Today's lesson comes from Ezra 1:1-2:1. This quarter we will look at the period of Jewish history when they return from exile and their reestablishment in the land of Palestine. The rulers of Persia during this time included men from Cyrus through Darius II. Prophets included Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Principal individuals included Zerubbabel, Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah. The first six chapters of Ezra record the return of the exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel. These Jews laid the foundation of the temple, and then were halted by opposition. The prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, urged them to resume the work. The temple was finally completed in 516.
God had allowed the ruler of Babylon to sweep into Judea, and destroy Jerusalem and the temple. The survivors were taken away captive to Babylon. Judah would be desolate or 70 years as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25: 8-11). The last two verses of 2 Chronicles are the same as the first two and a half verses of Ezra. We are informed that the Babylonian captivity has come to an end and the Jews were to be retuning to their homeland.
The first section is "Decree Proclaimed." vv. 1-4 Cyrus was the leader of the Medo-Persian forces which defeated Babylon. Verse 1 contains a statement regarding the Providence of God that should provide comfort to all believers no matter what their circumstances. "The LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia." Cyrus was moved to issue a proclamation that all who desired to could return to Jerusalem and work on building the house of the LORD God of Israel. The people were not required to return. For many, they had grown up in a foreign land and no doubt were comfortable in a heathen land. They chose to stay. Cyrus even acknowledged that God "hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth." Further, Cyrus decreed that God "hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah."
Some important points about this first section:
1. God is sovereign in the events of history.
2. "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD." (Proverbs 21:1)
3. You can become comfortable living in a sinful place.
4. Cyrus' decree is like the gospel. Those bound in captivity can go free because Jesus has paid for their sins.
5. While there may appear to be a degree of uncertainty in moving into the unknown, when God is present, it will be the best path to follow.
The second section is "Provisions Provided." vv. 5-11 In this portion of the lesson, we see that God was continuing to Providentially work to return the Jews to their homeland. After stirring Cyrus to make his degree, God now stirs the hearts of the people to go and build up Jerusalem and the temple. The returning Jews were encouraged by the gifts of gold, goods, cattle and other valuables, along with a freewill offering. In addition, Cyrus brought forth the vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from Jerusalem when the Jews were taken into captivity. God had preserved the articles while in Babylon and now they were being returned just as Jeremiah prophezied in Jeremiah 27:22. The articles of gold and silver numbered five thousand four hundred.
Some important points about this section:
1. Real faith works.
2. God stirs up not just leaders, but also His people when He wants.
3. God will provide the provisions when it is time to begin His work.
4. God will preserve His own, even while in the hands of a heathen people.
The third section is "Journey Begun." 2:1 The first verse of this chapter is an introduction to the list of those who returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel. The number returning was about 50,000. While Judah was no longer considered a nation, it was now seen as a province in the Persian Empire (Ezra 5:8). The returning people would be subject to the Persian rulers and their laws. They would live "unto his own city." This meant that they would go to the place in which they had previously dwelt.
The important points in this section are:
1. When people repeatedly disobey God and His laws, they will experience degradation.
2. Rebellion leads to a loss of privilege.
3. God's mercy still prevails and His will shall be manifested in His timing.
The Golden Text is "Then rose up...all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem." (Ezra 1:5) In the same way that the Spirit of God moved upon the people to return to their homeland, we are moved as believers to travel to our heavenly homeland. While we may sometimes face challenges and struggles along the way, the Captain of our Salvation walks by our sides and assures us of final victory.
Next week: "The Foundation Land." Ezra 3:1-3, 8-13.
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