Nehemiah heard the news of the state of Jerusalem. His people are free but they are not safe. His heart breaks and he spends days crying out to God over their state. Can I say first that I like the shorter names in the books of the Bible? They give me more room to choose […]
Ezra’s first message uncovered a huge sin in the returnees. They had broken faith with God and disobeyed His will yet AGAIN. Ezra is heartsick over the actions of the people. His message had dealt with the sin of intermarrying with the people of the land. God had commanded them to be separate. NOT out […]
Ezra has come home to teach the people the Laws of God. He is heartsick over what he finds. Even the teachers are disobeying God’s Laws. We last saw Ezra and his band of returnees beginning to integrate into the Jewish society. They even made their first sacrifice in the Temple. Ezra also went to […]
Everyone is assembled who wants to go with Ezra back to the Promised Land. The offering they are bringing is LARGE. Ezra sets apart 12 priests to carry it. It is finally time to head out on their journey. Twelve days have passed since Artaxerxes issued his decree that those who wanted to could return. […]
The full group is now assembled by the river. But before leaving they NEED to ask to ensure they have protection. Ezra proclaims a fast to ask GOD to be that protection. The group that Ezra sent to the Levites was successful and now he feels well represented before the Lord. Their numbers, according to […]