Ezra Chapter 10

Ezra Chapter 10

1.  What did Ezra's sincere praying consist of? vs.1 - Name 3 things - 1)2)3)

2.  Who gathered to Ezra before the house of God to weep bitterly with him? vs. 1

3.  Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, confessed that they had been unfaithful to God.  What did they have as a nation in "spite" of their failure? vs. 2

4.  In view of the "hope" that was before them, he said that they should make a covenant with God to put away all the wives and their children according to the law of God. (vs.3).  He told Ezra to arise from being prostrate in prayer; to be courageous and act; and they would be with him. (vs.4) .... What group of men did Ezra begin with and who else did he include? vs. 5

5.  Ezra went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib.  Why did he not eat bread or drink water at that time? vs. 6

6.  A proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the exiles to assemble at Jerusalem. (vs.7)  What would happen to those who did not arrive there within 3 days? vs. 8  - Name 2 things  1)2)

7.  All the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days.  What day was it when all the people sat in the open square before the house of God? vs. 9

8.  What two reasons caused the peple to tremble who had gathered? vs. 9  1)2)

9.  Then Ezra the priest stood up and announced they had been "unfaithful" in marrying "foreign" wives which added to the "guilt" of israel. (vs.10).  What steps were they each to take to correct it? vs. 11 - Name 3 things - 1)2)3)

10.  The assembly agreed with a loud voice that it was their duty to obey this. (vs.12) ... But it was difficult with so many people and being in the open with the rainy season upon them. (vs.13) ... What did they suggest to take care of the matter more efficiently? vs. 14

15.   What did they believe this would accomplish before God? vs. 14

16.  It was recorded who did not agree with this.  What two people are noted? vs. 15

17.  Who supported their decisions? vs. 15

18.  Overall, the exiles agreed and obeyed.  Ezra the priest chose men who were heads of fathers' households for each of the households, all by name.  What day did the investigation process begin? vs. 16

19.  When did they finish investigating all the men who had married foreign wives? vs. 17

20.  Among the sons of the priests who had married foreign wives were found of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and Gedaliah. (vs.18) ... What did they pledge to do and what was offered for their offense? vs. 19

21.  A complete list is found of those who had married foreign women. (vs.20-43) ... What did some of the wives have as well? vs. 44

Note:  Ezra here disappears from the Biblical record for about thirteen years, when he appears again in the Book of Nehemiah. His passion then was the same as it was at the end of the Book of Ezra: to transform the people of God by bringing them the Word of God.

Applications

1.  Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, confessed that they had been unfaithful to God. He said that God had given them "hope" in spite of their failure if they turned back to Him.  How does this encourage us and what promise of "hope" do we have in spite of our weaknesses of the flesh?  Comment on these Scriptures.

• Jeremiah 29:11 -
• Romans 5:2-5 -
• Romans 12:12 -
• Romans 15:4 -
• Romans 15:13 -
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -
• Titus 3:7 -
• Hebrews 11:1 -
• 1 Peter 1:3 -

2.  It was sad for the wives to have to leave their husbands and take their children back to their father's households, but this was something that had to be corrected to rid the camp of the idolatry that was brought in to the assembly.  Our sin has consequences that brings hurt to others around us.  Not only do we need to confess our sin, but to turn away from it and separate ourselves from it.

• 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 -
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 -
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 -
• 1 John 1:9 -

3.  We are taught as Christians to marry within the faith as well.  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 -
• 1 Corinthians 7:39 -

4.  In the case of marrying outside of the faith when you do not know better and becoming a believer or realizing the mistake later in the marriage, Paul has given specific commands that a believer should do everything possible to remain in the marriage.  What are his reasons for this?

• 1 Corinthians 7:12-17 -

5.  The Bible also teaches that divorce is not a good thing; in fact God hates it.  Sometimes the unbeliever leaves the believer, and Paul states that in such cases the believer is free of guilt in the the manner.  Comment on the following Scriptures.

• Malachi 2:16 -
• Matthew 5:32 -
• 1 Corinthians 7:15 -

6.  Summarize this chapter and make comments concerning the book of Ezra as a whole.  Post a prayer if you would like.

1.  What did Ezra's sincere praying consist of? vs.1 - Name 3 things - 1)2)3)

2.  Who gathered to Ezra before the house of God to weep bitterly with him? vs. 1

3.  Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, confessed that they had been unfaithful to God.  What did they have as a nation in "spite" of their failure? vs. 2

4.  In view of the "hope" that was before them, he said that they should make a covenant with God to put away all the wives and their children according to the law of God. (vs.3).  He told Ezra to arise from being prostrate in prayer; to be courageous and act; and they would be with him. (vs.4) .... What group of men did Ezra begin with and who else did he include? vs. 5

5.  Ezra went into the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib.  Why did he not eat bread or drink water at that time? vs. 6

6.  A proclamation was made throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the exiles to assemble at Jerusalem. (vs.7)  What would happen to those who did not arrive there within 3 days? vs. 8  - Name 2 things  1)2)

7.  All the men of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within the three days.  What day was it when all the people sat in the open square before the house of God? vs. 9

8.  What two reasons caused the peple to tremble who had gathered? vs. 9  1)2)

9.  Then Ezra the priest stood up and announced they had been "unfaithful" in marrying "foreign" wives which added to the "guilt" of israel. (vs.10).  What steps were they each to take to correct it? vs. 11 - Name 3 things - 1)2)3)

