Prisoners Return to Jerusalem And Judah

Returning Thanks is a LEARNED Trait. We are not born grateful creatures. Take a baby for just a little while and you’ll probably hold in your arms what could be best described as a schizophrenic! One minute cooing, the next crying; one-minute silence, the next screaming; one … More

Return

The people of Judah that were taken as prisoners to Babylonia continue to return to Jerusalem and their own towns in Judah (vv. 14-58). They are listed in their family groups and the part if Judah they came from. A total is given of how many ancestors returned from each town (vv. 21-35). Most of them are in Benjamite territory north of Jerusalem. Then a list is given of how many returned from each family of priests (vv. 36-39). Following this is a list of how many returned from Levite families (40-42). Then comes a list of temple workers whose families returned (vv. 43-54). Now we find a list of Solomon’s servants whose descendants have returned (vv. 55-57). The phrase “the descendants of the servants of Solomon” occurs only in this passage.  A total of 392 descendants of Solomon’s temple workers and servants is given (v. 58). These may be the descendants of the Canaanites whom Solomon enslaved (I Kg. 9:20-2).

An account was kept of the families that came up out of captivity. See how sin lowers a nation, which righteousness would exalt. Those who undervalue their relation to the Lord in times of reproach, persecution, or distress, will have no benefit from it when it becomes honorable or profitable. The Lord will carry us through all undertakings, according to his will, with an aim to His glory, and dependence on His assistance. Those who, at the call of the gospel, renounce sin and return to the Lord, shall be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive safely at the mansions provided in the holy city of God.

Application

It is important that when my thoughts become captive to worldly things I must quickly return to God’s manual for life (the Word of God) and obey what it says, not just agree with what it says.

Ezra 2:14-58 (English Standard Version)


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