Ezra Bible Study Week 1 Part 2
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Concluding Thoughts on The Introduction to Ezra
In order to study the book of Ezra, it’s important to understand where God’s people were at this time, and where God was taking them.
The return from exile (the Babylonian Captivity) is far more than simply a history lesson. It points to something much greater than that. It typifies freedom from the bondage of sin through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Throughout scripture, the Old Testament points us to Christ and keeps pointing us to Christ. It illustrates the fallen state of man, and our need for salvation. We’re reminded that the true temple of worship is in Christ, the place where mankind is united with God.
While Jerusalem may have typified their home, Hebrews 13:14 reminds us that we’re merely passing through.
For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. (Hebrews 13:14)
As part of my introduction to this study, I wanted to share this video with you from The Bible Project. As you watch it, I hope you’ll recognize the parallel between this historic account and the human condition of man.
In doing so we’ll gain a deeper understanding of Ezra and the spiritual lessons therein.
Click here to watch the video on Youtube.
Answer Key – Introduction
- What did Nebuchadnezzar do to Jehoiakim (Eliakim)?
Nebuchadnezzar attacked him and carried him off to Babylon along with articles from the temple that he kept for himself. - What do we know about the Jewish people during the reign of Zedekiah?
All the leaders of the priests and the people became more and more unfaithful, following all the detestable practices of the nations and defiling the temple of the Lord. - How did they react when God sent messengers to them?
They mocked God’s messengers, despised his words and scoffed at his prophets. - What was God’s response to their actions? (v. 17)
He gave them into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar, who mercilessly attacked the men, women, and the elderly with the sword. - What did Nebuchadnezzar’s men destroy, and what did they take away?
They set fire to the temple, they broke the wall in Jerusalem, burned the palaces, and destroyed anything of value there. They took all the articles from the temple and the treasures of the king and his officials to Babylon. - What is the definition of purify?
To make pure; free from anything that debases, pollutes, adulterates, or contaminates, or to free from foreign, extraneous, or objectionable elements. (Dictionary.com) - What happened to the remnant of Israelites that survived the massacre?
Anyone who escaped the brutal attack was taken into captivity and made to serve the king. - Read Jeremiah 24:6-7. Write verse 7 out here:
And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. - Look up the definition of the word “heart”. Which definition do you think applies to that
verse in Jeremiah Chapter 24?
The center of emotion, especially as contrasted to the head as the center of the intellect. - Have you ever felt that God has allowed you to go through a trial in order to purify you? If so, what happened and how did you grow from it?
This answer will be different for everyone.
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FREE Printables – Autumn Scripture Cards
During the 6 weeks of the Bible study, I’ll be creating a set of Autumn-themed 4 x 4 inch scripture cards. Each week I’ll give you 4 for a total of 24 cards in total. These high resolution images will correspond with the theme of each week.
Click here to view and print this week’s note cards.
