Study Guide 7 Studies on

www.stphils.org.au Introduction

The year 587BC was a devastating year for the nation of . The city of and the Temple of God was destroyed, the Monarchy had fallen, and those citizens who were not killed were taken as slaves into exile in . However, this was not simply another tragic event of world history. In 2 Kings 23:26-27 we hear things from God’s perspective:

26 Nevertheless, the Lord did not turn away from the heat of his fierce anger, which burned against Judah because of all that Manasseh had done to arouse his anger. 27 So the Lord said, “I will remove Judah also from my presence as I removed Israel, and I will reject Jerusalem, the city I chose, and this temple, about which I said, ‘My Name shall be there.’”

Judah, like Israel before her, went through this devastating event, under the complete control of God, who was judging her for her persistent idolatry and rebellion against him.

Yet despite this catastrophe, God doesn’t abandon his people or his promises. Through prophets like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, God promises hope for the people of God. They have been judged, but there will be a new exodus; a new salvation. Jeremiah said it this way:

10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

As the period of exile went on, Babylon would be conquered by the nation of Persia. Then in the year 538BC Cyrus, King of Persia, allowed the Jews to return to their homeland, just as God had promised. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah recount the excitement and the struggle for the people of God as they rebuild their nation again.

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 2 Author

Although Ezra is not specifically mentioned as the author, he is certainly the best candidate. Jewish tradition (the ) attributes the book to Ezra, and portions of the work (7:28–9:15) are written in the first person, from Ezra’s point of view. As in Chronicles, there is a strong priestly emphasis, and Ezra was a direct priestly descendant of Aaron through Eleazar, Phineas, and Zadok (7:1–5). Purpose

The basic theme of Ezra is, “A Community Renewed“. It is about the renewal of the temple and the spiritual, moral, and social renewal of the returned remnant in Jerusalem. This did not come without problems, both externally and internally. Ezra (along with Nehemiah) recount some of these struggles.

However, through it all, God’s faithfulness and sovereignty is abundantly clear. He works behind the scenes raising up sympathetic leaders in Persia to enable his people to fulfil their task and provides godly and capable leadership amongst the Jews who direct the rebuilding and renewal movement.

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 3 Structure

Ezra is divided neatly into 2 sections.

1. The Renewal of the Temple (ch1-6)

2. The Renewal of the People (ch7-10)

Within these 2 broad sections, we have structured the letter and these studies as follows:

1. The Renewal of the Temple - -6

I. A Community Returned (Ezra 1)

II. A Community United (-3)

III. A Community Discouraged (Ezra 4)

IV. A Community Inspired (-6)

2. The Renewal of the People - -10

V. A Community Renewed (Ezra 7)

VI. A Community Rebuked (-9)

VII. A Community Repents ()

Our prayer is that through these studies we will all be spiritually renewed. Our hope is that you will be amazed again by the power and faithfulness of our great God and grow to become more mature disciples of his Son, who brings ultimate renewal. We hope that this will express itself in greater security in our identity as the people of God and sincerity in living that out, to the glory of our heavenly Father.

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 4 Useful Resources Fyall, R; “Ezra and ” in TBST. Inter varsity Press: Nottingham, 2010. Kidner, D; “Ezra and Nehemiah” in TOTC. Inter varsity Press: Downers Grove, 2009. Thomas Nelson Publishers; Nelson’s complete book of Bible maps & charts: Old and New Testaments (Rev. and updated ed.). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 1996. Throntveit, M; “Ezra-Nehemiah” in Interpretation. A Biblical Commentary for Teaching and Preaching. John Knox Press: Louisville, 2012.

Williams, P. “Opening up Ezra.” Day One Publications: Leominster, 2006.

Williamson, H. G. M; “Ezra, Nehemiah” in WBC. Word, Incorporated: Dallas, 1998.

Wood, D, & Marshall, I; “Ezra, Book Of” in New Bible Dictionary. Inter-Varsity Press: Downers Grove, 1996.

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 5 A Community Returned Ezra 1:1-11

Introduction • What is the longest you have ever had to wait to get something amazing (e.g. save for a house, download a movie on iTunes, or the arrival of an eBay purchase etc.)?

• Would you agree that we are a naturally impatient people? Why do you think that might be the case?

The Jews had been in exile for decades, waiting for God to fulfil his promise to return them to the promised land. But now the time has come!

Read Ezra 1:1-4 • What was the details of the proclamation by King Cyrus? What was the focal point?

• Why did he issue such a proclamation?

• The first year of Cyrus’ reign was 538BC. The main exile of the Jews to Babylon occurred in 597BC (although there was earlier exiles in 597BC and 605BC). Jeremiah prophesied that the people would be in exile for about 70 years. How long were they actually in exile? What does this reveal about the character of God?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 6 Read Ezra 1:5-11 • Who prepared to go back to the promised land and re-build the temple?

• What motivated them to do so?

• Why do you think the “neighbours” (most likely non Jews) gave them treasures as well? What is this reminiscent of? (see. Exodus 12:35).

• Why do you think a written inventory of temple articles is recorded? What might be it’s significance?

