Nehemiah has been in mourning for four months over the state of his people in Jerusalem. He finally takes up this cause and brings it before the king. A couple of things surprise me in our reading today. The first is how long it took for Nehemiah to actually do something about the problem. When […]
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 […]
Ezra and the Jews who want to leave have assembled. After counting and registering the people Ezra notices the absence of Levites. He calls to them to come. We have been with Ezra as he prepares for this journey throughout his whole life. He didn’t start out knowing that God would call him to this […]
The second Temple has been in operation for over 100 years when Ezra comes to Jerusalem to teach the Law of God. The king of Persia himself sent him on his way. It’s hard to imagine the favor in which the king held Ezra. I wonder how it developed over time. Was Ezra one of […]