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 Although according to the Murashu historical documents, the majority of the Jews ultimately remained in Persia (as demonstrated in the story of Esther), there were those who had waited for the opportunity to start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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.”

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