Daily Truthbase

Ezra 4-8 The Good Hand of God

Ezra 4-8 The Good Hand of God

Psalm 66:1-12 Glorify God

66:1 “Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth! 2 Sing to the glory of His name! Offer glory and praise! 3 Tell God, "How awesome are Your deeds! Through the greatness of Your power, Your enemies submit themselves to You. 4 All the earth will worship You, and will sing to You; they will sing to Your name." Selah. 5 Come, and see God’s deeds—awesome work on behalf of the children of men. 6 He turned the sea into dry land. They went through the river on foot. There, we rejoiced in Him. 7 He rules by His might forever. His eyes watch the nations. Don’t let the rebellious rise up against Him. Selah."

8 "Praise our God, you peoples! Make the sound of His praise heard, 9 who preserves our life among the living, and doesn’t allow our feet to be moved. 10 For You, God, have tested us. You have refined us, as silver is refined. 11 You brought us into prison. You laid a burden on our backs. 12 You allowed men to ride over our heads. We went through fire and through water, but You brought us to the place of abundance."

Observations: 66:1-6 God does awesome deeds for His people so others can see and eventually believe and worship Him. To glorify Him is to make Him look good in the eyes of others (Matthew 5:16).

66:7 Although it might not always look like it, God rules and restrains the rebellious.

66:8-12 Praise should be offered to God not only for initial deliverance/salvation but also the refining of His people. Those who value holiness will praise Him even for painful times that make us more pleasing in His sight.

Questions: What has God done for you lately?

Application: Telling others what God has done gives Him more glory than singing a song.

Prayer: God, You are awesome, and do awesome things; thanks for Your work in my life. May I glorify You with my life, revealing You to those around me. Amen.

Proverbs 17:10-12 Learners and Losers

Pr 17:10 “A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.“

Observations: 17:10-12 Tell or show a wise person their fault, and they will quickly seek to correct it. A fool will give you an argument, because they are not interested in being righteous, only in making themselves look right. So a hundred lashes with a whip, won't dent their delusion. Since a fool isn't doing things God's way, and won't be corrected, a cruel messenger will be knocking on their door/head. It's usually good to give fools a wide berth, since you don't want to share in their folly, nor judgment. It would be better to encounter an angry grizzly than a fool following their folly.

Application: Wise people learn at the lowest possible volume; fools may never learn.

Prayer: God, show me anything that isn't right in Your sight, so I can change and not reap the consequences of folly; help me be sensitive to learn at the low volume too. Thanks. Amen.

Ezra 4-8 These chapters focus on the difficulties and opposition faced in doing God's will, and show how wonderfully He provides for those who purpose to know and do His will. The temple building gets officially opposed, and then officially promoted. Ezra purposes to know God's word, and do it, and then move to Jerusalem to teach it, and God's good hand protects and prospers him.

Ezra 4 Bad Guys Win

4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel; 2 then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers’ households, and said to them, "Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here." 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel, said to them, "You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us." 4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

6 In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 In the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions, wrote to Artaxerxes king of Persia...12 Be it known to the king, that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem; they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and have finished the walls, and repaired the foundations. 13 Be it known now to the king that if this city is built, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings. 14 Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore have we sent and informed the king; 15 that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so you shall find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste. 16 We inform the king that, if this city be built, and the walls finished, by this means you shall have no portion beyond the River.

17 Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth. 18 The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me. 19 I decreed, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. 20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them. 21 Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built, until a decree shall be made by me. 22 Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? 23 Then when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power. 24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Observations: 4:1-5 God's work, done God's way, will never lack Satan's opposition. First the adversaries claim they've been worshiping the same God all along, and want to “help.” Zerubbabel wisely avoids this unholy union. Then the “helpers” show their true colors in opposing the work with hired henchmen.

4:6-16 An aggressive letter writing campaign, that includes the Persian officials, asks one of Cyrus' successors to stop the work, emphasizing the potential damage to the king's revenues (which support them). Their letter indicates that the foundation of the walls was complete, but the height not finished, which adds support to the alternative chronology mentioned in the last post.

4:17-24 The new king confirms that threat of Jewish rebellion and orders the work to stop.

