EZRA

Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet
Ezra tells the story of how Israel - in line with the prophet Isaiah had said two hundred years earlier -  returning to their country after the Babylonian captivity. It is thus a continuation of the story described in the book of Chronicles. The first six chapters are about efforts to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This is the first group of the exile-people – led by Zerubbabel. The second group is led by Ezra and in the last four chapters tell how God also uses him - a respected priest who knew God's laws in detail - to rebuild the people morally and spiritually.

Israel's enemies tried with both force and power to stop the rebuilding of the Temple. But they didn’t succeed and God made the people able to finish the temple.

But even if the physical part now was fulfilled, remained the main reconstruction in Israel: The spiritual and moral, and Ezra knew this. He had learned from history that staying close to God was the way to protect from enemies. By Ezra fervent prayer and clear teaching, the people realized that they needed to repent and confess their sin.

“While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him.” (10:1).

An overview:

- Jews are leaving from captivity and returned to Jerusalem (1:1-11)
- The work on the temple began (3:8-13)
- The construction of the temple meets resistance and is stopped (4:1-24)
- The temple will be rebuilt (5:1-17 and 6:1-15)
- Ezra comes to Jerusalem (7:1-10)
- Ezra's prayer and confession (10:1-4)

What does this book show about the character and nature of God?

I think this book shows the great love of God for His people. Even if they have sinned again and again, He still forgave them their sins and he wanted them to have intimate relation to Him and worship Him: “Our God's hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” (8:22).

God wanted to be their restorer, the one who always gives them solutions to get them out of their trouble - and who is just in all that He does (9:8-15).

 

What does this book show about God’s redemptive plan for mankind?

I think the scripture in 2:64 – which tells about the group of people (42.360) who returned to Judah from Babylon - is a foreshadow of Gods redemptive plan. During the 70 years in exile God had promised that His people would be able to return to their land, and now this is prophecy is fulfilled. In the same way God will give eternal life in Heaven for all that believe in Jesus Christ (John 1:12).

Personal Application:

It is fascinating how Zerubbabel and the other leaders answered when the enemies of Judah and Benjamin offered their help to rebuild the Temple with them (4:1-5). Zerubbabel and the others were so conscious about their mission and answered bravely that these men had no part in this work, and that they alone would build the Temple for the Lord.

I think it was tempting for them to say yes and receive the help they were offered, but this was not what God had said.

This little passage makes me asking God to grant me discernment in every situation I face – so I can do what He wants and not only chose the easiest way for me.

I also think this is in line with what John talks about when he says “Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God”. (1.John 4:1).

Today there are so many voices speaking to us as Christians, and it is important to be very critical and selective to which of these voices I listen to.

 

My point of passion during my DBS is the Shan-people in Thailand:

It is always important for a nation or a people to have good and powerful leaders, whether they are Christians or not.

In the same way as God stirred the heart of Cyrus to put the proclamation about building the Temple in Jerusalem (1:1-2), I pray for the leaders of the Shan-people that God  will move their hearts to accomplish His purposes.