The Book of Ezra. The Return from Babylonian Exile

Transcription

1 The Book of Ezra The Return from Babylonian Exile References David E. Pratte s free online Bible notes ( Fields, W. Old Testament History. College Press, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Vol 4, F. Gaebelein, Ed. Zondervan, 1988.

2 What were they doing in Babylon?

3 Background (2 Chron. 36:11-21) Zedekiah did evil in the sight of the Lord his God, he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the Lord God of Israel. Moreover all the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, And the Lord God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, because He had compassion on His people But they mocked the messengers of God, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy. Therefore He brought against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak; He gave them all into his hand. And all the articles from the house of God, and the treasures of the king, he took to Babylon. Then they burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces and those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.

4 Babylonian Captivity

5 Babylonian Captivity Principal sources of information about the captivity are the books of Daniel and Ezekiel. Generally, the Jews were not persecuted during captivity Told to marry, build homes, plant gardens (Jer 29:5-6) Free to assemble (Ezk 20:1) Some rose to prominence (Daniel)

6 Results of the Captivity News of the one true God and the coming Messiah spread in the East. Magi from the East were looking for the coming of the king of the Jews. (Mt 2:2) Synagogues came into use in Babylon and continued as centers of reading and teaching the Law after the temple was rebuilt. Jews who chose to follow God in the pagan Babylonian society were cured of idolatry.

7 Rulers of Babylon Nebuchadnezzar Evil-Merodach Nergal-Sharezer Labashi-Marduk Nabonidus Belshazzar Killed by Persians BC BC BC 556 BC BC BC

8 The Fall of Babylon Daniel 5 Belshazzar had a great feast in which he drank from the gold vessels taken from the temple. Must have known of the Medo-Persian army outside the city, but was confident in the city defenses. In the same hour the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. (Dan 5:5-6) Chaldean magicians couldn t interpret the writing. The Queen remembered Daniel.

9 Daniel s interpretation MENE God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end. TEKEL you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting PARSIN or PERES your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain and Darius the Mede received the kingdom (Dan 5:30-31) Thus the phrase, Hand-writing on the wall to mean a sign of portents or something that foreshadows a coming calamity. Belshazzar s Feast by Rembrandt

10 Ezra & Nehemiah Considered one book in the Septuagint. Historical accounts of the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. There were 3 separate groups that returned over a period of over 90 years. Book of Ezra Records return of first two groups and focuses on rebuilding of the temple. Book of Nehemiah 3 rd return and rebuilding of Jerusalem walls.

11 Time Table of Events Period The Events Dates 1 st attack deportation of Daniel 605 BC Babylonian Exile Temple Rebuilt 2 nd attack deportation of fighting men, craftsmen & artisans (10,000) 3 rd attack deportation of nearly all remaining Jews. 1 st group returns led by Zerubbabel 70 yrs. Temple completed in 6 th yr of Darius (516 BC) 597 BC 586 BC 536 BC 70 yrs. Revival begins Walls of Jerusalem rebuilt 2 nd group returns led by Ezra 458 BC 3 rd group returns led by Nehemiah 444 BC

12 Outline of Ezra Ch. 1 Cyrus decrees that the Jews can return. Ch. 2 Names of those who return. Ch. 3 Laying the foundation of the temple. Ch. 4 Opposition; the work stops. Ch. 5 Inquiry made to King Darius (~522BC). Ch. 6 The temple is completed. Ch. 7 Ezra leads another group to return. Ch. 8 Preparation and journey. Chs The people put away foreign wives.

13 Kings of Persia (after fall of Babylon) Cyrus the Great The 1 st year of his reign in Ez. 1:1 refers to his accession to throne of Babylon in 538 BC Cambyses II Gomates (Pseudo-Smerdis) Darius I Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) Artaxerxes I Xerxes II Darius II Darius III Temple Completed Esther Walls Rebuilt Empire destroyed by Alexander BC BC 522 BC BC BC BC BC BC BC

14 Cyrus the Great

15 The End of Babylon 'Then it will come to pass, when seventy years are completed, that I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity,' says the Lord; 'and I will make it a perpetual desolation. (Jeremiah 25:12) For thus says the Lord: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. (Jeremiah 29:10)

16 Ruins of Babylon

17 Cyrus Prophesied by Name Isaiah 44:24,28 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: I am the Lord, who makes all things, Who says of Cyrus, 'He is My shepherd, And he shall perform all My pleasure, Saying to Jerusalem, "You shall be built," And to the temple, "Your foundation shall be laid." About 160 years before Cyrus came to power.

