Exiled Jews Return to Their Homeland

On their 50th wedding anniversary, a couple summed up the reason for their long and happy marriage. The husband said, “I have tried never to be selfish. After all, there is no ’I’ in the word ‘marriage.’” The wife said, “For my part, I have … More

Commitment
  1. Recognize God’s Providence - (v. 1) - This involved three deportations and three returns.
  2. Relate to God’s Precepts (vv. 2-4)
    1. His purpose (v. 2)
    2. His people (v. 3)
    3. His provision (v. 4)
  3. Respond to God’s Plan (vv. 5-11)
    1. Those who Go (v. 5)
    2. Those who Give (v. 6)
    3. Those who Guide (vv. 7-11)

Cyrus, king of Persia, not only granted permission to the Jew to return to their homeland but he makes a decree giving them the right to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem (v. 2). The basic reason for him issuing this decree was because God stirred up his spirit (v. 1). This proclamation permitted the Jews to work together to accomplish the huge task of rebuilding the temple. Some did the actual building while others operated the supply lines.

God moved on the hearts of many leaders, family heads, priests and Levites and gave them a great desire to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. However many Jews choose to remain in Babylon rather than return to their homeland. This may have been because the journey back to Jerusalem was difficult, dangerous and expensive, lasting over four months. Travel conditions were poor, Jerusalem and the surrounding countryside were in ruins and the people living in the area were hostile.

Application

I must never let my comfort, security, or material possessions prevent me from doing what God wants. Regardless of what I may do in life He wants me to be a witness for him.

Ezra 1:1-11 (English Standard Version)


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