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Third Presbyterian Church Tuesday Study Tour – Lesson 104 – The Hand of God

Read all of Ezra Chapters 7-8

Ezra 7:25-28 (NIV) 25 And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates--all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. 26 Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. 27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in in this way 28 and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.

Ezra 8:18-19 (NIV) 18 Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah's sons and brothers, 18 men; 19 and Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and nephews, 20 men. Ezra 8:31-32 (NIV) 31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. 32 So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested three days.

Questions

1. How do you think Christians should respond differently from unbelievers to success in life? A. When have you responded inappropriately to success and what was learning experience from that response? 2. Ezra’s great success was explained by the hand of God being on him. Do you have a remembrance of a success you enjoyed that you directly testify to the hand of God being on you? Please share. 3. How can you change your spiritual habits to become more devoted to God? 4. Why do you think God grants power and financial security only to some people? 5. What makes you feel safe? 6. How does the average person protect himself or herself from the dangers in life? 7. Share a story where you were vulnerable but you know the hand of God protected you from evildoers. 8. Ezra chose to fast and pray on this occasion, because he wanted to acknowledge the power and protection of God in this situation. A. What does this account reveal to you about God’s protection of His people? 9. Israel financially sacrificed and worshipped God greatly for His protection from enemies. A. What has been your response to our acknowledged protection of God from your enemies? Do you feel you owe God more? Why or why not? 10. What steps could you begin to take this week to depend less on your own strength and more on God’s power to help you through the challenges you face? P a g e | 2

(7:1-28) Introduction: if there has ever been a day when strong men and women and strong leaders are needed, it is today. There are few people of integrity, few who are upright and honest, moral and pure, decisive and steadfast, enduring and persevering. Far too many of us are weak, lacking the strength to follow through with decisions and commitments. How many of us make a commitment to marriage and then break the commitment? How many work hard at our jobs, giving our employers a full days’ work for a full days’ wage? How many employers are fair and just with their employees? How many are filled with greed and covetousness, craving more and more instead of giving to meet the needs of the world? How many of us are genuinely gripped with a spirit of compassion and mercy, forgiving those who wrong us? Where are men and women of integrity who turn away from lying and deception, speaking the truth in love? Where are the men and women of morality who will uphold the bond of marriage and other commitments? Who will develop strong but tender hearts that are decisive yet compassionate and merciful? Where are the men and women who will build up society, strengthening others instead of tearing them down through selfishness, gossip, rumors, and a negative spirit?

In the present Scripture, a man of enormous strength and leadership skills steps forth to introduce himself. This man is Ezra, the man for whom this great book of Holy Scripture is named. It had been about 57 years since the end of chapter six and the beginning of chapter seven, 57 years since the temple had been completed and dedicated by the first returnees to Jerusalem (vv.7-9; 8:31). Now the LORD raised up a man to lead a second group of exiles back to the promised land of God. This is, Ezra’s Royal Commission to Return to the Promised Land: the Picture of a Strong and Dedicated Leader, 7:1-28.

1. The introduction of Ezra: a man wholly committed to the LORD and His Word (vv.1-10).

2. The royal commission to return given to Ezra by King Artaxerxes: a man sent on a mission (vv.11-28).

1. (7:1-10) Word of God, Commitment to—God, Commitment to—Bible, Study of—Devotion, to the Word of God—Commitment, Duty—Ezra, Genealogy of—Ezra, Leadership of—Ezra, Commitment of—Exile Returnees, Under Ezra’s Leadership—Jewish Exiles, Returned, Under Ezra’s Leadership: the man for whom this book is named finally steps on the scene. Ezra is now introduced to the reader. Four significant areas of Ezra’s life are covered by Scripture: his godly roots, his profession, his skilled leadership, and his devotion to the LORD and His Holy Word.