Application: Sometimes the bad guys win, for a while, making life difficult. God's will remains the same.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that You would restrain the forces and influences of evil that seek to prevent Your glory from being displayed, and give me grace and wisdom to overcome opposition. Amen.

Ezra 5 Two Prophets and Problem #2

5:1 Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel they prophesied to them. 2 Then Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, rose up and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.

3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, "Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?" 4 Then we told them in this way, what the names of the men were who were making this building. 5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, until the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it. 7 They sent a letter to him, in which was written thus: To Darius the king, all peace. 8 Be it known to the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands. 9 Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, "Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?" 10 We asked them their names also, to inform you that we might write the names of the men who were at their head. 11 Thus they returned us answer, saying, "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. 13 But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God. 14 The gold and silver vessels also of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar/Zerubbabel , whom he had made governor; 15 and he said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in its place.’ 16 Then the same Sheshbazzar came, and laid the foundations of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed. 17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter."

Observations: 5:1-2 God sends a couple of prophets to get people back on track. The whole reason the people returned from exile was to rebuild the temple, and now they've given up.

Haggai 1:7 Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Consider your ways! 8 Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified," says the LORD.9 "You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says the LORD of hosts. "Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house.”

5:3-17 A second time the Persian officials inquire about the the work. The response is exceedingly wise, making a case for the temple, and omitting the decree to stop.

Ezra 6 Search and Decree, Round 2

6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 2 There was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll, and therein was thus written for a record: 3 In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be built, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid; its height sixty cubits, and its breadth sixty cubits; 4 with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house. 5 Also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, be restored, and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everyone to its place; and you shall put them in the house of God. 6 Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, you must stay far from there. 7 Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. 8 Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence to these men, that they be not hindered. 9 That which they have need of, both young bulls, and rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail; 10 that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this: 12 and the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence.

13 Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and their companions, because Darius the king had sent a decree, did accordingly with all diligence. 14 The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15 This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16 The children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy. 17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 They set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. 19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. 21 The children of Israel who had come again out of the captivity, and all such as had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, ate, 22 and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for Yahweh had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Observations: 6:1-22 This time, the problem turns into prosperity, as God honors their commitment to His work, and turns the heart and resources of the king toward them. Not only does God protect, but He prospers them, and the work. What's not to like?

Application: God's work, done God's way, will not only experience Satanic opposition, but God's protection and provision, resulting in prosperity.

Prayer: God, it seems that the only thing that limits Your blessing is my lack of faithful obedience; may I never hinder Your glory by my slowness to obey all the way. Amen.

Ezra 7 God's Hand on Ezra

7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of...5... Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest; 6 this Ezra went up from Babylon: and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Yahweh his God on him. 9...he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God on him. 10 For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Yahweh, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.

11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra...12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth. 13 I make a decree, that all those of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, who are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you. 14 Because you are sent of the king and his seven counselors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand, 15 and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, 16 and all the silver and gold that you shall find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem; 17 therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, lambs, with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, and shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem. 18 Whatever shall seem good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that after the will of your God. 19 The vessels that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem. 20 Whatever more shall be needful for the house of your God, which you shall have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house. 21 I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence, 22 to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred measures of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. 23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? 24 Also we inform you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, on them. 25 You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God who is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach him who doesn’t know them. 26 Whoever will not do the law of your God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

27 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem; 28 and has extended hesed/loyal covenantal love to me before the king, and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. I was strengthened according to the hand of Yahweh my God on me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

Observations: 7:1-10 Ezra was greatly blessed by God, and used to bless others because he followed the “secret of successful kings” (see last Sunday's post, or Truthbase.net). He set his heart to: learn the truth, live the truth, and teach the truth in Israel. He could have stayed quite comfortably in Babylon, but He desired God's glory above his own.

7:11-26 God responded to Ezra's purpose by moving the king to respond to Ezra's request (to go to Jerusalem) with giving him people, authority, and abundant physical blessings (including tax exemption). Serving God in Jerusalem was a “free will” decision of the people (7:13). The king and his counselors freely gave to support the house of Yahweh, because they didn't want His wrath to fall on them (sounds like they got “fear of the Lord”). They also had the right perspective on obedience (7:23). Apparently they weren't huge fans of toleration and freedom of choice, using the power of the state to support “religion.” Such a policy is usually a bad idea, since most folks ideas about religion are bad.

