Ezra 8:16

Ezra 8:16 says, Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.  Ezra had the means to do the work on the Temple, but he lacked any Levites, the priesthood tribe to do the work, so he began to assemble the chief men of Israel together, and they were also known to be men of understanding.   He called eleven men to him, which I assume represented the tribes of Israel, minus the Levites.  As Christians, though we may come from different families, we need to be united in doing God’s work today.  We also need to be known as people of wisdom and understanding, which can only come from God.  God’s work is before us today, but the laborers are few.  Verse seventeen adds, And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.  Ezra sent these men to Iddo, who was the head of a school of Levites at Casiphia, according to Matthew Henry.  They were training but weren’t in any hurry to go and do the work evidently.  We need to put doing what God has called us to do ahead of training today.  This is not to say that training or education is unimportant, but if we train and are unwilling to go and do the work when called, it is of little value.  Verse eighteen continues, And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;  About forty Levites came back with them, specifically Mahli the son of Levi and Sherebiah with his sons and brethren, of which there were eighteen.  This made up half of the forty.  Ezra said that by God’s grace Mahli was a man of understanding.  True understanding, or wisdom must come from God, and we should expect church leaders to be filled with understanding from God.  Of course, as followers of Christ and a part of the priesthood of believers, we should also be filled with knowledge and understanding from God.  Verse nineteen states, And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;  Hashabiah and Jeshaiah also came and brought twenty men with them, making up the rest of the forty plus Levites.   Matthew Henry says they were willing to go but were reluctant to work.  Unfortunately, some people are still that way today, wanting the prestige of a position in the church more than they want to do the work,  Verse twenty adds, Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.  Of the Nethinims, who had been appointed by David to serve the Levites, there were two hundred and twenty who came to help.  This was over five times as many as there were Levites.  Matthew Henry says that although lowlier in the eyes of the world, they were much more ready to work, and sometimes today those who are viewed as lowly by the world are still more ready to do God's work.  Of course, they had to first respond to the call from God through Ezra, and we today in order to be a part of God’s kingdom and work must first respond to the call by the Holy Spirit to come to Him by putting our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. 

Ezra 8:!

Ezra 8:1 says, These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king.  We now have a list of the chief fathers of the people of Judah who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon.  Anytime we as followers of Christ stray away from Him, we need to willing return to Him as soon as we can.  Unlike the people of Judah did for many years, we in America have nothing preventing us from doing so publicly.  The next several verses simply list the various people who did return.  

Verse two adds, Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of the sons of David; Hattush.  Matthew Henry points out that the first three seemed to have gone alone without anyone accompanying them.  He says maybe they were going to go and see how things were and then send for others.  We will always come to Jesus Christ alone, but we should then reach out to others and invite them to come also.  

Verse three continues, Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.  The rest of the sons of different men brought others with them, and as sons of God through our faith in Jesus Christ, we need to attempt to bring others with us.  

Verse four states, Of the sons of Pahathmoab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males.  

Verse five adds, Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males.  

Verse six continues, Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males.  

Verse seven says, And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males.  

Verse eight adds, And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him fourscore males.  

Verse nine continues, Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males.  

Verse ten states, And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an hundred and threescore males. 

Verse eleven adds, And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty and eight males. 

Verse twelve adds, And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him an hundred and ten males.  

Verse thirteen continues, And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.  

Verse fourteen says, Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.  We see that there were different numbers from different families, just as there are different numbers from different families today that accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, and it doesn’t matter how big or how small the family is physically.  

Verse fifteen adds, And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava; and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.  Ezra gathered all the people together and at the river that ran into Ahava, and they camped there for three days.  He also looked at the people and the priests, and he saw that here were no Levites, the tribe of priests.   We are called to be a priesthood of believers, and when God’s people gather, we need to be with them, individually and hopefully as families as well.  Of course, to be a part of the priesthood of believers, we must first accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, and if you haven’t, why not do so today?  We would love to welcome you to the family.  

Ezra 7:24

Ezra 7:24 says, Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.  All of the people involved in the ministry were exempt from paying taxes, from the greatest to the least.  We know that church property in America is exempt from taxes, but those involved in ministry are not, and sometimes they could use this exemption the most.  At this time, it was good for the king to provide this provision, which prohibited others from taxing them.  

Verse twenty-five adds, And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.   Ezra was empowered to appoint judges and magistrates under the guidance of His God.  Even though not claiming to believe in Ezra’s God, the king acknowledged His wisdom and authority.  We need people in government today who act under the wisdom and power of God.