18 Isaiah 45: "Thus says the Lord to His anointed, To Cyrus, whose right hand I have held-- To subdue nations before him And loose the armor of kings, To open before him the double doors, So that the gates will not be shut: 2. 'I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze And cut the bars of iron. 3. I will give you the treasures of darkness And hidden riches of secret places, That you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. 4. For Jacob My servant's sake, And Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. 5. I am the Lord, and there is no other; There is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me, 6. That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting That there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other-

19 Cyrus Decree Ezra 1: Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 2. Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. 3. Who is among you of all His people? May his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is God), which is in Jerusalem. 4. And whoever is left in any place where he dwells, let the men of his place help him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, besides the freewill offerings for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.

20 the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus Cyrus and the Persians had a general policy of allowing the people they conquered to return to their homelands and re-establish worship practices. Further, the Persians would worship the gods of their conquered lands. Did Cyrus have free will? Why not just make the Babylonian king release the Jews? Rather than controlling the thoughts of the king, God chose Cyrus and went before him to bring him to power.

21 The Reception of Cyrus Decree All whose spirits God had moved from the tribes of Judah, Benjamin, and the priests and Levites, decided to return or assist those returning. What about other tribes? Did the punishment (captivity) work? Is. 44 the foolishness of worshipping wooden idols. The returning Jews seem to have learned this lesson.

22 Return of the Temple Implements Ezra 1:7-11 Gold and silver items were given to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. This is probably the Babylonian name of Zerubbabel. Probably included the items defiled by Belshazzar on the night Babylon fell to the Persians (Daniel 5) Sheshbazzar brought the temple items to Jerusalem and laid the temple foundations (Ezra 5:14-16)

23 Zerubbabel Those Who Returned Ezra 2 Descendant of David in the lineage of Jesus Matt 1:12-13; Luke 8:27 Governor Not King ; there were to be no more kings in David s line until Jesus. Jeshua the High Priest Detailed list of families, priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants. Total of 42,360 Jews, and 7,337 servants.

24 Importance of the list of names in Ezra 2 Ezra is a book of history. Responsibility to serve God is personal these specific people returned to rebuild. God keeps lists of his people. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. (Philippians 4:3) He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. (Rev. 3:5)

25 Ezra 2:61-63 The sons of Barzillai From line of priests, but called by the name of Wife s family. Perhaps Barzillai had only daughters like Zelophehad (Joshua 17). Nevertheless, proof of their priestly line could not be found; Therefore, they were excluded from priesthood. Priest should consult the Urim and Thummim

26 Urim and Thummim Part of the High Priest s breastplate. The Urim "lights" and Thummim "perfections" were gemstones that were carried by the High Priest. They were used by the High Priest to determine God's will in some situations. Some propose that God would cause the Urim and Thummim to light up in varying patterns to reveal His decision. Others propose they were kept in a pouch and were engraved with symbols identifying yes / no and true / false.

27 Consulting God to for me the Answers mystery (as I have How do we get answers to difficult mystery of Christ), problems today? The Bible Eph 3:1-5; II Tim 2:15 Prayer James 1:5-6; Phil 1:9-10 The Elders I Pet 5 by revelation He made known briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers If we mean well, do the specifics matter? If you love Me, keep my commandments Jn 14:15

28 Revival of Temple Worship Ezra 3:1-7 Once the returning Jews settled into their cities, the first thing they did was gather to Jerusalem in the 7 th month to re-establish offerings. The 7 th month was important (Lev. 23) Feast of Trumpets & holy convocation (1 st day) Day of Atonement (10 th day) Feast of Tabernacles (15 th 22 nd day) Worship came before the Temple (v. 6) Despite fear of enemies (v. 3)

29 Revival of Temple Worship Ezra 3:1-7 Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and his brethren, arose and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses (v. 2) From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, although the foundation of the temple of the Lord had not been laid. (v. 6) Application for us What s the first thing to do to reestablish a relationship with God? Approach Him (worship), according to His instructions.

30 Laying the Temple Foundation Ezra 3:8-13 Work was overseen by Jeshua and the Levites. Hired skilled workers. Bought cedar logs from Tire & Sidon, to be delivered to the port of Joppa. Authorized (and presumably funds provided by) King Cyrus.