1. Ezra had a strong, godly heritage (vv.1-5). He was a priest from a long line of spiritual leaders. These leaders had served as priests to the nation of Israel down through the centuries. A few of these leaders were…

 Hilkiah, who had discovered the Law of God while the temple was being repaired during the days of King Josiah (2 Kings 22:1-20).  Zadok, who served as High Priest during the days of and who proved loyal to David during some of the most difficult trials confronted by the king (2 Sam. 15:24-37; 17:15; 1 Kings 1:8, 26).  , who proved his zeal and loyalty for the LORD during the wilderness journeys. He helped purge the land of apostasy and immorality (Nu.25:1-25; Ps.106:30).

Ezra could also trace his ancestry all the way back to the very first High Priest, , who was the brother of Moses himself (v.5). In Ezra is seen the fulfillment of God’s wonderful promise to bless the descendants of the godly (De.4:40; Ps.128:1-6).

2. Ezra was a scribe or teacher by profession, well versed in the Law, God’s Holy Word (v.6). Note the statement that the Law is God’s Holy Word. The LORD Himself had given the Law to Moses. How much of the Law did Ezra have? Probably most of the writings that had been completed up to that time, which would have included the Pentateuch, some of the historical writings, and some of the prophets’ messages. Whatever the P a g e | 3 case, the fact that Ezra was well versed in the Law of God shows that the exiles at least had access to many of the writings of Holy Scripture.

3. Ezra was a man of exceptional leadership skills. He was also a man wholly devoted to the LORD and His Holy Word (vv.6-10). He was the man appointed by the LORD and King Artaxerxes to lead the second group of exiles from captivity back to the promised land of God. His exceptional skills are seen in four facts: a. Ezra was very skilled in the art of persuasion (vv.6-7). Everything he asked of the king, the king granted. Nothing was withheld, and no request was left unanswered, for the hand of the LORD was upon him. Note that this statement is used six times concerning Ezra (7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 22, 31). God had definitely chosen Ezra to be the man to free the second group of exiles from captivity, and the LORD was proving His call by giving exceptional skills of persuasion to Ezra. Using his skill to the fullest degree possible, Ezra was able to convince people to leave their homes and security to make the long, hard, dangerous return to an uncertain future in Jerusalem (v.7). b. Ezra also had an exceptionally strong will and an iron determination (vv.8-9). Lying out before Ezra was a long, treacherous journey of about 900 miles. The roadway was infested with bandits and led through the territory of enemies who bitterly despised the Jews (8:22, 31). Despite these difficulties, the major problem did not lie with Ezra himself making the journey. The problem was that he personally had to lead a caravan of 5,000 exiles through the dangerous territory. Nevertheless, with fierce determination, Ezra completed the awesome task in just four months. In the seventh year of King Artaxerxes’s reign, he was able to complete the task (v.9; 8:31). c. Ezra was a man who was totally committed to service, serving both the LORD and His people. The LORD had charged him with the incredible mission of delivering His people from captivity and returning them to the promised land. To this task, Ezra was totally committed. Thus, “the good [gracious] hand of God was upon him,” guiding and meeting his every need.

4. Ezra was a man wholeheartedly devoted to the LORD and the LORD’s Word (v.10). Three facts are stated about his devotion to the Word of God: a. Ezra studied God’s Word, His Holy commandments. The implication is that Ezra walked throughout the day meditating upon the Word of God. b. Ezra obeyed God’s Word and made a deliberate effort to keep His holy commandments. He sought daily to live out God’s Word in his life. c. Ezra taught God’s Holy Word to others. Remember that the people of that day had no other way to learn God’s Word. There were not many scrolls available and few people had enough money to purchase what copies might be available. Ezra was a man who dedicated himself to teaching God’s Word so that people could have the fullness of life promised in its holy pages.