Verse twenty-six continues, And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.  The king also gave Ezra power to punish those who would not obey God’s law, including the right to impose a sentence of death on them.  Those who call themselves God’s people but refuse to obey His commandments are a threat to all Christians because they may lead them astray as well and therefore must not be ignored.  We as followers of Christ have a responsibility to not allow any false teaching that comes into the church.   

Verse twenty-seven states, 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:  Ezra now offers thanks and praise to God, giving Him credit for Artaxerxes giving the people of Israel the right and the ability to rebuild the Temple.  When good things happen for us today from whatever source, we must give God the credit.  Everything is His to start with, so whatever we are blessed with comes from Him. 

Verse twenty-eight adds, 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 then said that God had strengthened him and had His hand on him as he gathered the chief men of Israel to go with him to do the work.  If we are to be successful in reaching the lost with the gospel today, it must be done under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and we must always give God the credit for any success we have.  Of course, the first step is not to just acknowledge Him as a God, but as the only God, and to make Him your God by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.  I know I say this quite often, but it really is the only way to salvation, and until we do accept His gift of salvation, all the studying of the Bible will not help us.   

Ezra 7:19

Ezra 7:19 says, The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.  The vessels to be used in the Temple were also given to Ezra to be given to the God of Israel.  Matthew Henry says that Cyrus had already returned the vessels of the Temple, and these were in addition to them.  One day, everything good will be returned to God, but it is never about the material things.  What God really wants is people to put their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, and this is the only thing that we have power to keep from Him.  

Verse twenty adds, And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.  Artaxerxes also said that anything else that Ezra needed for the house of God he could get from his treasury.  He did not tell Ezra to get anything he might personally want from the treasury, but only those things needed for the restoration of the house of God.  We should never expect God to make us rich but should only expect Him to provide what we need to do His work.  

Verse twenty-one continues, And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,  Artaxerxes said that he had decreed that all those in charge of the treasury anywhere had been given orders to do provide Ezra with whatever he needed to restore the Temple and to do so quickly.  It would be wonderful if we had that same ability today with the government providing us with everything we need to do God’s work, but we are called on to act out of faith even when we aren’t sure how God will provide.  To do otherwise would be to live by sight and not by faith.  Also, when we know what God has called us to do, we need to start as soon as possible.  If we know beyond a doubt that God has called us to a particular task, the Holy Spirit will guide and empower us to do it in God’s time.   

Verse twenty-two says, Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.  This seems to set a very generous limit on how much was to be given to Ezra. We should not expect God to continue to bless us once He has met our needs, but I don’t believe there is a limit on how much He will provide us with if we are doing His will in life.  

Verse twenty-three adds, Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?  Artaxerxes said that they were to provide everything Ezra needed so that God would not show His wrath to his sons and himself.  Of course, we should never serve God out of fear of His wrath, though I believe some people do, but out of love for Him because of His making salvation available by putting our faith in His Son, Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. 

Ezra 7:11

Ezra 7:11 says, Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes to Israel. We have a record of the letter that Artaxerxes gave to Ezra.  This would be an authorization to not only go to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple but also to raise the funds to do so as we will see.  It is good to have the authority to do something for God, but it is better to have the funding provided as well.  

Verse twelve adds, Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.  Artaxerxes started by acknowledging that Ezra served the God of heaven as a priest and wished him perfect peace, which he was not experiencing from those who opposed his rebuilding the Temple.  Artaxerxes did not say that God was his God, but he did acknowledge His power.  The earthly authorities may not always acknowledge God as their God, but it is nice when they want those who serve Him to be at peace in the world.  

Verse thirteen continues, I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.  Artaxerxes made a decree that all the people of Israel who wanted to go of their own free will go to Jerusalem with Ezra.  They were captives who were given permission to leave their captivity.  Before we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, we are captives of sin, but once we accept Him, we are set free from the power of sin.  As with the people of Israel then, we must do so by our own free-will.  

Verse fourteen states, Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;  Ezra was told he had the authority of Artaxerxes and his counselors behind him, and more importantly he was knowledgeable about the law of God and obedient to Him.  We may be authorized to act in the name of the government, but more importantly we need to act under God’s authorization and in accordance with His law.  

Verse fifteen adds, And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,  Ezra was also given silver and gold by Artaxerxes and his counselors to the God of Israel.  These were the people who had defeated the people of Israel, but they were willing to donate to the rebuilding of God’s Holy City.   We need to be as willing as Christians to give freely so that God’s work can be carried out.  