31 Laying the Temple Foundation Ezra 3:8-13 Celebrating the laying of the foundation. Praised God as instructed by King David (I Chron. 6 and 25) Priests in their priestly garments. Levites and Sons of Asaph with trumpets and cymbals. Singers Old men who had seen the 1 st temple wept with a loud voice. Others shouted aloud for joy.

32 A Monumental Task! Solomon s temple was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Rebuilding it would have been a daunting task, especially for those who had seen the original in it s glory.

33 Haggai 2: 3-9 'Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how do you see it now? In comparison with it, is this not in your eyes as nothing? Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says the Lord; 'and be strong, Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest; and be strong, all you people of the land,' says the Lord, 'and work; for I am with you,' says the Lord of hosts. 'According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you; do not fear!' "For thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Once more (it is a little while) I will shake heaven and earth, the sea and dry land; and I will shake all nations, and they shall come to the Desire of All Nations, and I will fill this temple with glory,' says the Lord of hosts. 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the Lord of hosts. The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts. 'And in this place I will give peace,' says the Lord of hosts."

34 Rise of Opposition Ezra 4 The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin First appeared to be friends. Who where these people? (II Kings 17:24-41) the king of Assyria brought people from Babylon, Cuthah, Ava, Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel. (v. 24) one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the Lord. (v. 28) So these nations feared the Lord, yet served their carved images; also their children and their children's children have continued doing as their fathers did, even to this day. (v. 41)

35 Perverted Worship Rejected Ezra 4:1-5 You may do nothing with us to build a house for our God (v. 3) How does God see false/unauthorized worship? Vain, to be rooted up. (Matt. 15:9,13) Accursed (Gal. 1:8-9) Doesn t have God; not to be received. (2 Jn 9-11) Ends in death (Prov. 14:12) Fellowship with error is sin. 2 Jn 10-11; Eph 5:11; Prov 17:15; I Tim 5:22; Rom 1:32 WARNING This is not a popular position!

36 These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. (Matt. 15: 8-9) But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (Gal. 1: 8) There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Prov. 14: 12) Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. (II John 9-11)

37 Work on the Temple Stops Ezra 4:6-24 Opposition from the people of the land Harassment, discouragement, and troubling (v. 4) Law suits and false accusations (v. 5-6), continuing for many years. Appeal to the King accusing Jews of being rebellious to Persia. Letter to Artaxerxes this is either out of chronological order (He ruled from BC, note reference to finishing city walls in v. 12) or refers to another official under Darius The strategy was successful the work stopped.

38 Kings of Persia (after fall of Babylon) Cyrus the Great The 1 st year of his reign in Ez. 1:1 refers to his accession to throne of Babylon in 538 BC Cambyses II Gomates (Pseudo-Smerdis) Darius I Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) Artaxerxes I Xerxes II Darius II Darius III Temple Completed Esther Walls Rebuilt Empire destroyed by Alexander BC BC 522 BC BC BC BC BC BC BC

39 Half-Truths and False Accusations are Powerful Tools of the Adversary Was there any truth to the claim that the Jews had been rebellious? Accusations made against Jesus: That He intended to literally destroy the temple. (Matt 27:40) That He taught people not to pay taxes and that He would be a rival King to Caesar. (Lk 23:2) That he broke the Sabbath (Jn. 9:16) Are Christians ever misrepresented today? Holier than thou ; Homophobic ; Intolerant ; etc.

40 The Jews Response Ezra 4: yrs after return to Jerusalem Now give the command to make these men cease, that this city may not be built until the command is given by me. Now when the copy of King Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem against the Jews, and by force of arms made them cease. Thus the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem ceased, and it was discontinued until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. It seems that the Jews initially did not defend themselves against the false accusations or appeal to the King to consult Cyrus decree. Should they have defied the order to stop work on the Temple? "We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29)

41 Down Time Ezra 5:1 The prophet Haggai explains what went on during the 16 yrs of inactivity on the Temple. Haggai 1 The people said the time isn t right to build; (v.2) But, they had time to build paneled houses for themselves; (v.4) Consider your ways! (v.5) They were not able to grow enough food, etc. because they had neglected the Temple. Get up, get some wood, and build the Temple, so I can be glorified and bless you! (paraphrase of vv.8-11)

42 Building the Temple Today The Romans destroyed the Temple in Jerusalem once-and-for-all in AD 70. Does God have a temple now? Each of us Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (I Cor 3:16) The Church you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. (Eph 5:19-22)

43 A Comparison Jews in Ezra 5 & Hag 1 Generally at peace although political unrest surrounded them. Economic hard times. The law of the land allowed them to honor God. Harassed by neighbors and current politicians. Christians in the US Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto

44 A Comparison - continued Jews in Ezra 5 & Hag 1 Built paneled houses for themselves. Sought their own prosperity. Used the political opposition as an excuse to neglect God s work. Failed to see connection between Glorifying God and success/blessing. Christians in the US We have beautiful homes, and meeting houses, but Do we have time and money to teach the gospel and minister to the saints? Opposition is growing and people aren t interested is that the real problem?