Thought 1. One of the great needs in the world today is for men and women to be totally committed to the LORD and to His Holy Word. Most of the world is ignorant of the LORD and His Word. To prove the point, think how little time most of us spend in daily prayer and study of the Bible. We each need to ask ourselves, How much time do I spend in daily prayer? Daily Bible study? In serving the LORD by meeting the needs of others? P a g e | 4

A person who is totally committed to the LORD and His Holy Word will draw near God through prayer. The committed person will also study God’s Holy Word and minister to other people. In fact, a committed person will set aside a certain amount of time every day to draw near the LORD through prayer and Bible study. In addition, the person will pray continually as he or she walks throughout the activities of the day, ministering to the needs of fellow workers, neighbors, and even strangers. Being totally committed means that we study, live, and bear witness to the LORD, doing exactly what He instructs in His Holy Word. We keep God’s commandments, live them out, practice them, living holy and righteous lives. Keeping in mind that Ezra was a man totally devoted to God’s Word, listen to what the LORD says about His Holy Word:

1) We are to love, joy, and rejoice in God’s Holy Word.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (Jn.15:16). “And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved” (Ps.119:47).

2) God’s Holy Word feeds the hunger and thirst of a human heart.

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (1 Pe.2:2-3). “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna [Word of God], and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it” (Re.2:17). “And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live” (De.8:3).

3) The Word of God is inspired, “God-breathed.”

“Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus” (Ac.1:16). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Ti.3:16).

4) The Word of God is to be held tightly in our hearts.

“But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach” (Ro.10:8). “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16).

5) The Word of God is to be a light and a guide to our lives.

“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps.19:8). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps.119:105). “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Ps.119:130). P a g e | 5

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Pr.6:23). “But he that lacketh these things [God’s instructions] is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins” (2 Pe.1:9).

6) The Word of God cleanses and purifies us.

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (Jn.15:3). “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (Jn.17:17). “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth [God’s Word] through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Pe.1:22). “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Ps.119:9).

7) The Word of God is to be reverenced, for it is sacred to the LORD.

“And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Re.22:19). “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you” (De.4:2). “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it” (De.12:32). “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Pr.30:6).

8) The Word of God is to be studied.

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me” (Jn.5:39). “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Ac.17:11).

9) The Word of God is absolutely trustworthy, and its promises will always be fulfilled.

“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Mt.1:20-23).

10) The Word of God must be obeyed, the commandments kept.

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye P a g e | 6

that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Mt.7:21-29). “Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (Jn.14:23).

2. (7:11-28) Mission, Fulfillment of, Example—Ezra, Commission of—Artaxerxes, King of Persia, Commission to Ezra: the royal commission for Ezra to return to Jerusalem was given by King Artaxerxes of Persia. What now follows is actually a copy of the letter that the king presented to Ezra. Scripture spells out exactly what Ezra was being commissioned to do:

1. The commission appointed Ezra as a personal representative of the king himself (v.11). As a representative of the king, Ezra was assured of receiving the rights and the help spelled out by the king.

2. The letter listed the qualifications of Ezra by addressing him as a priest, teacher, and scholar in the Law of the “God of heaven” (v.12).

3. Artaxerxes decreed the right for any Israelite who wished to return to Jerusalem with Ezra to do so (v.13). Any Israelite anywhere in the great empire of Persia could be freed from captivity and returned to his homeland.

4. The letter clearly stated the purpose for which Ezra was being sent to Jerusalem and (v.14). His purpose was to investigate and to make sure his people were obeying the Law, God’s Word. If not, then Ezra was to teach the Law of God and enforce obedience to the LORD’s commandments (vv.25-26). Remember that the earlier exiles who had returned under had been commissioned to rebuild the temple and the cities of Judah. But in the intervening 57 years, the earlier returnees had slipped away from the LORD and were no longer committed to completing the task. Thus, Ezra’s commission was to return to Jerusalem, investigate the situation, and stir the people to make a renewed commitment to rebuild their nation and to restore true worship in the temple.