Verse sixteen continues, And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:  Artaxerxes added that Ezra was free to use all the gold and silver that he could find in Babylon as well as any free-will offerings from the people.  This was very generous of someone who didn’t have to give them anything.  We will likely never have the same offer today as we do God’s work.  

Verse seventeen says, That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.  Artaxerxes said Ezra was to use the funds to quickly buy all that he needed to make sacrifices to God.  We also need to be willing to quickly use everything at our disposal to carry out God’s purpose for us and to worship Him.  

Verse eighteen adds, And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.  Ezra was basically told that the rest of the silver and gold were his to use however he saw fit in order to do God’s will.  We need to use whatever God blesses us with to do the work God calls us to and to bring honor and glory to Him. 

Ezra 7:1

Ezra 7:1 says, Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,  These next few verses trace Ezra’s ancestry back to Aaron, the brother of Moses and the chief priest in his day.  We really don’t have to trace our ancestry to any particular person to be a part of the priesthood of believers.  We simply have to be reborn through putting our faith in Jesus Christ, and this is the only relationship that will ever matter.  The next four verses will simply be listed, as they are a list of Ezra’s ancestors.  

Verse two adds, The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,  

Verse three continues, The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,  

Verse four continues, The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 

Verse five concludes. The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:  As already stated, these verses just trace Ezra back to Aaron.  

Verse six says, This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.   When Ezra went back to Israel from Babylon, he was already a scribe of the law of Moses, or the law which was given to him by God.  Even in captivity, Ezra had studied and followed God’s law.  As followers of Christ, wherever we may be, we must follow God’s law.  He had requested permission to return from the king and had been granted permission to do so.  We must never allow fear of those in power to intimidate us.  

Verse seven adds, And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.  Several other people of Israel, including priests, Levites, singers and porters went with Ezra.  If we do what God has called us to do, we may inspire others to do the same.   

Verse eight continues, And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.  Ezra got to Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.  He had to wait some time before he was allowed to return, but he used the time still serving God.  It may take us awhile to get to where God wants us, but in the meantime, we need to simply keep serving God where we are.  

Verse nine states, For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.  It took Ezra four months to get back to Jerusalem, and we are told that the good hand of His God was upon him.  As Christians, no matter where we are if we are obedient to God, His good hand is going to be on us. 

Verse ten adds, For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.  Ezra set his heart on seeking, keeping, and teaching the Law of God.  This should be our goal as Christians today.  Still, the first thing we must do is accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord.   

Ezra 6:16

Ezra 6:16 says, And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.  When the Temple was completed, all the people of Israel dedicated it with joy, even if they were still under the authority of foreign rulers and not under their own king.  We should rejoice in the Lord always, even if we find ourselves under the authority of a government that opposes God.  At least they had received permission to rebuild the Temple.  No matter what happens in the world today, we have God’s authority to build His kingdom by sharing the gospel.  

Verse seventeen adds, And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.  They offered an abundant sacrifice to God when thy dedicated the Temple, though it was nothing compared to what Solomon had offered in sacrifice when he had dedicated the first Temple.  Still, Matthew Henry says what they offered really cost them more in terms of what they had than what Solomon had offered cost him in terms of what he had.   God is going to look more at what we give in respect to what He has blessed us with than in terms of just the amount given. 

Verse eighteen continues, And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.  The priests and Levites began to serve in accordance with the responsibilities that God had assigned them.  They did this in accordance with the scriptures, or the Book of Moses, which is really the first five books of the Bible, that they had as God's written word then.  We need to serve where God calls us to serve in the church and we need to be guided by the scripture, the Bible, when we do.  

Verse nineteen states, And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.  They were still referred to as the children of the captivity because that is what they had been.  Still, now they were back in the Promised Land with the Temple rebuilt and they kept the Passover as they should have.  They had recently been delivered from their captivity in Babylon, and it was very appropriate to celebrate the deliverance of their ancestors out of Egypt.  We should celebrate even more our deliverance out of the bondage of sin by our putting our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord.  

Verse twenty adds, For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.  The priests and Levites were purified before they offered the Passover sacrifice for all the people, including all the priests and themselves.  We cannot purify ourselves, but if we put our faith in Jesus Christ, He can and will purify us before God, and when we do accept Him as our personal Savior and Lord, we become a part of the priesthood of believers.  

Verse twenty-one continues, And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat,  Not only were the Israelites who returned from captivity celebrating the Passover, but those from other nations who had come with them were as well.  God was never just the God of the people of Israel Who condemned all other nations, but He was and is the God Who calls all people to Him.  The people of Israel were not chosen to be superior to other people but to reach out to other people with God’s love.  This is our calling today as Christians as well.  We will always be but sinners saved by grace.  