10.  The assembly agreed with a loud voice that it was their duty to obey this. (vs.12) ... But it was difficult with so many people and being in the open with the rainy season upon them. (vs.13) ... What did they suggest to take care of the matter more efficiently? vs. 14

15.   What did they believe this would accomplish before God? vs. 14

16.  It was recorded who did not agree with this.  What two people are noted? vs. 15

17.  Who supported their decisions? vs. 15

18.  Overall, the exiles agreed and obeyed.  Ezra the priest chose men who were heads of fathers' households for each of the households, all by name.  What day did the investigation process begin? vs. 16

19.  When did they finish investigating all the men who had married foreign wives? vs. 17

20.  Among the sons of the priests who had married foreign wives were found of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and Gedaliah. (vs.18) ... What did they pledge to do and what was offered for their offense? vs. 19

21.  A complete list is found of those who had married foreign women. (vs.20-43) ... What did some of the wives have as well? vs. 44

Note:  Ezra here disappears from the Biblical record for about thirteen years, when he appears again in the Book of Nehemiah. His passion then was the same as it was at the end of the Book of Ezra: to transform the people of God by bringing them the Word of God.

Applications

1.  Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, confessed that they had been unfaithful to God. He said that God had given them "hope" in spite of their failure if they turned back to Him.  How does this encourage us and what promise of "hope" do we have in spite of our weaknesses of the flesh?  Comment on these Scriptures.

• Jeremiah 29:11 -
• Romans 5:2-5 -
• Romans 12:12 -
• Romans 15:4 -
• Romans 15:13 -
• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -
• Titus 3:7 -
• Hebrews 11:1 -
• 1 Peter 1:3 -

2.  It was sad for the wives to have to leave their husbands and take their children back to their father's households, but this was something that had to be corrected to rid the camp of the idolatry that was brought in to the assembly.  Our sin has consequences that brings hurt to others around us.  Not only do we need to confess our sin, but to turn away from it and separate ourselves from it.

• 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 -
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 -
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 -
• 1 John 1:9 -

3.  We are taught as Christians to marry within the faith as well.  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 -
• 1 Corinthians 7:39 -

4.  In the case of marrying outside of the faith when you do not know better and becoming a believer or realizing the mistake later in the marriage, Paul has given specific commands that a believer should do everything possible to remain in the marriage.  What are his reasons for this?

• 1 Corinthians 7:12-17 -

5.  The Bible also teaches that divorce is not a good thing; in fact God hates it.  Sometimes the unbeliever leaves the believer, and Paul states that in such cases the believer is free of guilt in the the manner.  Comment on the following Scriptures.

• Malachi 2:16 -
• Matthew 5:32 -
• 1 Corinthians 7:15 -

6.  Summarize this chapter and make comments concerning the book of Ezra as a whole.  Post a prayer if you would like.

Ezra Chapter 9

Ezra Chapter 9

1. What did the princes report to Ezra concerning the people of Israel, the priests, and the Levites? vs. 1

2.  What did the peoples of the land commit that was the reason they were to not be involved with them? vs. 1

3.  Who are the people of the land that are mentioned? vs. 1 - Name 8 given 1)2)3)4)5)6)7)8)

4.  How does this compare with what God had commanded Israel through Moses when they first entered the land of promise?  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Exodus 34:11-16 -
• Deuteronomy 7:1-4 -

5.  Who had been the 'most' unfaithful in intermingling with the women of the world? vs. 2

6.  How did Ezra react when he heard about all of this? vs. 3

7.  Others who trembled at the words of God because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to Ezra as he sat appalled until the evening offering.  The intercessors came together for somber prayer and reflection before the Lord.  (vs.4) .... What had the Lord told them in Deuteronomy 7:3,4 would happen if they intermarried and served other gods?

Note:  It was black and white: God said that He would quickly destroy them if they entered into this behavior - and they had.  This was no time to be casual about sin in the camp!  The ones who gathered around Ezra took the Word of God seriously. They rallied around the man who was going to stand for righteousness.

8.  What did Ezra do at the evening offering?  What was his position in prayer?  vs. 5

9.  We are blessed to have the very prayer Ezra said recorded for us.  Why did he say he was ashamed and embarrassed to lift up his face to the Lord? vs. 6

10.  Ezra went back to the days of his forefathers confessing the guilt for generations and acknowledged that this was the reason why they had become captive to others and to open shame. (vs.7) ... What had God shown to them for this brief time of allowing them to rebuild His house and worship there again? vs. 8

11.  Ezra was thankful that their eyes might be 'enlightened' to the fact that they had a little reviving in their bondage. (vs.8)  That is so powerful!  When we are in bondage to sin or anything weighing us down, we can draw on the grace of God to show us a time of revival and refreshment.  What had God shown them even in their time of "bondage"? vs. 9 - Name 5 things  1)2)3)4)5)

12.  Ezra was without excuse that they would forsake His commandments after the grace that had been shown them. (vs.10)  What had God already warned them concerning the land they were entering to possess from the beginning? vs. 11

13.  What had the Lord told them not to do concerning the people of the lands? vs. 12 - Name 4 things - 1)2)3)4)

14.  What would be the result if they would obey these commands? vs. 12b - Name 3 things - 1)2)3)

15.   Ezra realized that their hardships were caused by their own evil deeds and great guilt and that God had requited them "less" than their iniquities deserved. (vs.13) ... He knew that God had been gracious to leave them an escaped remnant and yet if they continued to break His commandments, there was fear that He could bring them to complete destruction. (vs.14) ... What was Ezra's final declaration in this prayer?  Did he try to excuse their sin or did He just trust God's character whatever the outcome? vs. 15

Applications:

1.  The Lord did not want Israel to allow themselves or their sons to marry daughters from the other nations because of their idolatry and abominations they committed in worship to other gods.  What have we been instructed about not being yoked with someone of a different belief than ours?