Application: The reason you're reading this is because yours truly set his heart like Ezra's (7:10) albeit, to teach in NYC. You might consider a little do-it-yourself heart surgery, and get your heart set in the same direction as Ezra's: Learn the Truth, Live the Truth, Love others with the Truth.

Prayer: Lord God, thanks that You bless, protect, and prosper those whose hearts are set on glorifying You. Amen.

Ezra 8 God Protects and Delivers

8:1 Now these are the heads of their fathers’ households, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king...15 I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there we encamped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. 16 Then I sent for Eliezer... who were teachers. 17 I sent them forth to Iddo...that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God. 18 According to the good hand of our God on us they brought us a man of discretion...

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of him a straight way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. 22 For I was ashamed to ask of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is on all those who seek him, for good; but his power and his wrath is against all those who forsake him." 23 So we fasted and begged our God for this: and he was entreated of us.

24 Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests...26 I weighed into their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels one hundred talents; of gold one hundred talents; 27 and twenty bowls of gold, of one thousand darics; and two vessels of fine bright brass, precious as gold. 28 I said to them, "You are holy to Yahweh, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to Yahweh, the God of your fathers.29 Watch, and keep them, until you weigh them before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites, and the princes of the fathers' houses of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of Yahweh." 31 Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the bandit by the way. 32 We came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.33 On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God 36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God.

Observations: 8:1-18 Ezra recognized that ministry was a team sport, so he specifically sought Levitical teachers and ministers to assist in the work.

8:21-36 Ezra and company sought Yahweh for protection from bandits and the enemy because he didn't want to rely on the king's protection instead of Yahweh's, and thus diminish God's reputation in the king's sight. God answered their prayer and delivered them safely, and they delivered the goods to the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem.

Application: The good hand of God is upon those who seek Him, so seek His will in all you do.

Prayer: God, You delight in protecting and blessing Your people; may I seek You every day, and may Your hand be upon me for good. Thanks. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God allows obstacles to His will so we will learn to trust and depend upon Him. He protects and prospers those who dependently seek Him and His purposes. He is against those who don't. Just because His will is difficult or opposed, it doesn't mean He wants us to abandon it. His hand is not randomly upon people for good, but only because they seek His ways. He moves the hearts of kings, in response to His people's requests, in order to accomplish His purposes. He doesn't make people make requests; that's up to them. He sends prophets and teachers to guide people in His will, if they would only pay attention.

Us in a nutshell: Those who seek God, must do so according to His word, learning it and living it, before passing it on. We can expect His blessing, protection and prosperity as we depend upon Him. We can expect both Satanic opposition and God's enabling grace in seeking to do His will, which at times might look impossible or very difficult. If we are seeking to do His will, He will provide a way to make it happen.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Ezra complete text

Ezra 4

4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel; 2 then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of fathers’ households, and said to them, "Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to him since the days of Esar Haddon king of Assyria, who brought us up here." 3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of fathers’ households of Israel, said to them, "You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia has commanded us." 4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 and hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.

6 In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 In the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his companions, to Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in Syrian, and set forth in the Syrian language. 8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: 9 then Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites, 10 and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over, and set in the city of Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River, and so forth, wrote. 11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent to Artaxerxes the king: your servants the men beyond the River, and so forth. 12 Be it known to the king, that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem; they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and have finished the walls, and repaired the foundations. 13 Be it known now to the king that if this city is built, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the kings. 14 Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not appropriate for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and informed the king; 15 that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers: so you shall find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste. 16 We inform the king that, if this city be built, and the walls finished, by this means you shall have no portion beyond the River.

Ezra 5

5:1 Now the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel they prophesied to them. 2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.

