Read Ezra 7:11-28. What were the components of the king’s decree? Why were these instructions important for the people of Israel?

The decree of Artaxerxes resembles Cyrus’s first decree. The king counsels everyone who is willing, especially from the priestly lines, to make the journey to Jerusalem. Although according to the Murashu historical documents, the majority of the Jews ultimately remained in Persia (as demonstrated in the story of Esther), there were those who had waited for the opportunity to start a new life in the homeland of their ancestors.

Artaxerxes

The king directed most of his comments to the treasurers of the Trans-Euphrates territory. The treasurers were to provide Ezra with whatever he needed to restore the city and “to beautify the house of the LORD” (Ezra 7:27, NKJV). Ultimately, the king commissioned Ezra to ensure the proper observance of the Law of God as well as the law of the land, by setting up the judicial system. The order and organization that this command would produce are important aspects of any society. Moreover, the king made it easier for Ezra and the Israelites to restore their homeland.

Does the king’s concern for the rebuilding of the city and the temple indicate that he had become a believer in Ezra’s God? Artaxerxes calls God, the “God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem” (Ezra 7:15, NKJV). The terminology the king uses about the God of Israel implies that he saw the Lord as just another local deity who needed to be appeased by gifts. He didn’t want this local god to be angry with him and his sons (Ezra 7:23). Additionally, we should note that 457 B.C. is also the year of an Egyptian revolt against the Persian government; thus, it is likely that the amenable actions of the king were designed to gain loyalty from the province of Judah.

Unfortunately, despite the interaction the king had with both Ezra and Nehemiah, it didn’t make him a believer in God. At least nothing in the texts indicates that he had become one, which means that the Lord can use even unconverted people to do His will on earth.

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/D8eJ9DCjyj8/

You can view an in-depth discussion of “Making Sense of History: Zerubbabel and Ezr” in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris. Click on the image to view:

You may download an MP4 video file, and audio file or a PDF lesson outline from the HopeSS site.

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

Amen!(0)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/VMWZp90lDpQ/

Key Thought: In seeking to fulfill the Christian mission, we should look to the church as an organized community of believers. By working in a community of faith, we can bless those around us.
October 5, 2019

1. Have a volunteer read Daniel 9:2, Ezra 4:1-7.

1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
2. In what ways have you had God stir you to do something?
3. Personal Application: How many times have you found things in the Bible that puzzle you? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Why didn’t the Jews let the people of the land help them build if they worshipped the same God?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Ezra 7:6-10.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
2. What do these texts tell us about Ezra?
3. Personal Application: How do we seek the Lord in our lives? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “What was Ezra doing with the people that caused them to want to go with him to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and city??” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Ezra 7:11-20

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. What were the components of the king’s decree?
3. Personal Application: How can we learn to trust God’s leadership over the world even among so much pain and suffering? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Why was Artaxerxes so willing to let Ezra and the Israelites not only leave his kingdom to go back to Jerusalem, but also to give them silver, gold, materials, soldier protection, and letters of passage through other countries?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Ezra 7:25,26.

1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
2. How did the king know about the God of Israel?
3. Personal Application: Who teaches Biblical doctrine and truth in your church? Share your thoughts.
4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

Amen!(1)

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SabbathSchoolNet/~3/WkWWqTxxg9Q/