A note from Me: Hey friend! I don't know if anyone will ever read these words. It has taken me a long time to get here. I started this secondary Bible-Study blog at the prompting of the Holy Spirit, thinking it would take me a year, maybe two, to get through the whole Bible. That was in 2009! There have been pauses, complete stops, a couple moves, two babies, and lots more happening in our lives since then, but occasionally I feel the call to get back to this massive project. If you found me here by some miracle, WELCOME! Please let me know you're here by saying a little something in the comments.
Also, I don't copy and paste the actual scripture passages here, so a Bible will come in handy. Digital is fine, but there is something really wonderful about the feel of the page in your hand. Being able to trace your finger along God's love letter to you, and jot a note in the margin. Feel free to jump in with us here in Ezra, or check out any of the other book studies in the right-hand sidebar. You can start anywhere. There is no such thing as being behind in Bible Study. It will speak to you where you are. I promise.
Welcome, friend!
Anna
Chapter 1
v1-4 The New King Cyrus's decree that the Jews should be returned home.
v7 God is restoring His nation.
Chapter 2
v41 A whole line of singers from one family. 128 of them!
v59 Even in captivity they kept careful records of their lineage. This will be very important later, regarding fulfilled prophesy and Jesus' bloodline.
v61 Some, who had neglected to stay separate from their captors, were left out of the priesthood.
Chapter 3
v2 Getting back to the Law of Moses.
This must have brought back a sense of security and belonging.
History. Safety. All of the things that come with obedience to God.
v9 Several families band together. "Stood United" to see the house of the Lord rebuilt.
v10 The foundation is complete, and the people celebrate.
v12 There is a mix of emotions. The young, who have never seen a temple are rejoicing and full of hope. But the old, who remember what had been, wept with loud voices, grieving what had been lost.
Chapter 4
v2 Some other guys want in on the project.
v3 They're like, "That's alright...we're good!"
v4 These outsiders begin a campaign of discouragement, fear, frustration, and accusation against the Israelites.
v11-16 The official letter to King Artaxerxes. Politics are as old as time.
v21 The ploy worked, and the king responds with a cease and desist order.
v24 The construction is stopped, after only the foundation in laid.
Greed today is no different. People want what isn't theirs. They want to benefit, but they don't want to work for it. Just like the animals in The Little Red Hen. But in this story, instead of just going hungry, the animals tore down the Little Red Hen's house and stole her bread.
Chapter 5
v2 Since they know God is with them, they start building again.
v4 The narrative changes to 1st person here. The author was with them.
v5 They knew further desist orders would be delayed (red tape) so they built while they waited.
v11-15 This letter to King Darius serves as written historical document.
Next time: Ezra 6-10
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