3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, "Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?" 4 Then we told them in this way, what the names of the men were who were making this building. 5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, until the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it. 6 The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the king; 7 they sent a letter to him, in which was written thus: To Darius the king, all peace. 8 Be it known to the king, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands. 9 Then we asked those elders, and said to them thus, "Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?" 10 We asked them their names also, to inform you that we might write the names of the men who were at their head. 11 Thus they returned us answer, saying, "We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and finished. 12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon. 13 But in the first year of Cyrus king of Babylon, Cyrus the king made a decree to build this house of God. 14 The gold and silver vessels also of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor; 15 and he said to him, ‘Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in its place.’ 16 Then the same Sheshbazzar came, and laid the foundations of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed. 17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter."

Ezra 6

6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon. 2 There was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll, and therein was thus written for a record: 3 In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king made a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be built, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid; its height sixty cubits, and its breadth sixty cubits; 4 with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house. 5 Also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, be restored, and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everyone to its place; and you shall put them in the house of God. 6 Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, you must stay far from there. 7 Leave the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. 8 Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence to these men, that they be not hindered. 9 That which they have need of, both young bulls, and rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail; 10 that they may offer sacrifices of pleasant aroma to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this: 12 and the God who has caused his name to dwell there overthrow all kings and peoples who shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence.

13 Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions, because Darius the king had sent a decree, did accordingly with all diligence. 14 The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia. 15 This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16 The children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy. 17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 They set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses. 19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves. 21 The children of Israel who had come again out of the captivity, and all such as had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, ate, 22 and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for Yahweh had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Ezra 7

7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, 2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, 4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest; 6 this Ezra went up from Babylon: and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Yahweh his God on him. 7 There went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king. 8 He came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 9 For on the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon; and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God on him. 10 For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Yahweh, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.

11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Yahweh, and of his statutes to Israel: 12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth. 13 I make a decree, that all those of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, who are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you. 14 Because you are sent of the king and his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand, 15 and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem, 16 and all the silver and gold that you shall find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem; 17 therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, lambs, with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, and shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem. 18 Whatever shall seem good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that after the will of your God. 19 The vessels that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver before the God of Jerusalem. 20 Whatever more shall be needful for the house of your God, which you shall have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house. 21 I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence, 22 to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred measures of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. 23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? 24 Also we inform you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, on them. 25 You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God who is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach him who doesn’t know them. 26 Whoever will not do the law of your God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

27 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem; 28 and has extended loving kindness to me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. I was strengthened according to the hand of Yahweh my God on me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

Ezra 8

8:1 Now these are the heads of their fathers’ households, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king: 2 Of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel. Of the sons of David, Hattush. 3 Of the sons of Shecaniah, of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah; and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males one hundred fifty. 4 Of the sons of Pahathmoab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah; and with him two hundred males. 5 Of the sons of Shecaniah, the son of Jahaziel; and with him three hundred males. 6 Of the sons of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan; and with him fifty males. 7 Of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah; and with him seventy males. 8 Of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael; and with him eighty males. 9 Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel; and with him two hundred and eighteen males. 10 Of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah; and with him one hundred sixty males. 11 Of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai; and with him twenty-eight males. 12 Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan; and with him one hundred ten males. 13 Of the sons of Adonikam, who were the last; and these are their names: Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah; and with them sixty males. 14 Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and with them seventy males. 15 I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there we encamped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi. 16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers. 17 I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should tell Iddo, and his brothers the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God. 18 According to the good hand of our God on us they brought us a man of discretion, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brothers, eighteen; 19 and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty; 20 and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were mentioned by name.

24 Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them, 25 and weighed to them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering for the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his princes, and all Israel there present, had offered: 26 I weighed into their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels one hundred talents; of gold one hundred talents;27 and twenty bowls of gold, of one thousand darics; and two vessels of fine bright brass, precious as gold.28 I said to them, "You are holy to Yahweh, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to Yahweh, the God of your fathers.29 Watch, and keep them, until you weigh them before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites, and the princes of the fathers' houses of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of Yahweh."30 So the priests and the Levites received the weight of the silver and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.31 Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the bandit by the way.32 We came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.33 On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, the Levite;34 the whole by number and by weight: and all the weight was written at that time.35 The children of the captivity, who had come out of exile, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering to Yahweh.36 They delivered the king's commissions to the king's satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God.