Reflection & Response • What does this chapter reveal about the nature or character of God?

• How does Jesus and the gospel narrative reveal more fully this nature of God?

• How many “exiles” and “returns” are there in the biblical narrative? How does each build upon the other?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 7 • How does knowing or being reminded that God can move the hearts of kings and people change your perspective on your life and what is happening in the world?

• Where can you see God working behind the scenes or moving in your heart at the moment?

Remember: Ezra 1:5 “Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and - everyone whose heart God had moved - prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.”

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 8 A Community United Ezra 2-3

Introduction • What do you think are the marks of a genuinely generous person? Do you know anyone who is like this?

• Why do you think we find it hard to be financially generous at times?

Ezra 2-3 recounts the people who have returned to Jerusalem and their generosity in giving to the rebuilding of the temple.

Read Ezra 2 • How many people made up the company that left Persia to return to Jerusalem?

• Why do you think the Bible goes to great detail about the number of people returning and their ancestry? (cf. what does your ancestry reveal about your identity?)

• Why do you think the priests had to show their credentials (v61-63)?

• How much did the people financially give to the rebuilding of the Temple? See if you can find out what the equivalent might be in today’s dollars?

• How does Ezra describe their giving? If you were one of the company - what might you be tempted to spend your money on first?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 9 Read :1-6 • These verses recount the rebuilding of the alter. What do you notice was the foundation of the rebuilding? (i.e. what phrase is repeated)

• Why was the alter and the sacrifices offered their significant? (cf. Leviticus 1) What does this say about the relationship between God and his people at the time of Ezra?

• What is significant about the “first day of the seventh month”? (cf. Leviticus 23)

Read Ezra 3:7-13 • What was the differing responses to the completion of the temple foundations? What does this reveal about the nature of the people of God?

Reflection & Response

• What do these chapters reveal about the nature of God?

• What do these chapters reveal about God’s relationship with his people? What lies at the heart of their relationship (and ours)?

• Why don’t we worship in a temple today or make sacrifices? (cf. Hebrews 9)

• What do you have today, that gives you even more reason to shout for joy?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 10 • Do we have a responsibility to give financially to God’s work today? How can you extend your generosity? (cf. 1 Cor 16).

• Where might you be in danger of imitating the elderly Jews in lamenting and “despising the small things” (Zech 4:10)?

Remember: Ezra 3:11 With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.”

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 11 A Community Discouraged Ezra 4

Introduction • When have you been really discouraged? How do you normally handle disappointment?

The Jews have had a great start to their new life, but in Ezra 4 we see the initial enthusiasm and excitement start to wane. Why?

Read Ezra 4:1-5 • Who do you think these “enemies” are? What strategy did Israel’s enemies use to discourage them from rebuilding? How would you describe them?

• Why do you think the Jews rejected their offer of a multi-faith cooperation?

Read Ezra 4:6-16 • What was the nature of the accusation levelled against the Jews by their enemies? Who is it addressed to, and why might this be significant?

• Is it a fair accusation / strategy? What do you notice about the tone of the letter?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 12 Read Ezra 4:17-24 • What was the result of the letter of accusation?

• Why do you think the King of Persia agreed with the accusers (cf. v23)?

• How did the secretary and associates of Persia in Jerusalem put into effect the King’s edict?

Reflection & Response

• Where is God in this chapter?

• When have you felt like God has abandoned you, even though you are doing your best to live for him?

• How was the strategy of Jesus’ enemies similar to those of God’s people in Ezra 4?

• Who are our enemies today, and how are they using similar strategies?

• Who is the great accuser of Christians today? (Read Revelation 12:10).

• What is the solution to his accusations? (Read Ephesians 6:10-17 and Colossians 2:13-15).

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 13 • If a friend asked you, “If God is sovereign and good, why does he allow suffering to his people?” what would you say in response?

• What gives you hope in the midst of unjust suffering and discouragement?

Remember: Colossians 2:14 “He canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.”

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 14 A Community Inspired Ezra 5-6

Introduction • When have you seen someone take a stand for something they really believed in?

• When have you seen someone take a stand for Jesus Christ?

The Jews had a long period of opposition and discouragement in Ezra 4, but things change in chapters 5-6 as God raises up some godly men to push back against the opposition.

Read Ezra 5:1-2 • In the previous chapter, it appeared that God may have abandoned his people. What is comforting about these opening 2 verses?

• What inspired the rebuilding?

Read Ezra 5:3-6 • What was the response to the building restart? What was different about the Jews response to previous accusations?

• Who is the King in Persia? What is significant about this?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 15 Read Ezra 5:7-17 • What is different about the content and tone of this letter to the previous one? Why do you think this is the case?

• What does this letter reveal about the nature of God?

Read :1-12 • What was the response of King Darius?

• How could such a turn around have happened in the political treatment of God’s people?

Read Ezra 6:13-22 • How did the Jews respond to the edict of Persia?

• How did they see and understand this change from the government?

Reflection & Response

• Where is God in these chapters? What is he doing?