Verse twenty-two concludes, And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.  God blessed them and made them joyful.  As followers of Christ, if we are not joyful, there is something wrong.  We should never allow the problems of the world to keep us from being a joyous people, but it seems to me that we too often do.  We are told that God turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them to allow them to return and rebuild the Temple.  We can be certain that all good things come from God.  Of course, we must first accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord in order to be freed from the captivity of sin.

Ezra 6:11

Ezra 6:11 says, Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.  Darius set a severe penalty for anyone who defied his decree.  Their house was to be torn down and they were to be hung from the timber of the house.  We don’t have such penalties for people harming God’s work today, but one day if they don’t repent and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, those who work against God will pay an even more devastating penalty.  They will forever be separated from God in everlasting torment.  

Verse twelve adds, And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.  Darius said that he had made this decree and that it applied to everyone.  He asked that God Who had caused His name to dwell there to destroy all kings and people who put their hand to alter or destroy the Temple, the house of God in Jerusalem.  He also asked that this be done quickly.  Of course, we know that the real Temple, the dwelling place of God, is not a building, but is the human heart.  So, those who would attempt to destroy those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and have the Holy Spirit indwelling their heart, will face the same everlasting destruction that those who destroyed the physical Temple of God faced.  

Verse thirteen continues, Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shetharboznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.  These rulers may have sent word to Daris hoping to stop the building of the Temple, but they were quick to follow his instructions when he sent word back that they were to support the Jews in their rebuilding of the Temple.  At times, the attempt of people to stop God’s work may backfire on them and cost them materially instead of stopping His work.  Of course, this is not always the case, and we as Christians should be content to follow God no matter what happens.  

Verse fourteen states, And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.   The Jews continued to build until the work was done.  They did so under the authorization of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, but most importantly they did so by the commandment of God.  It was nice that they had the authorization of all these kings, but it was imperative that they were obeying God’s commandment.  We as followers of Christ today must follow God’s commandments no matter what the people in power in the world may say.  

Verse fifteen adds, And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.  The Temple was finished in the sixth year of the reign of Darius.  We as Christians will never be finished in doing God’s work as long as we live or until the return of Jesus Christ in victory.  As always, the first step in doing God’s work is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord.

Ezra 6:6

Ezra 6:6 says, Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:  The reply was addressed to the governors beyond the river, who were the ones questioning the rebuilding of the Temple.  Matthew Henry says that Darius seemed to know that they were intending to hinder the rebuilding of the Temple, and he told them not to do so.  God will provide a way for His work to be done even in the face of opposition as long as His people are willing to be obedient to His call.  

Verse seven adds, Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.  Darius was even more explicit in his decree here.  I believe that God will always make His will clearly known as well.  Of course, once we as Christians know what He wants us to do, we must continue to be obedient to His command to us.  Had the people of Israel not started the rebuilding when they were told they could, the question of their right to do so would not have been raised.  

Verse eight continues, Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.  Darius expanded the decree to say that tribute paid to him, even from those beyond the river, was to be used to pay for the work.  Not only did they not get the work on the Temple stopped, but they were also told that they were going to help pay for it.  God will sometimes give us much more than what we expected if we are obedient to Him.  

Verse nine states, And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:  Those who had written to Darius to get the work stopped were then told that they were also to provide the things necessary for the people who were rebuilding the Temple to have everything necessary for making sacrifices to their God.  I believe they were probably wishing that they had not raised the issue by now.  I do know that one day those who have fought against God’s people will wish they hadn’t.  

Verse ten adds, That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.  Darius said he wanted the people of Israel to be able to offer sweet smelling sacrifices to God and to offer prayers for life of the king and his sons.  He never really acknowledged God as his God but did acknowledge His power as the God of heaven.  It is the responsibility of Christians to pray for those in power according to Matthew Henry and by my understanding of the Bible as well.  Of course, the only way for this to be of spiritual benefit to anyone is for them to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, and if you haven’t done so, why not do so today. 

Ezra 6:1

Ezra 6:1 says, Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.  The Jews who were rebuilding the Temple asked those telling them to stop to search the records for the decree of Cyrus stating that they were to rebuild it.  Of course, those opposing the rebuilding of the Temple were likely hoping that it either didn’t exist or wouldn’t be found.  We as followers of Christ must always do what God tells us to do, but it is always better if the laws of the land are with us instead of against us.  