Ezra 1-3 Return to the Ruins

Psalm 65:6-13 Rejoicing in the God of Power

Ps 65:6 “(5 By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us, God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth) 6 Who by his power forms the mountains, having armed yourself with strength; 7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations. 8 They also who dwell in faraway places are afraid at your wonders. You call the morning’s dawn and the evening with songs of joy. 9 You visit the earth, and water it. You greatly enrich it. The river of God is full of water. You provide them grain, for so you have ordained it. 10 You drench its furrows. You level its ridges. You soften it with showers. You bless it with a crop. 11 You crown the year with your bounty. Your carts overflow with abundance. 12 The wilderness grasslands overflow. The hills are clothed with gladness. 13 The pastures are covered with flocks. The valleys also are clothed with grain. They shout for joy! They also sing."

Observations: 65:1-5 See post on Judges 6 for vv 1-5, in which David rejoices over the blessing of forgiveness and a relationship with God.

65:6-13 Being forgiven and restored to a relationship with God opens the door to prayer and experiencing His answers and blessings. David elaborates on the power of God which cause the nations to be awed, and the creation to rejoice in His provision.

Application: The God whom the nations fear and earth praises, desires a personal and intimate relationship with you; there is nothing He can't do for those rightly related to Him; don't forget to ask.

Prayer: Lord, thanks that You invite me to come into Your presence and access Your infinite power; may I experience Your divine protection and provision as I trust You. Thanks again. Amen.

Proverbs 17:8-9 Prosperity and Friends

Pr 17:8 “A bribe/gift is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers. 9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.”

Observations: 17:8 The one who gives gifts tends to prosper (as David does in 1Sam 30 below). It can be viewed as an expression of other-centeredness when done with a pure motive. A bribe on the other hand, is a gift given to induce someone to do something unjust or illegal, which cuts off the giver and receiver from God's blessing, a self-centered and selfish act.

17:9 Covering over an offense by not repeating it promotes love. Repeating it separates friends. So who's doing the covering and who the repeating? Usually understood as the offended party doesn't bring up, tell or gossip about the sin of another in desire to protect the reputation or feelings of their friend. It could also mean that the offender makes the effort to not make the same error twice so as to hurt their friend again. This understanding is closest to the meaning of repeat, or “do again”. It's remotely possible that the proverb applies to a third party gossiping, but less likely. If we want to preserve a friendship, it's good to avoid both offenses and their repetition, either in deed or word.

Application: We prosper in our relationships by being other-centered in word and deed.

Prayer: God, help me think of the needs and interests of others so I may benefit them, and influence them for You. Amen.

Ezra 1-3 Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther are the last Historical books of the Old Testament, describing the return from Exile and rebuilding of the temple and nation. Historically, they are followed by about 400 years of “silence” until the New Testament opens. In the Bible, they are followed by the books of Poetry and Prophecy, which occurred in the timeframes before (ie, Isaiah and Jeremiah), during (ie, Ezekiel and Daniel), and after (ie, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi), the exile. See the chart*, noting that the dates the books were written don't always match the time period they describe.

The book of Ezra was written to encourage the returning exiles to persevere in the pure worship of Yahweh. Chapters 9-10 are considered the central highlight of the book (see under Digging Deeper), when the people separate themselves from the sin what would lead them astray again. The chapters in this post describe the first of three returns from Babylon to Israel, in which Zerubbabel rebuilds the rubble of the temple. In the next return, Ezra will rebuild the people. In the third return, Nehemiah will rebuild the wall.

Ezra 1 Return to the Ruins

1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, 2 "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, ‘Yahweh, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he has commanded me to build him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Whoever there 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 Yahweh, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem. 4 Whoever is left, in any place where he lives, let the men of his place help him with silver, with gold, with goods, and with animals, besides the freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.’"

5 Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up rose up to build the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem. 6 All those who were around them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with animals, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. 7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of Yahweh, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought out of Jerusalem, and had put in the house of his gods; 8 even those, Cyrus king of Persia brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. 9 This is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, one thousand platters of silver, twenty-nine knives, 10 thirty bowls of gold, silver bowls of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels one thousand. 11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. Sheshbazzar/Zerubbabel brought all these up, when the captives were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Observations: 1:1-4 Cyrus conquers Babylon, and God prompts him to issue a decree for the Jews to return and rebuild the temple. On the Cyrus Cylinder, he gives credit to Marduk for the capture of Babylon. Perhaps he was an opportunistic polytheist. The Persian empire differed from the Assyrian and Babylonian empires in that it didn't try to destroy cultural identities through deportation and repression. Instead, the Persians built a network of vassal states, exercising oversight and employing military force when necessary.

