READ: 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 and Ezra 1- 2
The
book of Ezra is an incredible historical document, highlighting the sovereignty
of God. Spanning almost a century, it describes the return of two groups of
Jews, with a third return described in the book of Nehemiah. The book of Ezra
deals with the return of the exiles, the rebuilding of the temple, and the repentance
of the people. Israel has been humbled, but God has not left her. He does not
forget the covenants He made to Abraham and to David; Israel is still part of
His plan to bring salvation to the earth.
The
book of Ezra picks up 70 years after the Babylonian exile, describing a truly
remarkable state of events in which the Persian king, Cyrus, makes a
proclamation for the Jews to return to Jerusalem for the purpose of rebuilding
the Temple. (If Cyrus’ proclamation is not proof enough of God’s sovereignty,
it is fascinating to note that Isaiah prophesied this event, foretelling Cyrus
by name – 200 years before Cyrus was even born! (See Isaiah 44:24 – 45:25))
God’s
sovereignty is the focus of Ezra chapter 1. Unlike other rulers of the time,
Cyrus the Great, king of Persia, was a tolerant monarch, allowing his subjects
to practice whatever religion they liked. Cyrus was put into place by God and
for God’s purposes. Not only was he allowing the Jews to practice their
religion within his empire, he was sending them back to their homeland to
rebuild their centre of worship – worship that defined them as a distinct
nation! Moved by the Lord, Cyrus makes his decree, thus fulfilling the
prophecies of God spoken through Isaiah and Jeremiah.
And
just like when the Israelites left Egypt, their surrounding non-Jewish
neighbours are moved to give them gold, silver and animals. The king also gives
back what Nebuchadnezzar ransacked from the temple. And with all these things,
a group of exiles set out at the beginning of chapter 2 to return to Jerusalem
and Judah (renamed Judea upon Persian rule), led by Zerubbabel. The returnees
are divided into a two groups: 1) ordinary Israelites (vv 2-35), and 2) temple servants
(vv 36-58) including priests, Levites and other temple workers. Verses 59-63
list a number of people who could not prove their ancestry. The priests were
set apart specifically by Yahweh for their role in the temple, thus credentials
were important. This is more than a list of names; the focus on temple servants
illustrates the heart of what is happening here: the reinstitution of
Yahweh-worship in Jerusalem.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. God’s sovereignty is a theme
throughout Scripture. It is because He is sovereign that we can trust Him.
Spend some time reflecting upon God’s sovereign hand in your life. How have you
experienced God’s sovereignty? Here are some questions to consider:
a. Think about how you came to follow the
Lord. How was God’s sovereignty evident in this decision?
b. Think about what God has done in your
life since you made a commitment to Him? How has He been sovereign in this?
c. Where would you be if you had not
chosen to follow the Lord?
Thank
God for His sovereignty in your life.
2. There is nothing that is out of God’s
realm of power and control. If He could cause Cyrus, a pagan, to do His
bidding, He can handle anything in your life. Ask God to show you a challenge
in your life that you are struggling to control. Ask Him to show you any lies
you have believed about His ability to help you. Spend some time giving this
thing over to God. Ask Him to speak to you about how He wants to be King over this problem.
