Ezra 8
When Ezra returned to Jerusalem he brought with him another group
of the exiles. They were registered and their family records
updated 1-14. Note: I counted up the number of men who came which
equaled 1496 men. Having an accurate record was important for land
purposes (ie. to prove the land was yours by inheritance). Note:
Just because the Jews were displaced from the land as a judgment
for their sins (9:6-7) did not mean that God had rejected them as
His people. God still has a plan for national Israel that is future
from our day. Levites were needed in order to have worship at the
temple. Ezra makes an appeal to assemble some of them so that they
may approach God in worship 15-21. Ezra prays for safe passage and
protection from the Lord. Fasting and prayer went together in this
21-23. Note: He spoke of God's ability which resulted in his having
to act in faith that God would indeed protect 22. They did arrive
in safety because the hand of God was upon them 31-32. The
offerings were all accounted for 24-30,34 and sacrifices were made
unto the Lord 35-36. Note: Over and over the statement 'our God' is
made 18,21,23,31. which would indicate that the exiles who returned
to the land were also a remnant who also were returning to the
Lord. Note: If we have been exiled from the Lord due to our own
sin, He is willing and able to receive us back to Himself when we
repent and call on Him.
Ezra 9
Ezra learns of the intermarriages of the Levites with foreign women
1-2. This resulted in their being led astray. Ezra responds with
brokenness and weeping over the matter 3-5. He prays and confesses
'their' sins (including himself in the guilt of others). He
recognizes the grace of God in leaving them a remnant 8 and
granting them the temple and a wall which was repaired 9. He
confesses the gravity of their sin and the Lord's justice in being
displeased with them. The people did evil and were guilty before
God who has been gracious to them by leaving a remnant 13-15. Note:
Would they again turn to their own ways and further their guilt
before God who has been so gracious ? Are we not like them in so
many ways ? How we need personal and corporate repentance over all
our sin and the sins of our nation !
Ezra 10
The people join Ezra in repentance and confession 1-2. They show
repentance by making a covenant before God to put away their
foreign wives 3-6. Note: Repentance means a turning away from and a
forsaking of sin and that which is sinful. Have you repented from
sin in your life so as to do what is right before God ? All the
exiles are summoned in the rain 7-9 and commanded to repent and do
the right thing by putting away the foreign wives in their midst
10-15. They agree to do this but ask for time to carry this out
12-13. It begins with the leaders 14 and as always there are some
who did agree 16. They throughly investigate the matter and act
accordingly 17. Note: Getting to the bottom of sin in one's life
can take time and requires a through investigation. It is never
easy and often painful, requiring very hard choices. However, what
do I love more, pleasing God by obedience or my sin which I refuse
to give up ? In 18-43 we have a list of all those men who had
disobeyed the Lord and married foreign wives. In the record of
God's eternal word is the listing of the names of sinners for all
to read. When one is broken over his sin before God and truly
repents from it, he or she will obey the Lord and will not be
concerned with others knowing of their guilt. God is gracious and
forgives our sins by virtue of the sacrifice (19). The sacrifice of
His one and only son Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away
the sin of the world (John 1:29).