1:5-11 God also stirred up the spirit of Yahweh's people to return and rebuild, encouraging them with resources from those around them, similar to the offerings for the Tabernacle and Temple. Cyrus orders the restoration of all the vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken. Zerubbabel was a Davidic descendant, and ancestor of the Messiah (Matthew 1:12), who functioned as a governor (not king) of the people, under the authority of Cyrus. It wasn't easy to pull up roots and move back to the ruins of Jerusalem, especially in light of the history of Israel there.

Application: God's Spirit works to cause the willingness/desire and the doing of His good pleasure. All we have to do is respond in obedience.

Philippians 2:12 "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."

Prayer: God, may I be sensitive to Your Spirit, to drop whatever I'm doing, to do Your pleasure, for that is why I exist. Amen.

Ezra 2 Zerubbabel Rebuilds the Rubble of the Temple

2:1 Now these are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city; 2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah...61 Of the children of the priests...62 These sought their place among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood. 63 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. 64 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 65 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred singing men and singing women. 66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 67 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 68 Some of the heads of fathers’ households, when they came to the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for the house of God to set it up in its place: 69 they gave after their ability into the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand darics of gold, and five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments. 70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Observations: 2:1-70 This time the nation is doing things “by the Book.” There is no mention of Israel engaging in idol worship after the captivity. There are lots of names. Those among the priesthood who couldn't prove their genealogy were considered unclean until a decision could be made using the Urim and Thummin. The listing of servants, singers, animals, and wealth indicate that some had prospered during the captivity. Only male singers were listed in previous temple service accounts. The amount of gold and silver listed is a small fraction of that used for Solomon's temple. See next chapter.

Ezra 3 Weeping and Joy

3:1 When the seventh month had come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brothers, and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God. 3 They set the altar on its base; for fear was on them because of the peoples of the countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon to Yahweh, even burnt offerings morning and evening. 4 They kept the feast of tents, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the ordinance, as the duty of every day required; 5 and afterward the continual burnt offering, and the offerings of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of Yahweh that were consecrated, and of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to Yahweh. 6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh: but the foundation of the temple of Yahweh was not yet laid. 7 They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, to them of Sidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

8 Now in the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest...oversight of the work of the house of Yahweh. 10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Yahweh, they set the priests in their clothing with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, after the order of David king of Israel. 11 They sang one to another in praising and giving thanks to Yahweh, "For he is good, for his hesed/loyal covenantal love endures forever toward Israel." All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

Observations: 3:1-7 The first order of business was building an altar and reinstating the Levitical sacrifices specified in the law, according to the book. A listed motivation is fear of the surrounding peoples. So they are trusting in Yahweh to protect them.

3:8-13 When the foundation of the temple was laid, the young people shouted for joy, but the older folks wept when they saw it in comparison to Solomon's temple. The sin of the people had diminished the glory of the temple. People were now living in Plan B, having forfeited Plan A. Plan B might not be as great as Plan A, but is far better than Plan C, D, E...

God gives a message of encouragement through Haggai the prophet, saying that the glory of this smaller temple will be greater than that of Solomon's, because it would be to this temple that the Messiah, the desire of nations, would come, and peace would be given.

Haggai 2:3 ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn’t it in your eyes as nothing? 4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ says Yahweh. ‘Be strong, Joshua, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ says Yahweh, ‘and work, for I am with you,’ says Yahweh of Hosts. 5 This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. ‘Don’t be afraid.’ 6 For this is what Yahweh of Hosts says: ‘Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land; 7 and I will shake all nations. The desire of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Hosts. 8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,’ says Yahweh of Hosts. 9 ‘The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,’ says Yahweh of Hosts; ‘and in this place will I give peace,’ says Yahweh of Hosts."