5. The letter also assigned the oversight of the finances to Ezra. He was to oversee all the gifts that had been given for the temple, as well as all the money and gifts he was yet to obtain from the province of after he arrived in Jerusalem. Note four facts spelled out by the letter:

⇒ Ezra was given and placed in charge of a large treasure. The large sum of money was given to help Ezra achieve his purpose and was contributed to by…

 the king and his officials, who had obviously given a large amount of silver and gold.  the government officials and the province of Babylon, who were instructed by King Artaxerxes to give whatever silver or gold Ezra felt was needed.  the Jewish people and priests in Jerusalem who were also expected to give freewill offerings.

⇒ All this money and wealth was to be overseen by Ezra. He was to use everything that was donated to help the people get settled in their homeland and to help with whatever repairs might be needed on the temple. But he was also to use the money to buy animals and food items to be sacrificed and offered P a g e | 7

at the worship services of the temple (vv.17-18). Any money left over was to be used as he felt needed. But he was to make sure that it was used for God’s service, not for selfish desires. ⇒ In addition to the money and wealth, some temple furnishings and articles were placed into Ezra’s care. He was to return all these to the temple (v.19). ⇒ Interestingly, the king gave Ezra the right to requisition the royal treasury for whatever he needed (v.20). If he ran short of any supply or faced a lack of funds for anything, he could call upon the royal treasury of the local province to provide it.

6. Artaxerxes also gave Ezra the right to request help from the political officials who governed the empire west of the Euphrates (vv.21-24). This was a large territory, which meant that the taxes collected by the government amounted to huge sums of money for the royal treasury. Hence, Ezra’s needs were assured of being met. Note that a limit was placed upon the request he could make, though the limit was generous…

 100 talents of silver (7,500 pounds)  500 measures or bushels of wheat  100 baths of wine (500 gallons)  100 baths of olive oil (500 gallons)  an unlimited supply of salt

To make sure the officials supplied whatever Ezra needed, Artaxerxes issued a warning to the officials (vv.23- 24). They were to provide quickly for the temple of God in order to secure the protection of the Jewish God and to prevent His wrath from falling upon them. Why would Artaxerxes fear the God of the Jews when the Jews had been so easily conquered under the Babylonians and the Persians? No doubt, in his mind, the God of Israel had not been able to protect the Jews. Why, then, would he now be thinking that the God of the Jews could protect them or cast His wrath upon the Persian Empire? Scripture says nothing about the matter. Perhaps Artaxerxes had heard of God’s astounding, miraculous deliverance of the Jews from the Assyrians during Hezekiah’s reign in Israel. The backbone of the Assyrian army had been broken. In one night, 185,000 soldiers were killed by the angel of the LORD (Isa. 37:36). Whatever the case, it seems evident that God was at work in the heart of Artaxerxes, moving him to show favor to the returning exiles. The king further instructed the officials not to tax any religious worker serving at the temple (v.24).

7. In closing his letter of commission, the king gave Ezra a threefold royal authority (vv.25-26). First, he gave Ezra the authority to appoint magistrates and judges. They were to govern all the Jews in the province west of the Euphrates River.

Second, he was given the royal authority to teach the Law of God to the Jewish people. He was to make sure that all the Jews knew and obeyed the Law.

Third, he was to execute justice upon any who did not obey the commandments as spelled out in the Law of God and in the law of the king (v.26). Justice was to be carried out either by Ezra personally or by the Persian governor and his officials. These sentences included the verdict of death as well as banishment, confiscation of property, and imprisonment. All civil and religious laws were to be obeyed by the Jews.

8. Ezra’s response to the commission given him was that of praise (vv.27-28). But note who it is that he praised: not the king, but rather the LORD. He praised the LORD…

 because God had moved the heart of the king to honor the LORD’s house  because God had shown mercy by stirring the king and his officials to appoint him (Ezra) for this great mission P a g e | 8

 because the hand of the LORD was upon him

After receiving the king’s commission, Ezra immediately initiated a recruitment program. He began to encourage people to return to the promised land with him.