• Deuteronomy 7:3-5 -
• Deuteronomy 7:6-8 -
• 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 -
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 -
• 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 -
• 1 Peter 2:9-12 -

2.  The leadership had been the 'most unfaithful' in intermingling with the worldly women and in danger of sharing in their idolatry.  What are we warned against concerning being friends with the things of the world?

• James 4:4-7 -
• 1 John 2:15-17 -

3.  Ezra was apalled when he heard about this!  We should always be in shock when we hear that people of God have resorted to a lack of standard to their calling.  He greived over their sin.  He openly wept.  Do we grieve over the sin of others?  Do we take time to sit before the Lord and cry for them and pray for them?  We should not have a callous attitude that they "made their bed and should lie in it".  No, we need to intercede for them and ask God to have mercy on them; to bring them back!

• Luke 15:3-7 -
• Luke 15:8-10 -
• Luke 15:11-32 -
• Luke 22:31,32 -
• Galatians 6:1 -
• James 5:19,20 -

4.  Ezra took Israel back to the Word of God and they saw that what they were doing did not line up with what God had said for them to do.  The Word (law) exposes our sin.  That is the standard.  That is the warning.  What will God's Word do for us?

• Romans 10:17 -
• 2 Timothy 3:16 -
• Hebrews 4:12 -

5.  Honest repentance has a godly sorrow that brings change.  Weep for sin; be apalled at our sinful nature.  Others will be drawn to open up and be transparent before God as well.

• 2 Corinthians 7:9-11-
• 2 Corinthians 12:20,21 -
• James 4:6-10 -

6.  Ezra wisely did not claim an excuse or a reason for their sin. Israel had sinned and they were guilty. Ezra went back to the days of his forefathers confessing the guilt for generations and acknowledged that this was the reason why they had become captive to others. The appeal must be made for mercy to the guilty, not as a favor to the deserving (or semi-deserving).  As David said in his prayer of repentance in Psalm 51. To confess sin means to stand in agreement with God for how we do not measure up to His standard of righteousness.  No excuses.  No explanations.  We are guilty as charged.

• Romans 1:16-32 -
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 -
• 1 Corinthians 6:15-20 -
• Psalm 51:1-4 -
• 1 John 1:9 -

7.  Acknowledge God's Righteousness and Grace.  Ezra also wisely appealed to God’s righteousness, especially in leaving a remnant in fulfillment of His prior promises. ( See 2 Chronicles 30:6 and Isaiah 10:20-22) .... Our Lord Jesus has already taken the punishment on Himself for our sins.  We are told to draw near to our High Priest for grace and mercy in our time of need.  Don't let pride hold you back from approaching Him.

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 -
• Hebrews 4:16 -
• 1 John 1:9 -

8.  Turning from our wicked ways is true repentance and we will see in Chapter 10 that they did act upon their convictions in putting away the foreign wives, etc. 

• Matthew 3:8 -
• James 2:14-26 -
• 1 Thessalonians 1:9 -
• Acts 3:19 -

9.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Ezra Chapter 8

Ezra Chapter 8

1. Ezra gives the names of the heads of their father's households and the genealogical encrollment of those who went up with him from Babylon to Jerusalem during the reign of King Artaxerxes. (vs.1)... List what is said of the following:

• of the sons of Phinehas (vs.2) -
• of the sons of Ithamar (vs.2) -
• of the sons of David (vs.2) -
• of the sons of Shecaniah who was of the sons of Parosh (vs.3) -
• of the sons of Pahath-moab (vs.4) -  
• of the sons of Zattu (vs.5) -
• of the sons of Adin (vs.6) -
• of the sons of Elam (vs.7) -
• of the sons of Shephatiah (vs.8) -
• of the sons of Joab (vs.9) -
• of the sons of Bani (vs.10) -
• of the sons of Bebai (vs.11) -
• of the sons of Azgad (vs.12) -
• of the sons of Adonikam (vs.13) -
• of the sons of Bigvai (vs.14) -

2.  Where did Ezra assemble all of them at and for how long? vs. 15

3.  When Ezra observed the people and the priests, what was not found among them? vs. 15

4.  What leading men of the Levites did he send for to come from Babylon? vs. 16 - Name 9 - 1)2)3)4)5)6)7)8)9)

5.  What teachers of the Levites did he send for to come from Babylon? vs. 16 - Name 2 - 1)2)

6.  Ezra sent them to Iddo the leading man at the place Casiphia.  He told them what to say to Iddo and his brothers, the temple servants there.  What were they to tell him? vs. 17

7.  According to the good hand of God upon them, a man of insight was brought to them from the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel.  What was his name? vs. 18

8.  Who came with him that comprised of 18 men? vs. 18

9.  Hashabiah and Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari came with his brothers and their sons.  How many men was that? vs. 19

