Ezra Bible Study Week 5 Part 2
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Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 7 – Study, Observe, Teach
As we read chapter 7, it’s very clear that the hand of God was upon Ezra. In fact, you might notice that’s it’s mentioned three times in this chapter.
Remember the prayer of Jabez in 1 Chronicles 4:10, which reads,
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.
The Bible often talks about the Hand of the Lord. In the KJV, the phrase “hand of the Lord” is found 39 times, with 36 times in the Old Testament, and 3 in the New Testament. The phrase “Hand of God” is found 16 times in the Bible, 7 times in the Old Testament and 9 times in the New Testament.” (faithlifesermons.com)
But what does it mean exactly? At the end of chapter 7, Ezra explains it by saying, “I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me.”
And so, we see it was the power of God working in him and through him. God extended His mercy to Ezra and as such, doors were opened for him. The heart of the king was in the hand of the Lord Who moved him to give above and beyond what most would expect. Every detail of this account was finely tuned by the orchestration of God.
Ever have one of those days when things just fall into place? When doors are opened and others are closed? Are you chocking it up to good luck or chance? Or, are you giving thanks to the Lord, like Ezra, who understood the power of God at work in his life?
Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem: and hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. (Ezra 7:27-28, KJV)
Answer Key – Chapter 7
- Verse six tells us that Ezra was a scribe. What is a scribe?
A person who serves as a professional copyist, especially one who made copies of manuscripts before the invention of printing. (Dictionary.com) - When did Ezra arrive in Jerusalem, and when did he leave Babylon?
He left on the first day of the first month and arrived on the first day of the fifth month. - What three things did Ezra prepare his heart to do?
To seek God’s law.
To do God’s law.
To teach God’s law. - How many times does this chapter mention the hand of God being on Ezra?
Three. - We see Ezra’s lineage listed in this chapter. How far back does it go, and what does this tell us about him?
It goes back to Aaron the brother of Moses. It tells us that Ezra was from the line of priests. - What do you think “the hand of God was upon Ezra” means?
This answer might be slightly different for everyone, but it basically means that God’s approval and divine intervention was with him. - Have you ever felt like the hand of God was upon you in a certain circumstance? If so, explain.
(This answer will be different for everyone.) - In what ways do you see the intervention of God at work in this chapter?
(This answer will be different for everyone.)
Concluding Thoughts on Chapter 8 – When He Calls You to Act
Reading chapter 8, I stop at this verse, where once again I read about “the hand of God,”
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, the hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. Ezra 8:22, KJV
Remember in the last chapter nothing was chocked up to chance. Ezra gave all thanks to God, and all credit to God who strengthened and blessed him.
But, now they were facing an even bigger challenge. One that would require them to safely travel with an enormous amount of silver and gold. Would they still be able to trust in the hand of the Lord, or would they back down?
Notice the significance of theses precious metals in the Bible,
Gold represent the purity of our faith that has been tried by the fire.
Silver represents the price paid for our redemption (the blood of our Lord)
Copper represents justification by faith (used for the alter of sacrifice and the copper laver)
These precious metals were entrusted to the Israelites to be carried into Jerusalem where they would then enter their rest. And the reason they carried this treasure? It was to show the world that the hand of God was upon them. In other words, they would show the world that the surpassing power belonged to their God, not to them.
And the Bible tells us that God protected them from the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.
Paul parallel’s this journey in his letter to the Corinthians, and like Ezra, he gives all glory to God,
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)
Answer Key – Chapter 8
- Why do you think it was important for there to be some Levites among the people?
Because the Levites were the only ones designated by God to serve in the Temple. - How many men did Ezra send to Iddo, the chief, at Casiphia?
Eleven - How many Levites came back with them, and how many temple servants?
38 Levites and 220 Temple Servants - What was the purpose of the fast before the journey?
To humble themselves before God and pray for a safe journey. - Why was Ezra ashamed to ask the king for help?
Because he told the king that God would look after them. Asking for help would appear as though he lacked faith. - Ezra gave the 12 leading priests a commandment along with the articles that were weighed out to them. What was it?
Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the Lord. - What spiritual lesson does this commandment parallel, if any?
He equipped them with gifts in the same way that the Holy Spirit equips you and I. The gifts that we’re given are a free-will offering to God to be used for His glory and honor until that day when we stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to give account of these gifts we’ve been given. - How far did Ezra travel and approximately how many men went with him from Babylon to Jerusalem?
Travelling 900 miles, He led approximately 1800 men, from Babylon to Jerusalem. - What are some of the gifts that God has entrusted into your care, and how are you using them for his glory?
(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.
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