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Ezra & Christ Ezra 1.2-4 Introduction: We have been studying the "Minor Prophets." All of them up to this point prophesied before the destruction of Jerusalem. I) Background A) Events leading up and including the destruction of Jerusalem 1. 605 BC, Nebuchadnezzar too the 1st captives 2. 598 BC Jehoiakim rebelled and Nebuchadenezzar came to defeat Jerusalem and take away the 2nd captives 3. 589 BC Zedekiak rebelled, Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed and the 3rd group were taken captive. a. Just a few of the Jews were left in Canaan. b. Other people came into inhabit the land. They intermarried and became known as the Samaritans. B) The captivity was to last 70 years, Jeremiah 25.11 1. A definite period of time 2. Followed by a remnant returning to the land of Canaan. II) The Book of Ezra A) Two major themes 1. Returning to the land and rebuilding the temple. 2. Restoration of the people B) Time Period 1. First group returns about 537 BC; 70 years after the first group taken captive. 2. Chapters 1 – 6 covers 20 years; ends about 516 BC. 3. A period of 60 years between chapter 6 & 7. 4. Ezra comes to Jerusalem around 457 – 444 BC. III) Return and Rebuilding the Temple. A) Chapter 1 1. King Cyrus decrees that the Jews can return to Jerusalem to rebuild the "house of their God" v. 3. 2. Important point made in verse 5 and throughout the book is the lineage of the Jews. 3. The "articles of the house of God" were preserved and to be taken back to Jerusalem. V. 7 4. However, the ark of the covenant was not listed, apparently destroyed or lost. B) Chapter 2 1. Zerubbabel was the governor (the temple would later be called Zerubbabel’s temple). a. Zerubbabel was the grandson of Jeconiah [Jehoiachin, Jehoahaz], Matthew 1.12 2. A list of the tribes, families returning to Jerusalem; also the Levites. 3. 42,360 listed in verse 64 plus those in verse 65. 4. All Israel dwelt in their cities, v. 70 C) Chapter 3 beginning of the temple 1. First the set up the alter and offered their sacrifices, v. 3 a. Their worship was not confined to the temple. 2. Beginning of the work in verse 8; the reaction of the foundation being laid in verses 12-13 some wept and some shouted for joy. D) Chapter 4 Stoppage of the work 1. The Samaritan (adversaries) asked to join in the work, were refused, v. 1, 3 2. They then tried to stop the work by discouragement, nuisance, hiring counselors against them, writing a letter of accusation, v. 4-6 3. The work is stopped due to the false accusations, v. 21, 24 E) Chapter 5 back to work 1. Haggai and Zechariah sent to stir up the people. 2. Question of who gave them permission to go about the work, v. 3 3. The answer was God, v. 11 a. King Cyrus issued a decree to build the house of God, v. 13 F) Chapter 6 the temple is completed 1. The Samaritans and other leaders were told to leave the Jews alone, v. 7 2. They were actually helped by the taxes to pay for the temple and provision of sacrifices, v. 8,9 3. Dedication of the temple, v. 16 IV) 60 Years later: reforming the people, chapters 7-10 A) Chapter 7 1. Ezra a skilled scribe in the law, v. 6 2. Prepared his heart to seek the law of God, v. 10 3. To teach statutes and ordinances of the law, B) Chapter 8 1. List of those with Ezra; he noticed none of the Levites were with him. 2. Active recruitment of Levites follows. 3. Reliance upon God instead of king Artaxerxes, v. 21-22. B) Chapter 9 1. Problem of the people marrying those already living in the land, v. 2 2. Violation of Deut. 7.3 3. Ezra’s heartfelt prayer and concerns, v. 5ff C) Chapter 10 1. The people were wept and acknowledged their sins, v. 2 2. Promise to put away their foreign wives and children, v. 3 a. We are also with you, v. 4a b. Be of good courage and do it, v. 4b 3. The putting away of their wives and children, v. 9; even the priest, v. 18ff V) Christ in Ezra A. The Messianic line of Jesus was preserved with Zerubbabel. B. The Jews returning to Canaan and living in their cities; Jesus would be born in Bethlehem. C. Jerusalem being repopulated; the Gospel would be first preached in Zion and not Babylon. Conclusion: It is in our challenges we develop faith and perseverance. God promised Israel a remnant would return from captivity and Jerusalem would be rebuilt. That did not relieve the Jews from their responsibility to do the work God had given them. God promises us salvation in Jesus Christ. We have our work to do. Are you doing the work? D.T. @ Westside Church of Christ 01.20.08 |