45 Back to Work! Haggai and Zechariah stirred up the people. Zerubbabel and Jeshua determined to get the people back to work. When teachers teach and leaders lead, work gets done! God was with them (Haggai 1:13)

46 Inquiry to Darius Ezra 5:3-17 As soon as the Jews returned to the work, opposition flared. Tattenai Persian governor of the region beyond the River (entire area west of Euphrates). Had legal authority to question Jews activity. Jewish elders cite Cyrus decree. Tattenai writes Darius for his pleasure concerning this matter.

47 A Proper Response to Opposition Ezra 5:3-17 The Jews appealed to civil authority. If they had responded to the people of the land like this, the work may not have stopped for 16 yrs. Civil rulers are ordained by God to punish evildoers and reward those who do good. Therefore, God approves of calling on them to protect a righteous cause. Rom 13:1-7; I Pet 2:11-15; Paul in Acts 22 and 25

48 Darius Decree Ezra 6:1-13 Cyrus original decree was found in the archives in Achmetha. Remember 16 yrs and 3 kings have passed since then. More detail is given about the construction of the temple. 60 cubits x 60 cubits 3 rows of stone, 1 row of new timber. (Similar to Solomon s temple, I Kgs 6) Expenses paid from the king s treasury. Darius reestablishes Cyrus commitment, plus Leave them alone. Provide for expenses from taxes. Provide anything else they need (animals for sacrifice, food, etc.) Anyone altering this decree or interfering should be executed. Darius requests prayers for the king and his sons.

49 Completion of the Temple Ezra 6:14-17 Finished in the 6 th year of King Darius Started and laid foundation in 536 BC Stopped work for 16 yrs. Started again in 520 BC and finished in 516 BC Therefore, ~5 yrs to complete building. Dedication of the Temple (vv ) 100 bulls, 200 rams, 400 lambs, and 12 male goats (one for each tribe) were offered. Similar to Solomon s dedication, except on a smaller scale (He offered 22,000 bulls, etc.; I Kings 8:63)

50 Temple Worship Restored Ezra 6:18-22 They assigned the priests to their divisions and the Levites to their divisions, over the service of God in Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses. (v. 18) The temple was completed just in time to celebrate Passover. A joyous occasion. Principle of Restoration Even though no one observed temple worship for 70yrs, the people knew how to do it by following the Word. The Jews of the captivity worshipped with those who had separated themselves from the filth of the nations. (v. 21) Even among these wicked people, God accepted those who truly turn to Him. Credit given to the King of Assyria?? (v. 22)

51 Spiritual Restoration of the People Ezra, Chapters 7-10 Ch. 7 opens in the 7 th year of Artaxerxes (458 BC), which is 58 yrs after the dedication of the temple at the close of Ch. 6. King Xerxes and the events of Esther occurred in the interim. Genealogy of Ezra back to Aaron (vv.1-5) Qualified to be a priest and spiritual leader. He was a skilled scribe of the Law. Ezra arrived in Jerusalem after a 4-mon journey with other priests, Levites, and others.