Thought 1. Every believer has been commissioned by the LORD, commissioned to lead people to the promised land of heaven. Sadly, many people are not going to heaven because they are alienated from God, cut off from Him. They are neglecting and ignoring the LORD, even denying Him. Tragically, they have nothing to do with the LORD in this life; consequently, they will have nothing to do with Him in the next life. If they live apart or separated from God now, they will live apart and be separated from God through all eternity. For this reason, the LORD commissions us as believers to go forth to proclaim the truth to the world. What is the truth? The gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, that He alone is the Savior and Messiah of the world. Through Him alone can a person become acceptable to God. If a person wishes to approach God, he must approach through the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is The Way to God. He is The Truth we are to live by. He is The Life we are to receive and live. As Christ Himself declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father but by me” (Jn.14:6).

We must proclaim the gospel of Christ, for no person will live in heaven who approaches God any other way. We are commissioned, sent forth as the ambassadors and witnesses to a world reeling in sin, lost and alienated from God. Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about the Great Commission given us:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost” (Mt.28:19). “And the gospel must first be published among all nations” (Mk.13:10). “And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mk.16:15). “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Lu.24:27).

(8:1-36) Introduction: the human heart longs for a perfect world…

 a world in which there is no pain or suffering, no hatred or bitterness, no lawlessness or violence, no murder or war, no unkindness or harsh speech, no strife or divorce, no assaults or abuse, no depression or loneliness, no emptiness or lack of purpose, no hunger or starvation, no poverty or homelessness  a world that is filled with perfect love, joy, peace, security, purpose, fulfillment, and economic prosperity  a life that is victorious, conquering all the evils of this world

Underlying all our cravings is the struggle for life itself—the struggle to conquer death and to live forever in a perfect body.

The wonderful news of God’s Holy Word is that such a life is possible. God has provided eternal life for us, that is, for genuine believers, a life of perfection that is free not only from all suffering and pain but also from all trials and temptations. This place is what Christ and the Holy Scriptures identify as heaven. Heaven is the eternal world, the spiritual dimension of being that is to replace the present heavens and earth. Some day in the future, the power of God will melt the present universe with fervent heat and create a new universe, a new heavens and earth (2 Pe.3:10-11). P a g e | 9

Preparing for the promised land of heaven is the practical message of the present Scripture. Ezra had just been granted permission by King Artaxerxes to lead a group of returnees back to Jerusalem, the promised land of God. But before he could lead the people from their captivity, certain preparations had to be made. This is, Ezra’s Preparations and Return to the Promised Land (Almost 60 Years After the Completion of the Temple): A Picture of Preparing for the Promised Land (a Type of Heaven), 8:1-36.

1. (8:1-20) Laborers, Need for, Example—Recruitment, of Laborers, Example—Enlistment, of Laborers, Example—Returnees from Exile, Led by Ezra, List of—Jews, Exiles Returned, List of: after receiving his commission from the Persian king to return to Jerusalem, Ezra launched a recruitment program to enlist people to return with him. Ezra needed all the laborers he could find. He had been commissioned to arouse the people to rebuild their nation and to restore true worship in the temple (1:1-5; 4:12; 6:1-12). The first returnees under Zerubbabel had slipped away from the LORD and were disobeying His commandments. They were neglecting the temple and their worship of the LORD. In addition, they had failed to finish rebuilding Jerusalem and its walls. Thus a renewed commitment was desperately needed. It was Ezra’s purpose to stir a genuine revival among the people, a revival that would motivate them to turn back to the LORD and their God-given task of rebuilding their nation. The people needed to serve God faithfully. They needed to worship and witness to the only living and true God. In the present Scripture, a list of family heads who returned is given as well as the number of males who returned with each of the families.

1. Knowing that he needed help in the recruitment process, Ezra wisely enlisted three family heads or leaders to help him (vv.1-2). Because of their influence he chose two priests, one leader from each of the two priestly families. From the priestly family of Phinehas, he recruited a descendant named Gershom; and from the priestly family of Ithamar, he chose a descendant named Daniel. Both Gershom and Daniel would have had tremendous influence in helping Ezra recruit others for the task that lay ahead of them in Jerusalem. Along with these two priests, Ezra reached out to recruit someone from the royal line of David, a man named Hattush, a descendant of the family of Shechaniah.