Application: Sin has enduring consequences, among them, loss of glory and joy.

Prayer: God, help me see where I might be going off the path of blessing, so that I can quickly repent, and not lose out on the blessings You've planned. And where I've blown it, and am living in Plan B, give me grace to live it abundantly, for Your glory. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

Ezra and Nehemiah were originally considered one book, as indicated by the following chiastic arrangement. (Merrill, The Old Testament Explorer)

A. Zerubbabel's return and list of returnees (Ezra 1-2)

B. Building of the temple and opposition (Ezra 3-6)

C. Return of Ezra (Ezra 7-8)

D. Center: Purification of the people (Ezra 9-10)

C.' Return of Nehemiah (Neh 1-2)

B.' Building of the walls and opposition (Neh 3:1-7:3)

A.' Zerubbabel's return and list of returnees; final reforms (Neh 7:4-13:31)

In the Scriptures, these books are arranged more topically (above) than chronologically. For a consideration of the chronological order, see Bullinger's Companion Bible, page 617 which places the dedication of the temple at the center of the material in the two books; and Appendix 58, which gives historical dates for the events in both books.

God in a nutshell: God is faithful to His promises, and will move pagan kings, and His people to accomplish His purposes. Those who cooperate with Him will be blessed, those who don't will suffer. God preserves and protects His people, even when they are not living in the center of His will, in order to fulfill His promises. He invites people to serve Him, and those who do will find both difficulties and resources to meet their needs. God provides both material and spiritual encouragement to those who are seeking to serve Him. Correct worship (response to revelation, not singing on key) is at the heart of restoring spiritual life.

Us in a nutshell: We are given an opportunity to serve God, as long as we do it His way, by the book. Failure to trust and obey has a cost, forfeiting the glory and blessings of Plan A. Plan B, God's second best, might not have all the glory of Plan A, but if we respond correctly to God, He can make it more fulfilling than any other path we could take.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Ezra 1-3 (complete text)

Ezra 1

11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. Sheshbazzar brought all these up, when the captives were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Ezra 2

2:1 Now these are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city; 2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 3 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two. 4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two. 5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy-five. 6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred twelve. 7 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five. 9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty. 10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty-two. 11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-three. 12 The children of Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty-two. 13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-six. 14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty-six. 15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty-four. 16 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight. 17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three. 18 The children of Jorah, one hundred twelve. 19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty-three. 20 The children of Gibbar, ninety-five. 21 The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three. 22 The men of Netophah, fifty-six. 23 The men of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight. 24 The children of Azmaveth, forty-two. 25 The children of Kiriath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three. 26 The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one. 27 The men of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two. 28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty-three. 29 The children of Nebo, fifty-two. 30 The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six. 31 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four. 32 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty. 33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-five. 34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five. 35 The children of Senaah, three thousand six hundred thirty.

36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three. 37 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two. 38 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven. 39 The children of Harim, one thousand seventeen. 40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four. 41 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty-eight. 42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine. 43 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 44 the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon, 45 the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 46 the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan, 47 the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah, 48 the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 49 the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai, 50 the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim, 51 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 52 the children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 53 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 54 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 55 The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, 56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. 58 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety-two. 59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers’ houses, and their seed, whether they were of Israel: 60 the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty-two. 61 Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name. 62 These sought their place among those who were registered by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood. 63 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.

64 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty, 65 besides their male servants and their female servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred singing men and singing women. 66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five; 67 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 68 Some of the heads of fathers’ households, when they came to the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for the house of God to set it up in its place: 69 they gave after their ability into the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand darics of gold, and five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments. 70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Ezra 3

8 Now in the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the rest of their brothers the priests and the Levites, and all those who were come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work of the house of Yahweh. 9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to have the oversight of the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brothers the Levites. 10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Yahweh, they set the priests in their clothing with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, after the order of David king of Israel. 11 They sang one to another in praising and giving thanks to Yahweh, "For he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever toward Israel." All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: 13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

Ezra 4-8 The Good Hand of God

Ezra 1-3 Return to the Ruins

Translate Daily Truthbase

Contact Us at Daily Truthbase