52 Tomb of Artaxerxes I (present-day Iran)

53 This Book of the Law Ezra s shall not Character depart from your mouth, but you though [God] will you render were slaves to each shall meditate in it day and night, of sin, one yet according you obeyed to his Keep your heart Ezra with 7:10 that you may observe to do These all were from more deeds: the fair-minded heart eternal that life form to according to all diligence, that is written For out in of it spring than those of in doctrine Thessalonica, to which in you Ezra had the Now prepared issues the of just life. shall live by those who by patient it. For then you will make your his that they heart received to were seek the delivered. word the with faith; But if anyone draws continuance Brethren, if in anyone doing exhort way prosperous, and then you all another readiness, and searched the Law of the Lord back, My soul has no good among seek you for wanders glory, daily, while it is will have good success. Scriptures called honor, daily to and find immortality; out pleasure in him." But we from the truth, and "Today," lest any Prepare your heart Prov. whether of you 4:23; these but things Rom to those were 6:17 who so. He who has My are not of those who someone turns are him And the things that be hardened through the commandments and draw back to perdition, self-seeking back, let him and know do not you have heard from deceitfulness of sin. For Seek Josh. but of 1:8; those Acts who believe 17:11; keeps them, it is he obey that the he truth, who but turns obey a me among many we have become who loves Me. to the saving of the soul. sinner unrighteousness-- from the error witnesses, and commit to do partakers it of Christ if we indignation of his way and will wrath, save a these to faithful men hold the beginning of our soul from death and who will be able to cover a multitude of teach others also. sins. Knowledge is confidence worthless steadfast without to action the end Jn 14:21; Heb 10:38-39; Rom 2:6-8 and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel. II Tim 2:2; Heb 3:12-14; Jas 5:19-20

54 A Pattern for Righteousness Prepare your heart to Seek the Law of God, Obey God s commandments, Teach others and share the gospel of Christ.

55 Abbreviated Outline of Ezra Chs. 1 6 The Temple is rebuilt. Temple worship is restored. Ch. 7 8 Ezra leads another group to return. Chs Spiritual restoration of the people.

56

57 Work Rest Ratio Ezra and Nehemiah covers 93 years. From 538 BC (Cyrus rises to power), to 445 BC (Nehemiah completes Jerusalem s walls. During this time, the Jews Rebuilt the alter and the temple. Restored temple worship according to the Law. Rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem.

58 Sequence of Events Motivated to return with Zerubbabel, build alter. Preoccupation with daily life 16 years Motivated to complete temple. Preoccupation with daily life 58 years Motivated to restore worship. Preoccupation with daily life 13 years. Motivated to build city walls in 52 days. Rest = 87 years Activity (including travel) = 6 years Work-Rest Ratio = or < 7%

59 Artaxerxes Decree Ezra 7:12-26 Ezra may go to Jerusalem and take Israelites who volunteer to go with him. He was to take money from the King as an offering to God, as well as donations from the people. Local officials were to give him what he needed and were not to tax the servants of the temple. He was authorized to teach the people and to set judges to insure observance of God s laws. Ezra glorified God for putting this in the heart of the King.

60 Details of Ezra s Journey Ezra 8 The people who volunteered to make the trip were camped by the river that flows to Ahava (probably a canal connecting Euphrates to the village, Ahava). Needed for Temple Worship: Priests (perform temple worship) Levites (assist the priests) Nethinim (assist the Levites) No Levites where in the group!

61 Ezra s Return to Judah Ahava?

62 A Message to Iddo Ezra 8:17-20 Ezra called together the leading men and sent them to Iddo, a leader of the Nethinim at Casiphia, asking him to bring servants for the temple. Sons of Mahli (Levites) 18 men Sons of Merari (Levites) 20 men Plus 220 of the Nethinim Ezra s group totaled 1354 Much smaller than Zerubbabel s group of ~50,000

63 Safety on the Journey Ezra 8:21-23 Ezra s small band carried a great deal of gold and silver for the temple, making them vulnerable to ambush along the road. v.31 They fasted and prayed to God for protection. After telling the King that God was on their side, Ezra was ashamed to ask for an armed escort. Biblical purpose of fasting to entreat God for a particular request or problem.

64 Stewardship of the Treasure Ezra 8:24-30 Ezra chose 12 leaders of the priests and set them in charge of keeping specific parts of the treasure. Weighed out to them; to be weighed again when they reach the temple. They prayed then took action to bring about what they prayed for. We should pray for help, protection, etc., but we are also responsible for working to provide for ourselves. Also, when something is specifically dedicated to God, like the money given on the 1 st day, the elders are responsible for accounting for it.

65 Ezra s Arrival Ezra 8:31-36 God delivered them from enemies on the road and they came to Jerusalem on the 1 st day of the 5 th month (Ch 7:9). Treasure was delivered to the temple. Burnt offerings were made to God. The king s orders were delivered to the setraps and governors in the region They gave their support to the Jews.

66 The Sin of Intermarriage is Discovered Ezra 9:1-2 The Law prohibited intermarriage with the people the Israelites were to drive from Canaan. You shall make no covenant with them nor show mercy to them. Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to their son, nor take their daughter for your son. For they will turn your sons away from following Me, to serve other gods. (Duet. 7:2-4) The Jews had done this, and the leaders were most guilty.

