In Ezra 7:1-10 and Ezra 8:1-14, we see that King Artaxerxes I allows Ezra to return to Jerusalem (the year is 457 B.C). and to take with him anyone who would like to return. Not much is known about the relationship between the king and Ezra, or whether Ezra worked for the court. Ezra 8 lists the heads of the families of those who returned, starting with the priestly returnees, followed by the royal line, and ending with the general Jewish population.

By the Rivers of Babylon

Twelve families are named specifically, giving the impression that this is a deliberate reminder of the twelve tribes of Israel.

The passage lists about 1,500 men, which would approximate 5,000 to 6,000 total, counting women and children. This was a much smaller group than the first group that had returned with Zerubbabel and Joshua.

Read Ezra 7:1-10. What does it teach us about Ezra?

Ezra is a scribe with a priestly legacy. As a priest, he is a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first priest of the nation of Israel. Due to the accounts recorded in Ezra, as well as in Jewish tradition, Ezra’s name stands very high even today. Whether Ezra served as a scribe in the court of King Artaxerxes is not known; thus, this description of Ezra as a scribe either refers to his previous responsibilities or to his abilities, which he begins to use after his arrival in Judah. However, Ezra must have worked for Artaxerxes in some close capacity in order for the king to send him out as the leader of the expedition.

In Ezra 7:6 and Ezra 7:10, Ezra is labeled as a “skilled” and “devoted” scribe or teacher. The word “skilled” literally means “rapid”, connoting someone who is quick in comprehension and mental maneuvering of information. Ezra had a quick mind — he was known for his knowledge and mental astuteness regarding the Law of God. Moreover, the fact that the king chose Ezra to bring a group of Israelites to Judah is a testament to Ezra’s courage and leadership abilities.

Amen!(0)

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Hymn 225, “God Is Working His Purpose Out”, portrays the messengers God uses to work out history for his people in the prophecies. We find that Ezra is not happy with what he has learned in the world’s universities and is looking 
“To the Name That Brings Salvation”, Hymn 646.

On Thursday, Ezra devoted himself to the teaching of the law of God, having asked to be taught: 
“Saviour, Teach Me”, Hymn 193. He then longed for so many things as he prepared his heart to be in full harmony with God – 
Hymn 323, “O for a Heart to Praise My God!” I am sure that at the end of this week’s study, Ezra would have gratefully joined us in singing 
Hymn 86, “How Great Thou Art”.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Amen!(1)

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1. First return of the exiles. Imagine a prophecy so precise as the one predicting that for 70 years, God’s people would live in desolation, and then they would be released. Now it was almost time for that promise to be fulfilled. Why was Daniel upset?  Should he have been? Do you and I ever feel distraught by the way the Second Coming seems to be delayed and Jesus still hasn’t come? No longer under the rule of Babylon, the Israelite people were now under the command of the Persian empire led by Cyrus as its king. What was the promise to God’s people by Cyrus as recorded in Ezra 1? Besides proclaiming their freedom to return to Jerusalem, what did Cyrus do to make the move even more rewarding and joyful? God hasn’t given us an exact date of the Second Coming of Jesus.  But do you think that the exact fulfillment of God’s promise to release His people after 70 years in Babylon should bring us comfort at this time?
2. Kings and events.  What was the first work to be done when God’s people arrived in Jerusalem? Be sure to look closely at the notes for Monday’s lesson. The list showing the Persian kings while God’s temple was being rebuilt is given by our lesson authors in chronological order. The narrative of how this all took place as given in Ezra 4, 5, and 6 is not in chronological order. Aren’t you thankful for the chronological list? How do you suggest keeping from drowning in this sea of dated perplexity? 
3. The second return. Ezra emerges as a leader in the restoration process. What would a resume for Ezra look like if he were applying for a position of some kind today? What do you learn about Ezra’s integrity and leadership in the first ten verses of Ezra 7? Imagine yourself on a committee for the Israelites trying to choose a stalwart and helpful leader and someone (or several people). Of course you would recommend Ezra? Why? How would you feel about working with Ezra in a busy time that could have been hectic but was not? Could we use people with Ezra’s qualities in the church today? 
4. King Artaxerxes. Even though most of the Jews stayed behind in Persia, some of them were eager to live in Jerusalem and do everything they could to make the city beautiful. How did King Artaxerxes contribute to the restoration project? Why do you think Artaxerxes put Ezra in charge of making sure that the inhabitants of the restored Jerusalem obeyed the laws of their God as well as the rules and regulation of the country? As much as he respected and honored God as the leader of the people moving into Jerusalem, why do you think Artaxerxes apparently did not even seriously consider being a follower of the most high God? Our lesson contains this note: “The Lord can use even unconverted people to do His will on earth.” Artaxerxes was one of those people. 

Amen!(2)

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