Verse two adds, And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:  The decree was found in a scroll in Achmetha in the province of the Medes, not in Babylon.  Matthew Henry says that Darius didn’t use the fact that the decree wasn’t found in Babylon as an excuse for not searching elsewhere.  We need to pray that if we are ever in a situation where we need proof to support our authorization by governmental powers to do a certain work in the church that they will be looking for proof we are authorized to do what we are doing and not just go through the motions of doing so.

Verse three continues, In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;  The decree was from the first year of the reign of Cyrus, and told not only of his authorization but also gave the dimensions of the Temple that was going to be rebuilt.  The decree contained even more information than they had claimed.  Sometimes, God will give us more than we are expecting when we are doing His work.  Of course, I’m not too sure that He is going to give us what we need until we actually start doing what we say we believe He has called us to do.

Verse four states, With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king's house:  There was a continuation of the specifications for the Temple, and an added provision that it would be paid for from the king’s house.  Not only did those who were trying to stop the Jews from building not find a reason for the building of the Temple to be stopped, they found authorization for it to be paid for.  I believe that God will always provide what we need when we are doing His work.  

Verse five adds, And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the Temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the Temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.  Not only was the work to be paid for, but all the Temple vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar were to be returned.  We may have some things taken away from us in this lifetime by those attempting to stop God’s work, but when Christ returns, everything that is God’s will be restored to Him, especially His people, those who have put their faith in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.  

Ezra 5:11

Ezra 5:11 says, And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.  When asked their names, the men of Israel told who they were instead.  They were the servants of the most high God of heaven and earth, Who is also the only real God.  They said they were there to rebuild the house of God that had been built many years ago by the great king of Israel, who was not named but was Solomon.  Our names are not as important as our relationship with God and our obedience to Him.   Verse twelve adds, But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.  They then gave the reason for the need to rebuild the house of God, or Temple.  The people of Israel had turned away from God and provoked Him, so He allowed then to be defeated by Nebuchadnezzar and the Temple to be destroyed.  As Christians, we cannot turn away from God's will in our life and expect there to be no repercussions.  This does not mean that we will lose our salvation, which we can never do, but that we may lose the blessings that God would have given us in this lifetime.  Verse thirteen continues, But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.  They then said that even though Nebuchadnezzar had defeated them and taken them away captive, that Cyrus the king of Babylon had given them permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.  We also know that Jesus Christ referred to Himself as the Temple, that would be destroyed and rebuilt in three days, and this was accomplished with His crucifixion and resurrection on the third day.  We today do not worship in a particular building, nor are we called on to build one.  We worship the resurrected Lord, not by permission of man, but by the calling of God to accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord.  Verse fourteen states, And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the Temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the Temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the Temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;  Not only did Cyrus tell them to rebuild the Temple, but he returned the vessels of the Temple as well.  What we need to realize is that God had preserved these, and He will preserve us forever as well if we put our faith in Jesus Christ.  Verse fifteen adds, And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the Temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.  They said they were acting under the order of King Cyrus in bringing the vessels back and rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Whatever we are doing to build the kingdom of God today is done by His authority and if we obey His call, He will provide us with everything we need in order to accomplish what He calls us to do.  Of course, we must act in faith in order for this to be true.  Verse sixteen continues, Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.  They said Sheshbazzar came and began building the Temple, and that it still wasn't finished.  We as Christians are continuing the building of God's kingdom started by all those who have gone before us, and the work will never be finished until Jesus Christ returns.  Verse seventeen concludes, Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.  They said if they had questions, they should search the King Cyrus's records and see if this were not true. If people have questions about our spreading the gospel today, we can only refer them to the Bible, God's record of His work of restoration and calling of people to Him. This was accomplished by the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and faith in Him as one's personal Savior and Lord is the only way to claim God's gift of salvation.

Ezra 5:6

Ezra 5:6 says, The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:  Matthew Henry says these were neighbors of the people of Israel who had also fallen out of power. They had no problem with them rebuilding their houses, but when they started rebuilding the Temple, they felt the need to notify Darius.  People today may have no real concern about what Christians do in the secular world but then become concerned if we start doing great things for God. 

Verse seven adds. They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.  These two men decided to write to King Darius about what was happening.  Matthew Henry points out that they at least stuck to the facts.  If we are ever accused of doing some great work for God today, as individuals or as a nation, and people have a problem with what we are doing, we need to pray that they at least stick to the facts.  

Verse eight continues, Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.  They then said they went to where the building was being built and checked things out for themselves.  We should want people to come and check out what we are doing for God as the church today.  Hopefully, they will find us doing great things for God.  