67 Is it a sin for a Christian to marry an unbeliever? II Cor. 6:14 Do not be unequally yoked I Cor. 7:12-14 the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband. I Cor. 7: 39 if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. Bottom Line: It is unwise to enter into any close relationship (marriage being the closest human relationship) with an unbeliever. However, a marriage to an unbeliever is legitimate (i.e. lawful).

68 Ezra Grieves Over the Sin Ezra 9:3-15 Ezra tore his clothes and pulled some his hair from his head and beard Severe anguish and astonishment that the people would turn from God so quickly. Fear; trembled at the word of God Ezra recognized this as a great tragedy that would result in much suffering. Just like illegitimate marriages today. Does sin around us really bother us that much?

69 Ezra Confesses the Sin to God Ezra 9:7-15 Ezra describes how Israel had been disobedient and had been delivered into bondage, with only a remnant surviving. Remember that ~50,000 have survived the Babylonian conquest God greatly blessed the remnant through the Persians. And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have forsaken Your commandments v. 10

70 The Cost of Spiritual Restoration Ezra 10: 1-4 Shechaniah offers the solution. Even in the deepest sin, there is hope if people are willing to turn from it. Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it. v. 4 Great advice that we can give to anyone struggling with sin! The marriages were illegitimate. As long as the marriages continued, the sin continued. Therefore, repentance required dissolution of those marriages.

71 Repentance unto salvation, rather than sorrow unto afterward death he regretted it and went. Then he (2 Cor. 7:10) Repentance is a condition for forgiveness. Lk 13:3; Acts 17:30; Mt 21:28-32 Repentance requires undoing the harm done by wrong acts. Ezekiel 33:14-15; Luke 19:8 A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' He answered and said, 'I will not,' but came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. when I say to the wicked, 'You shall surely die,' if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right, if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has stolen, and walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity, he shall surely live; he shall not die.

72 Plan of Action Ezra 10:5-8 Ezra followed through by making the guilty people swear an oath to put away illegal wives. Ezra then fasted and mourned for the guilt of the people. Proclamation Issued All men to assemble in 3 days. Penalty for not assembling loss of land and separation from (i.e. withdrawal of fellowship)

73 New Covenant (Same God) Failure to obey is very serious. The New Testament plan for correcting sin in the assembly: Does not authorize seizure of property (ours is a spiritual kingdom, theirs was spiritual and physical). Does teach withdrawal of fellowship from those who will not correct sin. I Cor. 5:9-13; II Thess 3:6,14-15

74 Confession Required Ezra 10: 9-14 The people assembled within 3 days and stood in the courtyard of the temple. Trembling because of this matter and because of heavy rain. Correction required repentance and confession of the sin. Required in the Old Law Lev. 26:40-42 Required in the Law of Christ I John 1:9 Appeal to Ezra to allow more time due to the number of people involved and the rain.

75 Opposition From Within Ezra 10: 15 Four men are mentioned who lead opposition to the plan. Jonathan, Jahaziah, Meshullam, and Shabbethai. How could a typical Jew know who to follow? Ezra or Jonathan? Strong leaders are important, but don t blindly follow a leader Restoration depends on the pattern!

76 Spiritual restoration required giving up illegitimate marriages Ezra 10:16-44 Not simply a matter of saying they were sorry for getting married. The sin continued as long as the marriages continued. List of men who were guilty of this: 113 names (out of >50,000), yet it was a major problem that had to be corrected. Some had children by these wives. Obedience can be very hard he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of Me. (Mt. 10:37)

77 Application to Adulterous Remarriages whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery. Mat. 19:9 Illegitimate by God s law, just like those in Ezra. The solution is simple, but very difficult to obey. Arise, for this matter is your responsibility. We also are with you. Be of good courage, and do it. Ezra 10:4

78 Common Objections to Dissolving Adulterous Remarriages Repenting of the remarriage is enough. Two wrongs don t make a right, i.e. only adultery would justify breaking the 2 nd marriage. Too hard on the children. God wants me to be happy. Lessons from Ezra The sin remained as long as the marriages remained. Although the marriages existed according to civil law, God saw them as unlawful. Sin has consequences. It s better for the children to see commitment to obedience. Learn to rejoice in God s blessings, not in sin.

79 God s People Have Returned Ezra 10 Under Zerubbabel and Ezra s leadership the difficult task of spiritual restoration was accomplished by meticulous attention to God s word. Now it s up to Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem s walls.