10.  How many temple servants came as well? vs. 20

11.  What were they to do? vs. 20

12.  What was the purpose of the fast that Ezra proclaimed there at the river of Ahava? vs. 21

13.  Why was Ezra ashamed to request troops and horsemen from the king to protect them from the enemy on the way back to Jerusalem? vs. 22

14.  What did God do when they fasted and sought Him? vs. 23

15.  Why did Ezra set apart 12 of the leading priests?  What did he weigh into their hands? vs.24-27

16.  Who had given this great offering for the house of the Lord? vs. 25 - Name 4 groups - 1)2)3)4)

17.  What did Ezra say to the 12 priests that were set apart concerning themselves and the utensils along with the freewill offering of silver and gold? vs. 28

18.  What responsiblity were these 12 priests served with? vs. 29

19.  The priests and the Levites accepted the weighed out silver and gold and the utensils to bring them to Jerusalem. (vs.30) ... Then they journeyed from the river Ahava to go to Jerusalem.  What day and month was it? vs. 31

20.  God watched over them and delivered them from the hand of the enemy and the ambushes along the way. (vs.31)  When they came to Jerusalem, how many days did they remain there? vs. 32

21.  What happened on the fourth day? vs. 33

22.  Who received the treasure? vs. 33 -

23.  Who was with him as witnesses? vs. 33 - Name 3  1)2)3)

24.  What did they do after everything was numbered and weighed? vs. 34

25.  What did the exiles who had come from the captivity offer in burnt offerings to the Lord? vs. 35

• ___ bulls for all Israel
• ___ rams
• ___ lambs
• ___ male goats for a sin offering

26.  After that, they delivered the king's edicts to the king's satraps and to the governors in the provinces beyond the River.  What did they do by order of the king for Israel and the house of the Lord? vs. 36

Applications:

27.  Ezra gathered everyone together and realized that there were not any Levites among them.  The tribe of Levi had been chosen by God to perform the duties of ministry in the house of the Lord, so he had to send for priests and for teachers to come to serve the people in the Lord's house. What has the Lord appointed for us today in the church?

• 1 Corinthians 12:28,29 -
• Romans 12:7 -
• Matthew 28:19,20 -
• Ephesians 4:11 -
• Colossians 1:28 -
• Colossians 3:16 -
• 1 Timothy 4:13 -
• 1 Timothy 5:17 -
• 2 Timothy 3:16 -
• Titus 1:9 -
• Titus 2:3 -

28.  There were real dangers facing them on their journey from the river to Jerusalem.  Rather than ask for protection from man, they fasted and prayed to God to protect them.  He certainly watched over them and helped them.  We were told in verse 31 that they hand of the Lord protected them from the ambushes along the way.  The attacks still came, but God delivered them everytime.  How do the Scriptures encourage us to trust in the Lord for His protection and deliverance?

• Isaiah 31:1 -
• Psalm 91:1-16 -
• Psalm 138:7 -
• Proverbs 18:10 -
• Proverbs 29:25 -
• Matthew 10:29-31 -
• John 16:33 -
• Romans 8:35-39 -
• 1 Corinthians 10:13 -
• 2 Corinthians 10:4,5 -
• Philippians 4:6,7 -
• 2 Thessalonians 3:3 -
• Hebrews 13:5,6 -

29.  Ezra was ashamed to ask for the king's help in protecting them after boasting about God's favor to those who serve Him.  To ask for protection from man would put the Lord in a bad light to the eyes of the unbelievers. We need to be strong in the Lord and show Him in the best light to unbelievers.   We have God's reputation to uphold to the world.  How do the following Scriptures show us this as well?

• Exodus 32:9-14 -
• Matthew 5:16 -
• Philippians 2:14,15 -
• 1 Peter 2:12 -

30.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Ezra Chapter 7

Ezra Chapter 7

Note:  The first six chapters of Ezra record the events of the first return of the exiles to Babylon on their invitation by King Cyrus of Persia to return and rebuild the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.  They were led by Zerubbabel and Sheshbazzar.  They completed the temple in the sixth year of King Darius.  Ezra Chapters 7-10 record the second return of exiles under the leadership of Ezra, a great spiritual leader from the Aaronic priesthood.  There is a gap of about 60 years between chapter 6 of Ezra and chapter 7 of Ezra. Ezra was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses and had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach it.  While in Babylon, Ezra gained the favor of King Artaxerxes, who granted him a commission to return to Jerusalem. The king also invited all who wanted to go—Jews, Israelites, priests and Levites—to accompany Ezra to Jerusalem. However, only 1,754 chose to make the journey, compared with 49,897 who had returned with Zerubbabel years earlier.