Verse nine states, Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?  They then said they asked the elders who had authorized them to do the work.  We should not be surprised today if those who oppose God attempt to find a legal reason to stop Christians from doing works for God. 

Verse ten adds, We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them. They said they then asked the elders for their names so that they could give them to King Darius.  If work is going on for God today and people of the world were to ask for the names of those doing it, would we be there to give our name and would we boldly do so?  We should pray that the answer would be yes. Of course, in order to do anything for God, you must be a part of His kingdom, and in order to do so, you must accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. 

Ezra 5:1

Ezra 5:1 says, Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them. The rebuilding of the Temple had been stopped by the authority of men, but it was about to restart by the authority of God.  This was nine to fifteen years later according to Matthew Henry.  We as followers of Christ must never allow man-made laws to stop us from doing God's work, even for a short period of time.  Two prophets, Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to the people of Israel by the leadership and power of the Holy Spirit.  As Christians we today need to listen to the leadership of the Holy Spirit and act under His authority and power. 

Verse two adds, Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.  We are told two men, Zerubbabel and Jeshua, began to rebuild the Temple with the help of the prophets, though they had no governmental authority to do so.  We today, even if there are very few of us doing so, need to do what God has called us to do, even if it goes against governmental authority.  

Verse three continues, At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shetharboznai and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?  It didn't take long for the government officials to come to them and ask by whose authority were they rebuilding the Temple and wall.  If we go against the laws of man and follow the laws of God, it may not be long before we have government officials coming to us and asking us under whose authority are we acting. 

Verse four states, Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building? They then asked the names of the men building the building. If people asked today who is doing God's work, even if it is against man-made law, we need to pray that our name would be listed.  

Verse five adds, But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.  Since God was with them, those who were questioning them could not stop them.  Though these two rulers may have wanted to stop the rebuilding of the Temple, they couldn't do so without the authorization of Darius, and he was written concerning the matter. Actually, since God had told them to continue the work, it shouldn't have mattered what earthly ruler had authorized it.  We must always follow God's leadership no matter what. 

Ezra 4:17

Ezra 4:17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.  Having received a letter from Rehum, the king answered him.  Though the letter was based on lies, as we'll see, it would seem that the king at least attempted in some ways to verify its charges.  Of course, his best course of action would have been to go to Jerusalem and see what was being done.  If we have concerns about what is going on in the church today, our best course of action is to go and check out the source of our concern.  The king wished them peace, especially at such a time. We as Christians should live at peace even in perilous times because we are already victorious spiritually. 

Verse eighteen adds, The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.  The king said the letter had been read to him. Of course, this did not prove its validity.  We may read lots of things today professing to be the truth, but we need to prayerfully seek God's guidance to know if it really is the truth. 

Verse nineteen continues, And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein. The king said he searched the records of old and found out that the people of Israel had made insurrection against kings.  Of course, he didn't seem to understand that when the people of Israel went against other rulers it was at the direction of God.  We should not judge people today on what they as a nation may have done in the past.  We as Christians should also look at how God was working in the world at that time.  At times, God will lead His people to stand in opposition to a particular country and the rest of the world may condemn them for it. 

Verse twenty states, There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.  As the king said, at times there were mighty kings in Jerusalem that ruled over other countries, but this was only when the people of Israel were obedient to God.  If we want to be spiritually victorious in the world today, we must be obedient to God's will for our life. 

Verse twenty-one adds, Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.  The king told Rehum to command the people of Israel to quit rebuilding Jerusalem, even though they had really not done much that they had been accused of. People may command us to quit doing certain works for God today, and the question then is will we quit or obey God. 

Verse twenty-two continues, Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?  The king told Rehum to make sure he did this so that no damage would grow to the hurt of kings.  He was concerned if Jerusalem was rebuilt that Israel would go to war with other countries.  People of the world today often make false claims against Christians because they fear what would happen if we became too strong. Of course, we should always be reaching out to them with the love of Christ instead of trying to destroy them. 

Verse twenty-three says, Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.  Once Rehum and those with him got the letter from the king, they moved quickly against the people of Israel who were working on rebuilding the Temple.  If given the authority to do so, people of the world will often act as quick as possible in an attempt to stop Christians from doing God's work. 

Verse twenty-four adds, Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia.  The work on the Temple stopped.  If we are given the order to stop doing God's work today, will we stop until someone else tells us we can, or will we remain faithful to God?

Ezra 4:11

Ezra 4:11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.  Ezra had kept a copy of the letter sent to the king by those who opposed the Jews.  This meant it had to be hand-copied.  He felt it was important enough to preserve it.  Sometimes, we may have to go to some effort to make sure that what is said is true.  