2. Ezra and the three special family heads were able to recruit a large number of people from 12 major families (vv.3-14). In all there were 1,511 men who made the commitment to return to Jerusalem. Adding in Ezra and the three special family heads brought the total number of men recruited to 1,515. When the women and children were added to the list, there were probably about 5,000 exiles returning with Ezra. This was a much smaller number than the 50,000 who had returned about 80 years earlier under Zerubbabel’s leadership.

3. Apparently Ezra had instructed those recruited to assemble at the Ahava Canal. There they spent three days making preparations for the journey and checking the list of returnees to make sure everyone was present. But when Ezra checked the list of recruits, he made a sad discovery. Not a single Levite had made a commitment to return to the promised land. There were some priests present, but no Levites. And Levites were needed, for they were the assistants to the priests. They were obviously not willing to leave the comfortable, prosperous, and successful lives they had achieved in Babylon. Also keep in mind that this was a new generation that had never before seen Jerusalem, never had a glimpse of the promised land.

To solve the problem, Ezra appointed a special delegation to recruit Levites. The delegation included nine leaders and two scholars (v.16). After their appointment Ezra sent the delegation to a prominent leader among the Levites, a man named . This Levite leader lived in the city of Casiphia where there was evidently a worship center or school of Levites located (v.17). The delegation was successful in recruiting Levites, and three reasons are given as to why (vv.18-19). They were successful…

 due to the LORD’s hand guiding and blessing them  due to a very capable Levite leader named Sherebiah who personally recruited 18 Levites P a g e | 10

 due to two other leading Levites named Hashabiah and Jeshaiah who were able to recruit 10 more Levites (v.19)

In addition to the Levites, the delegation also recruited 220 temple servants (v.20). These servants, a group of temple workers who had first been instituted by David, were assistants to the Levites. After their recruitment, their names were added to the register of returnees who had made the commitment to return to the promised land with Ezra.

Thought 1. Ezra needed laborers, people who would make a solid commitment to the awesome task of rebuilding the Jewish nation and restoring true worship in the temple. We too need laborers who will make a commitment to the LORD and to the awesome task of the church. No greater mission exists than the one assigned to the church, that of taking the gospel of salvation to the world and of meeting the needs of people. People are lost and without hope, for they are separated from God. They do not know that salvation comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ, that no person can approach and become acceptable to God except through His Son (Jn.14:6). In addition to those who are lost, there are many people who are hurting and in desperate need, suffering all kinds of trials, hardships, and temptations.

Laborers are needed, desperately needed. Some among us right now need to make a commitment to the Lord, surrendering our lives to become laborers for Christ. As never before, we need to bear strong witness to the saving power of Jesus Christ and to reach out in compassion to those who are in desperate need. Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about the need for laborers:

“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt.4:19). “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Mt.9:37- 38). “And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four” (Mk.2:3). “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (Jn.1:45). “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together” (Jn.4:35-36). 2. (8:21-23) Prayer, Example—Fasting, Example—Preparation, Spiritual, Example—Spiritual Preparation, Example—Ezra, Prayer Life—Exile Returnees, Preparation by—Jews, Returned Exiles, Preparation of: before beginning the long 900 mile trip, Ezra encouraged the people to prepare themselves spiritually. He challenged them to seek the LORD through prayer and fasting (vv.21-23). Prayer was urgently needed for three reasons: ⇒ The people needed to seek the LORD for a safe journey, for God’s guidance and protection. ⇒ The people needed to seek the LORD because the trip was lengthy, demanding, and perilous, especially with children present. The roads of that day were infested with bandits and gangs of marauders. Furthermore, they would be passing through territory that was held by various anti-Semitic groups. ⇒ The people needed to seek the LORD because Ezra felt uneasy about asking the king for a military escort (v.22). In securing permission to return to the promised land, Ezra had stressed the LORD’s blessing on all who seek Him and His wrath on all who oppose Him. If he now requested a military escort, the king might misunderstand, for Ezra had publicly announced to the king that God would take care of the exiles as they returned to Jerusalem. Such a request would contradict his testimony of faith P a g e | 11

in God’s protection. Therefore even though Ezra was now sensing the need for a military escort, he felt a greater need to present a consistent testimony to the king. For this reason, he made a deliberate decision not to ask for an escort.