1.  Who was the king of Persia when Ezra went up from Babylon to Jerusalem? vs.1-6

2.  Ezra was granted persmission from this king to go.  Why did he grant to Ezra all that he requested? vs. 6

3.  Who was Ezra besides a priest of the line of Aaron and what was his expertise? vs. 6

4.  In the 7th year of King Artaxerxes, some of the sons of Israel, some of the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants went up to Jerusalem with Ezra. (vs.7) ... What month of the 7th year was this? vs. 8

5.  Ezra and the others began to go up from Babylon to Jerusalem on the first of the first month and they came to Jerusalem on the first of the fifth month.  Who was responisble for their successful journey? vs. 9

6.  Ezra experienced the favor of God because of what he had set his heart to do.  What did he set his heart to do? vs. 10 - Name 3 things   1)2)3)

7.  The king not only gave his verbal permission for Ezra and the people to return, but also gave a written decree for Ezra to carry.(vs.11).  What did the decree say to all the people of Israel who remained in Babylon who were willing to go with Ezra? vs. 13

8.  What did the king and his counselors freely offer to the God of Israel? vs.14,15

9.  What did the Jews have access to in the whole province of Babylon to take on their departure back to Jerusalem? vs. 16

10.  What were they to do with all of the money they received? vs. 17

11.  What was the purpose of this? vs. 17

12.  What were they to do with any money that might be left over? vs. 18

13.  They were given utensils for the service of the house of the Lord. (vs.19) ... What if they had additional needs for the house of the Lord come up? vs. 20

14.  What did King Artaxerxes issue a decree declaring to all the "treasurers" in the provinces beyond the River? vs. 21,22

15.   The king said they were to do whatever was commanded by the God of heaven with "zeal" for the house of the God of heaven. Why did he declare this? vs. 23

16.  Who did the king give "tax exemption" to? vs. 24

17.  What did the king appoint Ezra to do regarding law and order in Jerusalem? vs.25,26

18.  Why did Ezra bless the Lord? vs.27,28 - Name 5 things mentioned  1)2)3)4)5)

Applications:

19.  Ezra was a prepared vessel for the Lord.  He had set his heart to study the Word; to practice it; and to teach it.  How are we preparing to be a vessel the Lord can use when He needs a servant?

• 1 Peter 3:15,16 -
• 2 Timothy 2:15 -
• 2 Timothy 2:21 -

20.  King Artaxerxes told Ezra and the men with him to do whatever the Lord commanded them with "zeal" so that the Lord's wrath would not rest upon him or his sons.  How are we suppose to always do our work for the Lord?

• John 4:34 -
• Romans 12:11 -
• 2 Corinthians 5:13 -
• 2 Corinthians 5:20 -
• 2 Corinthians 10:3 -
• Galatians 6:9 -
• Ephesians 5:16 -
• Ephesians 6:7 -
• Colossians 1:29 -
• Colossians 3:23 -
• Colossians 4:5 -
• 1 Thessalonians 1:5 -
• Titus 2:14 -
• Hebrews 13:18 -
• Revelation 3:19 -

21.  The Old Testament prophets prophesied about the return from captivity but also about the final return of the Jews from all over the world back to their homeland before the return and reign of the Lord Jesus over all the earth at His Second Coming.  Here are some of those prophecies to consider for our lesson:

• Isaiah 27:6 -
• Isaiah 43:5-7 -
• Jeremiah 16:14,15 -
• Jeremiah 29:14 -
• Jeremiah 30:3 -
• Jeremiah 32:37 -
• Ezekiel 11:16,17 -
• Ezekiel 28:25,26 -
• Ezekiel 34:12-14 -
• Ezekiel 37:22 -
• Amos 9:11-15 -
• Joel 3:2 -
• Zechariah 8:4-8 -

22.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Ezra Chapter 6

Ezra Chapter 6

1.  King Darius issued a decree for a search to be made in the archives where the treasures were stored in Babylon.  Where was the scroll found that recorded the decree given by King Cyrus that the temple in Jerusalem be rebuilt? vs.1-3

2.  How was the cost to be paid according to the decree by Cyrus? vs. 4

3.  Also on the scroll, it was said that the gold and silver utensils that Nebuchadnezzar had taken were to be brought back and put into the house of God. (vs.5) ... Upon seeing this scroll, what did King Darius tell Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, and their colleagues? vs. 6,7

4.  What decree did Darius give concerning how the full cost of finishing the work was to be paid without delay? vs. 8

5.  Darius also said that young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings along with wheat, salt, and anointing oil were to be given to the priests in Jerusalem everyday without fail. (vs.9)  What was the purpose for these? vs. 10

6.  How did Darius believe he would benefit from this? vs. 10

7.  What did King Darius decree should happen to any man who violated this edict? vs. 11

8.  What did Darius hope God would do to any king or people who would attempt to change or destroy the temple ever again? vs. 12

9.  Tattenai, the governor of the province beyond the River,  Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues carried out the decree with all diligence. (vs.13) ... What brought about success in building for the elders of the Jews? vs. 14

10.  Finally, the finished building according to the command of God and through the decrees of kings - Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes. (vs.14) ... What day was the temple complete? vs. 15

Note:  We find that from the time the foundation was laid, until its completion, the temple was 21 years in the building. After God sent Haggai and Zechariah to them, it took 4 years and 5 months. Many of the 21 years there was nothing done on it all. Adar was the twelfth month on their calendar. It would be equivalent to our March.

11.  The sons of Israel, the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy! (vs.16) ... What did they offer for the dedication of the temple? vs. 17

12.  Where did they receive instructions on appointing the priests and Levites for service? vs. 18

13.  What did the exiles do on the 14th of the 1st month? vs. 19

14.  Who slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles and for themselves and what was required beforehand? vs. 20

15.  Besides those from Israel who had returned from exile, who else joined them to see the God of Israel to eat the passover meal? vs. 21

Note:  This day is approximately the 14th day of April by our calendar. Passover was a remembrance of the night in Egypt, when death passed over the Hebrew houses that had the blood of the lamb over and around their doors. This was the 10th plague God sent on Egypt to free the children of Israel.

