Today's lesson comes from Ezra chapter 7: 6-11; 24-28. Chapter six concludes the record of the activities of Zerubbabel, the rebuilding of the temple, and the celebration of the Passover. Fifty seven years elapses before the start of chapter seven. During the fifty seven years the story of Esther takes place. This passage begins the account of Ezra's return of the Jews to Palestine approximately 458 B.C.
Ezra was both a priest and a scribe. A scribe not only copied the law, but also studied and interpreted the Law. While a priest, Ezra did not qualify to be a high priest because he was a descendant of a younger son in the family lineage. The lesson today will address the important of actions, the true measure of right and wrong and God's Providence over His creation.
The first section is "Ezra's Determination." vv. 6-10 Jewish tradition holds that Ezra gathered together all of the sacred writings up to his day, and compiled them into the first cannon of the Old Testament Scriptures. Ezra asked the king for permission to travel to Jerusalem to see how the Jews were doing. The king granted the request, for "the hand of the LORD his God upon him." These words occur eight times in Ezra and Nehemiah. They reveal the dependence that Ezra and Nehemiah had upon God for direction and protection.
In verses 7-9, Ezra's journey to Palestine is summarized. The shortest route would have been about 520 miles. The longest route was about 900 miles. The size of the group traveling has been estimated between four and five thousand people. They traveled about four months. This showed determination and commitment to successfully complete this journey.
Verse 10 gives insight into Ezra's character. He "prepared his heart," meaning he set his heart firmly to do these things. He gave himself over to the intense study of the Word of God. He first applied what he learned to his own life and then to others. This is good pattern for us to practice today. Ezra became "a man of one book." Living in a heathen culture, Ezra could have devoted his life to a number of sciences or studies. However, he remained committed to the LORD and His Holy Scriptures.
The summary points of this section are:
1. We teach as much by what we do as by what we say.
2. We should invest time in the study of God's Word.
3. The key top a successful ministry is to study God's Word, apply it to your life, and then instruct others.
The second section is "Artaxerxes' Decrees." vv. 11-26 This section is broken down into three parts:
1. Verses 11-20 contain Artaxerxes' letter to Ezra;
2. Verses 21-24 record his decree to the provincial treasurers; and
3. Verses 25-26 describe Ezra's personal instructions from the king.
The decree listed both instructions and very liberal provisions. Just like when the children of Israel left Egypt, they would have substantial offerings to meet their needs. People did not have to return, but anyone who desired to leave could. This has spiritual significance for us. God calls us to come out from among the lost, but we don't have to. We may dwell with the world or we can separate ourselves from worldliness and be sanctified unto God and His purposes.
The king's treasurers of the provinces on the other side of the Euphrates River also received instructions. Ezra could receive up to 3 3/4 tons of silver, 940 bushels of wheat, a thousand gallons of wine and oil. This was a vast fortune.
The king's personal instructions to Ezra included having him set up magistrates and judges in the land. These men were to govern the people based on the Laws of God. Thus, the society would be peaceful and productive. Any violations of God's laws would be dealt with speedily.
The summary points of this section:
1. God in His providence can turn the hearts of those in authority to bless His people.
2. The only true measure of right and wrong is found in God's Word.
3. The peace of a people is dependent on their adherence to the laws of God. (Think about our society and you know why what is happening is happening today.)
The third section is "God's Designs." vv. 27, 28 In this last section, Ezra offers praise to God. First, he praised God for His influence over the king of Persia. Second, he praised God for the good favor which was shown to him by the king and his counselors. Third, he praised God for the strength he received to put the plan into action. Ezra acknowledged God's Providence, mercy, and grace in bringing about His perfect plan.
The summary points of this section:
1. God still controls our leaders.
2. The hand of God is in every event.
3. We are to constantly give thanks.
The Golden Text is: "According to the good hand of his God upon me." (Ezra 7:9) This verse occurs three times in today's lesson, in verses 6, 9, and 28. Whether you agree or not, it doesn't matter. God in His Providence controls events and will use secondary causes, e.g. people, to bring about His will. God turns the hearts of kings, gives us the strength to carry out His purposes and provides grace and favor for us to be successful. As the old hymn states, "Great is thy faithfulness, O God, my Father." We can trust God's goodness and faithfulness to carry us through our lives in this world and in the one to come.
Next week: "Nehemiah's Concern." (Nehemiah 1:1-11)
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