Only the coming of the
Messiah (Jesus Christ) will put down all other rule and authority
and result in true justice and righteousness, in life and
government !
Ezra 6
King Darius orders the work of rebuilding the temple to continue
and in fact, makes provisions and 'funds' available to be used for
this work 1-12. He asks for prayer in return 10 and issues a sever
penalty for anyone who opposes the work 11-12. Note: What started
as a roadblock in the end became blessed provision from the Lord.
He is the one who was working in and through all these details. The
work was completed by the diligence of the people and the
encouragement of preaching 13-14. When completed, the priests and
the people prepare themselves to celebrate the Passover 19-21.
Note: They are called 'the exiles' 19. I wonder how many Passovers
were really celebrated as unto the Lord. Only a few are recorded in
the Old Testament and those that are, are in relation to a revival
or time of restoration back to God. Some separated themselves from
their 'Gentile' (first time this term is used for the non-jews)
neighbors in order to seek the Lord 21. Note: Do I separate myself
from things that I may give my attention fully to seeking the Lord
? They had joy as they realized the goodness of the Lord in giving
them favor through the king 22. Note: When we recognize the hand of
God at work in our lives, it should likewise fill us with the joy
of the Lord !
Ezra 7
Note: Between chapter 6 and 7 the events of the book of Esther
occur. The gap of time between the two is 57 years. Ezra comes on
the scene and is a priest who reforms the people by the teaching of
God's Word. He is called the priest and teacher of the Law of the
God of heaven 11,12,21. Ezra studied and obeyed God's Law and
taught it to the people 6,10. He was commissioned by the king to
teach and was provided for out of the royal treasury 21-26. The
king issued penalties for those who would not obey the Law of the
Lord 26. Note: No separation of church and state here ! All of this
was the result of God's doing and Ezra recognized this 27-28. Such
a realization caused him to have courage and to go to this work.
Note: Do we fully realize the great and powerful God that we serve
has the whole world and all who inhabit it in His hands. No one can
hinder or hamper the will of God. Oh, that I may come to trust Him
fully and fully carry out the work He calls me to do. How about you
?