16.  In connection with the Passover, they celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 days with joy!  What had brought about such joy for them at that time? vs. 22 

Note:  The celebration of Unleavened Bread overlaps Passover. We mentioned that the unleavened bread symbolizes the LORD Jesus Christ who is the Bread of life. It must be unleavened, because He was without sin. We partake of His righteousness.

Applications:

1.  When the prophets encouraged the Jews, some of the leaders rose up to begin to work on the Lord's House in Jerusalem again.  The Lord's eye was upon them as they worked and therefore they were having success.  When they were asked about who gave them permission to do so, they were ready to give an answer in regard to Cyrus issuing the decree back in the beginning.  They asked that a search be made to see if it was all true.  King Darius issued a decree to search for the records.  God was the One to give Darius a heart to search and the ability that the records be found.  Comment on the following Scripture:

• Proverbs 21:1 -

2.  When King Darius found out about the original decree from King Cyrus, he not only gave the people encouragement to build, but said that all the expenses would be paid for it as well!  What he asked for in return was that they remember him and his sons in their prayers to their God.  What a mighty testimony of the grace of God in making Himself known in all the world through His children!  How can we have the same mindset today?

• Romans 13:1-7 -
• 1 Timothy 2:1-4 -
• Mark 12:14-17 -
• 1 Peter 2:13-17 -

3.  In all of this, we see the wonderful hand of God at work with the objections raised by Tattenai and Shethar-Bozenai as recorded in Ezra 5:3. The end result of these objections was to further the work of God instead of hindering it. This is an example of God working all things together for good for His people!  Comment on the following Scriptures:

• Romans 8:28 -

4.  The initial ministry of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah is mentioned in Ezra 5:1-2. There, the prophets had to encourage the people of God to resume the work after a significant period of inactivity. Now they had to encourage them to keep working when God had opened the doors for the work to be done. Even with the open doors, the work was still difficult and needed prophetic encouragement. God’s blessing on the work did not make the work easy to do.  How are we exhorted to encourage one another everyday?

• Hebrews 3:13 -
• Hebrews 12:3 -
• Galatians 6:9 -
• 2 Thessalonians 3:13 -
• Philippians 4:13 -

5.  The House of the Lord was finally completed!  There was much joy as they celebrated the Feast of Passover.  Not only did all the exiles that had returned from Babylon celebrate but anyone who had separated themselves from the impurity of the nations and desired to join them to seek the Lord God of Israel.  What are we doing to invite others to our celebrations in the Lord?  Think about it as you look up the following Scriptures:

• John 4:28-30 -
• John 7:37 -
• Revelation 22:17 -
• Mark 16:15 -
• Matthew 28:19,20 -
• Luke 14:12-14 -

6.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Chapter 5 Ezra

Review:  As you recall, the work had stopped because the enemies of Judah and Benjamin had sent a letter to Artaxerxes, the King of Persia.  Fortunately, Haggai's prophecy from the Lord which pointed out their lack of obedience was resulting in a lack of blessing was just the motivation the Israelites needed to get back to work. After having been shut down for a period of time, they were now back on the job, rebuilding the temple of God in Jerusalem.

Ezra Chapter 5

1.  What two prophets were speaking God's Words to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem before and during the rebuilding of the temple? vs. 1

Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo

2.  Who were the two men who rose up to begin the process of rebuilding the Lord's House in Jerusalem under the direction of these two prophets? vs. 2

Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak

3.  What did Tattenai,the governor of the province beyond the River, and Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues ask Zerubbabel and Jeshua during the time of rebuilding? vs. 3

Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?

4.   They told them the names of the men who were rebuilding the temple. (vs.4) ... Whose "eye" was on the elders of the Jews to keep them from being stopped? vs. 5 

of their God 

5.  This continued until a report was given to Darius and a written reply returned concerning it. (vs.5) ... We are given the wording of the letter that these sent to Darius the king. (vs.6) ... What did the men write down that they had witnessed firsthand of the building process? vs. 7,8 -

 which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

6.  When they asked the Jewish elders who had issued a decree to allow them to rebuild and also the names of the men helping in order to give to King Darius, how did the elders answer them? vs. 10,11 -

We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.

7.  Who did they say gave them over into the hand of Babylon and why? vs. 12 

8.  Who did they say gave them the decree to rebuild the house of God? vs. 13 God

9.  What did he also give them back that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple before? vs. 14 

the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God.

10.  Who was it given to and what did he appoint him to be? vs. 14 

Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor

11.  What did Sheshbazzar do in regard to the house of God in Jerusalem at that time? vs. 15,16 

 Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem.

12.  What did they ask King Darius to do for them since the house still needed to be completed? vs. 17Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search 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.

Applications:

13.  God helps His people.  He sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to support the Jews in rebuilding their temple.  How is the Word of God through the prophets of the Old Testament and the apostles of the New Testament still used today to encourage us in our work for the Lord?