A question naturally arises about the wisdom of Ezra, especially since other believers down through the years have requested armed escorts from civil officials. would later request a military escort when he returned to Jerusalem (Ne.2:9). And Paul the Apostle requested the Romans to protect him on his journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea (Ac.23:12-35).

Does this mean that Ezra trusted the LORD more than Nehemiah and Paul and others who have been helped by civil authorities? In thinking about the question, we must keep in mind God’s purpose for us all. His purpose is to teach us to draw closer to Him, to fellowship and commune with Him. Nothing causes us to draw nearer the LORD than trials and hardships. Thus God puts us in situations where we have to cast ourselves totally upon Him, trusting Him to protect and provide for us. Because some of us are more difficult to teach than others, the LORD occasionally has to put us totally on our own without any help from anyone else. There are occasions when we have to be prepared for greater missions. Evidently this was the case with Ezra. The LORD knew that during this season of his life, Ezra needed to cast himself totally upon the LORD, needed to draw near the LORD in fellowship and communion. This dear servant needed to trust the LORD as never before. Thus the LORD worked out the circumstances so it would be unwise for Ezra to request a military escort. His only hope for protection was the LORD Himself.

In response to Ezra’s request, the people fasted and prayed. And their prayer was answered. As will be seen, the LORD protected and returned the exiles safely to the promised land.

Thought 1. A genuine believer should undertake every task with prayer. Indeed, prayer should be the very first step taken. And if the task is large or significant, both prayer and fasting should precede the endeavor. If we are concerned enough to pray and fast, God will hear and answer. No matter what our need is, if we turn to the LORD, He will protect and provide for us, granting exactly what we need. God will never leave us alone to face the hardships and sufferings of this life on our own.

1) Listen to what God says about prayer:

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Mt.7:7). “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Mt.26:41). “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them” (Mk.11:24). “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it” (Jn.14:13-14). “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (Jn.15:7).

2) Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about fasting:

“But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly” (Mt.6:17-18). P a g e | 12

“And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting” (Mt.17:18-21). 3. (8:24-30) Stewardship, Example—Giving, Example—Benevolence, Example—Treasurers, Duty, Example—Money-Handlers, Duty—Church, Duty, to Safely Handle Money: Ezra also saw in his preparations the need to guard the treasure that had been entrusted into his care by the Persian government (v.24). He delegated the responsibility for the treasure to two leading priests, Sherbiah and Hashabiah. These two priests appointed ten other priests to serve with them. After their appointment, Ezra weighed, counted, and recorded the donated treasure (vv.25-27). There was a large quantity of wealth being taken to the temple in Jerusalem: ⇒ 650 talents of silver that amounted to 24 tons ⇒ various silver items that weighed 100 talents or 7,500 pounds ⇒ gold that weighed 100 talents or 7,500 pounds ⇒ 20 gold bowls that were equal to 1,000 drachmas or 1,000 gold coins ⇒ two bronze items that were as precious as gold

After weighing all these items and wealth, Ezra reminded the guards that both they and the treasure were holy, set apart to God (vv.28-29). The treasure had been given as a freewill offering to the LORD. For this reason, they must carefully guard the treasure until it was delivered to Jerusalem and placed in the house of the LORD. The treasure would then be reweighed and counted in Jerusalem before being turned over to the religious and civil leaders at the temple. Briefly stated, Ezra was charging the guards to take special care of the treasure, making sure that nothing was stolen or lost along the way. After giving his charge, Ezra turned the treasure over to the guards.