Verse twelve adds, Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.  This is the actual content of the letter. Those who sent it claimed that the Jews had come to Jerusalem to build a bad and rebellious city, though they were only rebuilding the Temple. The letter said the Jews had rebuilt the wall, though they had yet to even start working on it.  We should never be surprised when people today make false claims about Christians.  We can present the truth of what we have actually said and done, and they will still claim otherwise.  

Verse thirteen continues, Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.  The letter then claimed that once the wall was set up again the Jews would quit paying tribute, or taxes, to the king.  If you want someone to take action, one of the quickest ways is to say that what someone is doing is hurting them financially.  We hear people say today that Christians do not pay their fair share of taxes, but as long as we aren't cheating, then there should be no reason for this claim to have merit. 

Verse fourteen states, Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;  The letter also said that if the Jews quit paying tribute, it was going to hurt those writing the letter financially as well and bring dishonor to the king.  Basically, they were worried about their maintenance from the king’s palace.  Those who are being financially rewarded by the government are always going to worry about those who in their opinion are not paying their fair share of the taxes.   I believe this is usually more personal than out of a real concern for the government. 

Verse fifteen adds, That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed. The letter said that if the king looked at history, he would see that the city of Jerusalem had been rebellious and seditious before, which wasn't true.  People too often try to rewrite history to make it support their beliefs. 

Verse sixteen adds, We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.  The letter warned that if the city and the walls of the city were rebuilt, that the king would no longer have any power on this side of the river.  Though we as Christians should never be a threat to the government, we are under the true power and authority in the world, and that is Jesus Christ.  By His death, burial, and resurrection, He claimed authority over everything, even death. Of course, God always had this authority, but had He just exerted it, mankind would have been doomed due to the sin of each individual, but through Jesus Christ's sacrifice on the cross, He made everlasting life with the Heavenly Father possible.

Ezra 4:4

Ezra 4:4 says, Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,  The people of Israel had been given permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall, but when they began to do so, they met with opposition from the countries around them.  If we are doing God's work, even if we have a legal right to do what we are doing, we can expect to meet with opposition from the world.  Still, we should never allow this to keep us from continuing to do what God has called us to do. 

Verse five adds, And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia. Those who opposed the rebuilding of the wall hired counselors to frustrate the people of Israel as they worked to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, from the days of Cyrus the king of Persia until the days of Darius the next king of Persia.  They were looking for a legal way to stop the building of the wall, and people today still look for legal ways to stop the church from growing.  They weren't giving up quickly or easily in their opposition to the wall being rebuilt, and people who oppose Christianity today will not give up on their opposition either. Of course, in order to do God's work, we must first become a part of His everlasting kingdom by putting our faith in Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. 

Verse six continues, And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.  After Cyrus died, those who opposed the rebuilding in Jerusalem wrote a letter to Ahasuerus or Artaxerxes as he is called in the next verse, complaining about the people of Judah and Jerusalem who were doing the work of rebuilding.  He knew very little about the people of Judah and Jerusalem or their God as Cyrus had.  Christians today may find their situation in the world and with those in power changing from time to time, and the less those in power know about God, the worse their situation may be.  

Verse seven states, And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.  This letter to Artaxerxes was written in the Syrian language.  I don't know if this really mattered, except that it wasn't written in Hebrew, the language of God's people and was also written in the language someone who didn't know God would understand.  I do know that those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord do not understand God's word, since understanding comes from God Himself. 

Verse eight adds, Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort: We are told the names of those who did the actual writing of the letter.  One was Rehum the chancellor and the other was Shimei the scribe.  I would suppose Rehum dictated and Shimshai put the words down on paper, which is much the way the Bible was written.  God dictated the words of the Bible, and many different authors wrote them down.  We either accept this fact or to us the Bible becomes less than what it really is. 

Verse nine continues, Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites, This verse simply identifies some other people who were involved in writing the letter. I believe we can accurately say that those who oppose God will always have others that support them in their opposition.  

Verse ten concludes And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnapper brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.  The people of several other cities or nations who opposed God's people were named, and we know that there are many nations that stand against God and His people today.  There are only two sides.  There are those who stand against God, and those who by faith Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord stand for Him.