• Psalm 119:105 -His word will illuminate our way as we are going.waiting on his leading is usually as we go on our journey we invite the Holy Spirit to show us how we can put into practice his word we have hidden in our heart . He wants his light to shine in us and through us and let the sword cut those things out of us that we don't need .
• Matthew 4:4 -We must remember that we need more than physical food. In order to be successful we need to pay attention to all the words that come from God. We can do this by regularly reading His word the Bible and applying what learn.
• Romans 10:7 -Another stumbling block with the Jews was the death and burial of Christ. When Jesus died on the cross, they held it to be proof that he was not the Christ. Bring up Christ again from the dead. They still were wont to demand that they should see the Risen Christ with their own eyes, or that he be produced from the realms of the dead. To have met the demands of the Jews would have been sight rather than faith.
• Romans 15:4 -God is a changeless God in a changing world. Since all scripture is divinely inspired,it is written to us and therefore instruction is derived from the Old and New Testaments.
• 2 Corinthians 10:4 -The verse tells us that the means of warring against the devil and his evil forces is not done through material psychological philosophical nor by intellectual means but the war is done by God and His Spirit and once understood it is so powerful to the pulling down of the devil s towers.
  
  I must have my time with God before I do anything before my mine will and emotions take control.
  
• Ephesians 2:19,20 - Gentiles have been brought nigh, and are fellow citizens of the kingdom of God with the saints.Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets. They have been built into the temple of the Lord. The word of God, declared by apostles and prophets, is the foundation of their faith, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner [stone]. The corner-stone was a stone of double size at the corner, which became a part of both walls and joined them together. So he had joined the Jews and Gentiles in the building. He is the foundation-stone on which the building rests, and the stone of union. Compare Isa 28:16 Mt 21:42 Ac 4:11 1Pe 2:7.
• Colossians 3:16 -
• Hebrews 1:1-3 -
• Hebrews 4:12 -
• 2 Timothy 3:16,17 -
• 2 Peter 1:19-21 -

14. Read Haggai 1:1-11. According to Haggai, why had the work on the temple stopped? What had people been doing instead?

15.  The Jews knew the Lord was the One who had "given them over" to captivity.  If we turn back to the Lord, will He deliver us as well?

• Matthew 6:13 -
• Luke 4:18 -
• Acts 26:18 -
• 2 Corinthians 1:10 -
• Philippians 1:19 -

16.  Ezra 5:5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them...The reason that things happened this way is because God was watching out for them.  How do we know His loving eye is upon us as well?

• 2 Chronicles 16:9 -
• Psalm 33:18 -
• Luke 12:7 -

17.  How can chapter 5 help you to press on in doing God's work in the face of opposition?

18.  What does it mean to you that God is able to use the most powerful people on earth (like Cyrus) to further his purpose?

19.  How can worship be a stronger part of your response to God's faithfulness?

20.  Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.

Ezra 4

Ezra Chapter 4

The temple is repaired

1.  What did the enemies of Judah and Benjamin ask Zerubbabel (the leader) in regard to rebuilding the temple of the Lord? vs.1,2 If they could help.

2.  What did they claim about their relationship to Judah's God? vs. 2 The   lied and said  that  the wanted  to worship  God also.

3.  How did Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders answer the enemies? vs. 3  They  said  that  they  had no part in rebuilding The temple  that  they  alone  would build it.

4.  What did the people of the land do to try to hinder the rebuilding of Judah's temple? vs.4,5 - List 4 things - 1)  discourage the people 

2)afraid to go on building

3)bribed officials to work against them 

4)frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

5.  How long did these attacks last? vs. 5  the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

6.  What did the people of the land do during the reign of Ahasuerus? vs. 6 They  lodged  complaints  against  them ti him.

7.  What was done in the days of Artaxerxes? vs. 7 Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel and the rest of his associates wrote letters to Artaxerxes

8.  What language was used in the text and translation of the letter? vs. 7 Aramaic script and in the Aramaic language

9.  What were the names of the men who wrote the letter against Jerusalem that was presented to King Artaxerxes? vs. 8 Rehum the commanding officer and Shimshai the secretary

10.  What others stood with them? vs. 9,10 - Name 8 - 1)judges

 2)officials

3)administrators

4)Uruk 

5)Babylon

6)the Elamites of Susa,

7)Ashurbanipal deported and settled in the city of Samaria 

8)

11.  What did the letter accuse the Jews of rebuilding? restoring the walls and repairing the foundations   What did they call the city of Jerusalem? vs. 12 wicked city

12.  What did the letter say would happen to the revenue of the kings if the city of Jerusaelem was rebuilt and the walls of the city were finished? vs. 13 no more taxes, tribute or duty will be paid, and eventually the royal revenues will suffer

13.  They requested a search be made in the record books of their fathers to learn the history of the city of Jerusalem and what kind of damage had been done in the past. (vs.14,15) .... Why did they say the city was laid waste? vs. 15 rebellious city, troublesome to kings and provinces, a place with a long history of sedition

14.  What did they say to the king would happen to him personally if the city and walls were rebuilt? vs. 16 be left with nothing in Trans-Euphrates.

15. The king returned an answer to the letter. (vs.16) ... The document had been translated and read to him and he ordered a search to be made. (vs.17,18) ... What did he find to be true about Jerusalem's past? vs.19,20 - it was found that this city has a long history of revolt against kings and has been a place of rebellion and sedition. 20Jerusalem has had powerful kings ruling over the whole of Trans-Euphrates, and taxes, tribute and duty were paid to them.