Thought 1. Ezra has left us with a strong example of faithful stewardship. We too must be faithful stewards of all that God has given us, whether money, abilities, or responsibility. We are to carefully protect and increase what God has given. Nothing is to go unused, be left undeveloped. Rather, we are to use our skills and abilities as a strong witness to further the kingdom of God, to bring Him more glory. So it is with the responsibilities and duties assigned us. We are not to neglect nor fail to carry out any task entrusted to us, whether at work, home, school, or anywhere else. When a responsibility is set before us, we are to tackle and complete the work, giving a strong witness of diligence in serving the LORD.

When it comes to the stewardship of money, we are to guard all that is entrusted in our care. We are not to carelessly handle money, losing it, allowing it to be stolen, or spending it foolishly. Money is a trust from God. In fact, Scripture teaches that we are to invest and increase our money. We are to work hard and make wise investments in order to have enough to give to the needy of this world. Note His commandment:

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth” (Ep.4:28).

Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about faithful stewardship:

“Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away” (Mt.5:42). “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Mt.6:20). P a g e | 13

“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants” (Mt.18:23).

4. (8:31-36) Protection, of God, Example—Security, of God, Example—Returned Exiles, Safe Arrival— Exiles, Arrival in Jerusalem—Return, of Exiles, to Jerusalem: after completing their preparations, Ezra and the other Jewish returnees launched out on their long 900 mile journey. Four months later they safely arrived in Jerusalem, the land that had been promised them by God centuries before. Down through the years, God had always protected a remnant of Jewish believers, men and women who truly trusted and continued to follow the LORD. This present Jewish remnant left the land of their captivity on the twelfth day of the first month, which was the month of Nissan (c.April 19). They traveled about 900 miles and arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, as mentioned about four months later (7:9). Interestingly, nothing is said about the journey itself except the fact that God protected them from enemies and bandits along the way. God had clearly answered their prayers (vv.21-22). But the people were utterly exhausted from the prolonged voyage, desperately needing to stop. For the first three days after arriving, they did nothing but relax, sleep, and secure the break they so yearned for (v.22). On the fourth day, Ezra and the leadership took the treasure into the temple (vv.33-34). Each item was inventoried by two priests and two Levites. The two priests were Meremoth and Eleazar, and the two Levites were Jozabad and Noadiah. Each item was also recorded by number and weighed to make sure that nothing had been stolen or lost along the way (v.34).

Note the first thing the returning exiles did: they worshipped God, praising and thanking Him for protecting them and bringing them safely to the promised land (vv.35-36). For the first time in their lives, this new generation of Jewish believers was worshiping at the temple in the land that had been promised to them by God. Joy beyond measure was bound to be swelling up in the hearts of Ezra and countless others. Approaching God through the substitute sacrifice, the returned exiles sacrificed 12 bulls and 12 male goats. No doubt the number 12 was to represent the 12 tribes of Israel, which indicates that there were most likely returnees from all 12 tribes.

After the worship service, Ezra and the leaders delivered a decree from King Artaxerxes to the local officials (v.36). Remember that the decree instructed the local officials to give assistance to the Jewish returnees and to the temple as requested by Ezra (7:21-24). Being careful to follow the orders of the king, the local officials cooperated by supporting both the people and the temple as needed.

Thought 1. God protected and brought the returnees safely to Jerusalem. And just as the LORD looked after the returning exiles, so He will take care of us. As we walk and travel about day by day, we have the wonderful promise of God’s protection. If we trust the Lord, look to Him as our Protector and Savior, He will look after us. When temptations lure us, or hardships face us or enemies attack us—whatever the trial or suffering—the Lord will protect us and provide whatever strength we need to conquer or walk through the hardship or suffering victoriously. Listen to what God’s Holy Word says about His protective care:

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?…Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ro.8:35, 37-39). “But there shall not an hair of your head perish” (Lu.21:18). “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down P a g e | 14

imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:3-5).

Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Commentary - The Preacher's Outline & Sermon Bible – Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.