• When we are feeling discouraged or abandoned by God, what comfort does these chapters offer us? Where do we see this exemplified by Jesus?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 16 • What do these chapters reveal is the place of the preached Word of God in the life of God’s people? Where have you found inspiration and motivation in God’s word during a hard time?

• Where have you seen God at work behind the scenes in your life? What can you give thanks for today?

Remember: Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was watching over the elders of the Jews.

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 17 A Community Renewed Ezra 7

Introduction • When was the last time you felt really close to God? What was the occasion?

In today’s passage in the - we meet the man Ezra for the first time. It’s only taken 6 chapters to meet the man whom the book is named after - but that’s ok. Good things come to those who are patient! And Ezra is a good thing!

Read Ezra 7:1-10 • What is the significance of Ezra’s family ancestry?

• What was Ezra’s training and vocation and his attitude to his work?

• What day did Ezra leave Babylon for Jerusalem? What do you think is significant about that?

Read Ezra 7:11-28 • What does the King instruct Ezra to do?

• How does Ezra view this decision by the King?

• What was the relationship like between God and Ezra? How do we see that in this chapter (e.g. v6, v9, v28)?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 18 • Why was the gracious hand of God upon Ezra? (cf. v9-10)

• What was Ezra’s reaction to his “good favour”?

Reflection & Response

• Ezra knew that the gracious hand of God was upon him. How can we be confident that God’s hand is upon us today? (e.g. John 10:27, Matthew 28:19-20)

• Ezra’s confidence in God led him to be courageous. The promise of Jesus ought to give us confidence as well. Where would you like strength to be brave in your Christian life at the moment?

• What do you think it means and looks like to be “devoted” to the word of God? How did Ezra express his devotion?

• Why do you think we find it hard to be as devoted to the word of God as Ezra was?

• What practical things have you tried to help you meditate on God’s word (e.g. post it notes, bible apps).

• Where are you teaching God’s word to others at the moment? Where would you like to and how might you be able to do that?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 19 Remember: Ezra 7:28 “Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.”

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 20 A Community Rebuked Ezra 8-9

Introduction • Where have you seen a team or organisation weaken itself from the inside?

• In your experience, what are some of the decisions that can weaken an individual Christian and the corporate church of God?

In these chapters, Ezra sets out for Jerusalem, but he has little time to be excited when he arrives as he discovers a problem deep in the heart of this new community of God’s people.

Read Ezra 8:15-36 • What did Ezra (and the people) do before they left for Jerusalem? Why did they see this as a priority?

• Why was it important they weighed out the silver and gold? What does this reveal about the heart of the Israelites and also the nature of their journey across the wilderness?

Read :1-4 • How does this passage contrast with the previous chapter?

• Why was Ezra so appalled at the behaviour of the people? (cf. Deut 7:1-6, 1 Kings 11:1-4).

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 21 Read Ezra 9:5-15 • Having been appalled at his people’s unfaithfulness, what was Ezra’s next step?

• Can you summarise the structure of this prayer? What do you notice?

• What does Ezra’s prayer reveal about the nature of God and sin?

Reflection & Response

• What lies at the heart of human sin?

• How serious do we as a church community and as individual’s take sin?

• Like the Israelites, why do you think we sometimes get complacent with sin in our lives?

• A friend in sin says, “God will forgive me later, I’m going to stay right here for now.” How do you respond as a friend?

• Ezra 9 finishes on an ambiguous note. Is there any hope that Ezra can rely on? Can we have any confidence today that despite our ignorance and wilfulness with sin we can be forgiven? (cf. Acts 3:17-20).

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 22 Finish today’s study with an extended time of personal and/or public confession of sin.

Remember: Ezra 9:13 “What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God you have punished us less than our sins deserved.”

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 23 A Community Repents Ezra 10

Introduction • Do you prefer movies and stories that have happy or tragic endings? Can you make a list of both types?

• Where have you seen sin complicate matters in your physical and emotional life?

As the book of Ezra finishes, it’s hard to see whether its a happy or tragic ending. In fact it could be a complicated mix of both.

Read Ezra 10:1-17 • What was the initial response of the people to Ezra’s public prayer in chapter 9?

• What was their solution to their problem of sin? What did Ezra think?

• How did the general population respond to their leaders decision? Why do you think they responded like this?

• You don’t need to read v18-44, but what is happening in these verses? Why would Ezra publicly shame those who married foreign women?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 24 Reflection & Response

• Putting aside the decision for the time being, what does this passage reveal about the link between feeling guilty and repentance?

• Do you think divorcing their foreign wives was the right decision by the leaders? Why/ why not?

• What does the rest of the Bible, and the NT specifically, teach about divorce? (cf. Matthew 19, 1 Corinthians 7).

• Yes it was legally right for Ezra and the leaders to institute the decision they did. But what did it potentially lack? Could it have been done better? What are some contemporary parallels do you think?

• Who ultimately does God satisfy his holiness and justice against sin and exercise grace and love to sinners? How do you feel about that?

• What has this study series taught or reminded you about God and yourself?

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 25 • What is one thing you will do as a result of this study series?

Remember: Ezra 10:2 “But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel.”

Ezra Bible Study Guide Page 26