16.  What decree did King Artaxerxes issue and why? vs.21,22 To stop the building  of  the city auntil he  the king said other wise

17.  What did Rehum, Shimshai, and their colleagues do "as soon as" the copy of the decree from the king was read? vs. 23  the  forced them  to stop building,

18.  As a result, the work on the house of God in Jerusalem ceased.  When would it begin again? vs. 24 the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Application:

1. The 'enemies' of Judah tried to convince them to let them 'build with them' because they served God as well.  How does our enemy (the devil) try to reason with us that he knows God and can speak for him?  Remember how he used the Word in the Wilderness with Jesus when tempting Him for 40 days and nights?  How does his followerers appear as sheep when they are really wolves out to destroy your faith?  Comment on the following verses and note how we must be very wise to the enemy's tactics in dealing with us as believers.

• Genesis 3:4,5 -The game therefore which Satan had to play was to draw our first parents to sin, and so to separate between them and their God. Thus the devil was, from the beginning, a murderer, and the great mischief-maker. The whole race of mankind had here, as it were, but one neck, and at that Satan struck. The adversary and enemy is that wicked one.
• Matthew 4:1-11 - Great privileges, and special tokens of divine favour, will not secure us from being tempted. Nay, 2. After great honours put upon us, we must expect something that is humbling; as Paul has a messenger of Satan sent to buffer him, after he had been in the third heavens. 3. God usually prepares his people for temptation before he calls them to it; he gives strength according to the day, and, before a sharp trial, gives more than ordinary comfort. The assurance of our sonship is the best preparative for temptation. If the good Spirit witness to our adoption, that will furnish us with an answer to all the suggestions of the evil spirit, designed either to debauch or disquiet us.
• Matthew 13:25-39 -
• 2 Corinthians 2:11 -
• 2 Corinthians 11:14 -
• 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 -
• Galatians 2:4 -
• Ephesians 6:11,12 -
• 1 John 4:1 -

2. Zerubbabel and the other leaders knew not to allow the enemies of the land to try and build with them.  After that the people of the land made them discouraged and fearful, even frustrating the counsel they received to get the work of the Lord to stop.  What examples do we have in our Bible to help us know we will face the same kind of threats and situations when we are working for the Lord?  Comment on the following Scriptures.

• Nehemiah 6:13 -
• 1 Thessalonians 2:18 -
• 2 Cornithians 10:3-5 -
• Ephesians 6:10-18 -
• 1 John 4:1 -
• 1 Peter 5:8 -

3.  They Jews were accused of being evil and rebellious actions from their past historical records.  The king actually stopped the work because of searching their past records.  Whether they had been that way or perceived that way, they were being falsely accused or blamed for others who went before them.  Sometimes we are falsely accused in this world or our past is brought up to us and we are kept from pursuing something really dear to our hearts.  Jesus was hated by the world and He warned His disciples the world would hate them and persecute them as well.  The apostle Paul dealt with being accused and maligned as well.  We are to expect it in our war with the flesh and the devil.  How should we react in such circumstances?  Comment on the Scriptures below:

• Matthew 5:11 -
• Matthew 12:24 -
• Matthew 26:59-61 -
• Mark 3:22-26 -
• Mark 14:55-58 -
• Luke 23:2 -
• John 3:13 -
• John 15:18,19 -
• John 17:14 -
• Acts 6:13,14 -
• Romans 12:19 -
• 2 Corinthians 10:3,4 -
• 2 Corinthians 11:13 -
• 1 Peter 2:20-23 -
• 1 Peter 3:14-17 -
• Revelation 2:9 -
• Revelation 12:10 -

4.  The work of God was hindered, but it would begin again under the reign of King Darius.  Many times there is a death to a vision, but also a resurrection to the work.  What must we do in the waiting period?  Keep praising, thanking, and doing all we can to serve Him.  Believe that the work will resume again.

• Proverbs 3:5-7 -
• Proverbs 14:12 -
• John 12:24 -
• Ephesians 2:10 -
• Philippians 1:6 -
• Philippians 2:13 -
• Hebrews 10:35-39 -

5.  Summarize the lesson and post a prayer if you would like

In doing good there is need of the wisdom of the serpent, as well as the innocency of the dove, and we have need, as it follows there, to beware of men, Mt. 10:16, 17. We should carefully consider with whom we are associated and on whose hand we lean. While we trust God with a pious confidence we must trust men with a prudent jealousy and caution.

The adversaries of the temple. (1-5) The building of the temple is hindered. (6-24)1-5 Every attempt to revive true religion will stir up the opposition of Satan, and of those in whom he works. The adversaries were the Samaritans, who had been planted in the land of Israel, #2Ki 17|. It was plain that they did not mean to unite in the worship of the Lord, according to his word. Let those who discourage a good work, and weaken them that are employed in it, see whose pattern they follow.

6-24 It is an old slander, that the prosperity of the church would be hurtful to kings and princes. Nothing can be more false, for true godliness teaches us to honour and obey our sovereign. But where the command of God requires one thing and the law of the land another, we must obey God rather than man, and patiently submit to the consequences. All who love the gospel should avoid all appearance of evil, lest they should encourage the adversaries of the church. The world is ever ready to believe any accusation against the people of God, and refuses to listen to them. The king suffered himself to be imposed upon by these frauds and falsehoods. Princes see and hear with other men's eyes and ears, and judge things as represented to them, which are often done falsely. But God's judgment is just; he sees things as they are.