Ezra 4:1

Ezra 4:1 says, Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the Temple unto the Lord God of Israel;  As the people of Israel were starting to build the Temple, they met opposition not from their known enemies but from those who considered themselves a part of Israel, the Samaritans. They considered themselves to be the true Israelites according to Matthew Henry and looked on the true Israelites with suspicion.  I do know that there was a lot of animosity on the part of each group towards the other.   Still, as followers of Christ, we should not look on ourselves as being better than anyone else for any earthly reason.  No one is saved because they deserve to be.  There are still groups today who profess themselves to be the true Christians, even as they change God's word, and they look on true Christians as being unsaved. Verse two adds, Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither. They came to Zerubbabel claiming worship the same God and offering to help build the Temple.  Matthew Henry says that even though they had professed to worship the same God that they worshipped other gods as well.  We cannot allow those who follow false teachings to insert themselves into the church today claiming to worship the same God. There is but one God, and anyone who believes anything else is not a part of the family of God and we need to make sure that they never gain power in the church. On the other hand, if they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, which is the only way to salvation, and offer to help, even if they are somehow different than us in some earthly way, we should not refuse their help.  All Christians are spiritually the same and none is better than any other because of worldly standards.  Verse three continues, But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.  Zerubbabel and Joshua and the other elders told them that they had nothing to do with the building of the Temple, and anyone who isn't a Christian still doesn't have any part in building the church today. God's church cannot be built by those who hold beliefs that are not in accordance with God's word. Still, the good news is that if they accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord, then they are a part of His family and can begin helping in the building of the church. 

Ezra 3:10

 Ezra 3:10 says, And when the builders laid the foundation of the Temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.  When the foundation of the Temple of the Lord was laid, the priests began to rejoice with trumpets and cymbals.  As I have said before, the people of Israel rejoiced a lot with the use of musical instruments, and even though some Christians today do not want any musical instrument played in church, I believe that God has always expected His people to rejoice with the use of musical instruments.  Some people believe that only certain instruments should be played in church, but we read in the Bible that many different instruments were played, and I believe that it is the attitude of worship when instruments are played and not the instrument itself that is important.  They did this we are told in accordance with the ordinance of David, which I believe God led him to.  Verse eleven adds, And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.  They not only played instruments, but they sang praises to God.  I am a lyric man myself more than a music man, and I like the old hymns, but I also enjoy the new songs if they have a good message in them.  The people shouted to God because the foundation of the Temple was laid.  We today as Christians should shout praises because Jesus Christ Himself is the foundation of the Temple of God.  As stated here, they gave thanks because the Lord is good, and His mercy endures forever. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, His mercy to us endures forever, and that should make us want to shout out the good news.  Verse twelve continues, But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy: Many of those who had seen the first temple began to weep loudly because as Matthew Henry says they believed it would be inferior to the original, but also some who had never seen the first temple shouted aloud with joy.  What we today need to celebrate is that Jesus Christ removed the need for a physical temple and His gift of salvation by faith in His sacrifice on the cross is superior to any man-made temple.  As a matter of fact, as Christians our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and this should cause us to continually sing praises to God.  Verse thirteen concludes, So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.  It was hard to tell the noise of weeping from the noise of joy and it was heard afar off. Sometimes, worship may cause us to weep as we remember that Jesus Christ died for us, but it should also lead us to rejoice because He was willing to do so. 

Ezra 3:1

Ezra 3:1 says, And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.  The people of Israel had returned to their cities, which as Matthew Henry points out were pretty much in ruins.  They had a lot of work to do and could have put that above serving and worshipping God, as many people do today.  Still, without anyone summoning them, the gathered in Jerusalem as one man.  It was unusual, but they were unified in preparing to serve and worship God instead of grumbling and complaining.  We as Christians need to be unified in doing God's work and worshipping Him without grumbling and complaining.  

Verse two adds, Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.   Jeshua, the high priest and the other priests built an altar to God to offer burnt sacrifices on.  They may not have had a Temple or even a tabernacle but that didn't stop them from worshipping God. We may not have a building in which to worship God, but we can easily have an altar, a place dedicated to God.  

Verse three continues, And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening.   Even though we are told that they feared the people around them, they offered burnt offerings to God in the morning and in the evening.  We should never allow fear of the people of the world to stop us from worshipping God and we should worship Him all day long in everything we do.  

Verse four states, They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;  They observed the Feast of Tabernacles as God's word said it should be observed.  We need to make sure that our worship services are in accordance with God's word.  

Verse five adds, And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.  They kept a continual burnt offering going and observed all the feasts that God's word called for, and they willingly offered free will offerings to God.  We today as Christians are not forced to offer anything to God, but we should willingly give to support the church.  If we understand that everything that God blesses us with is already His, then we should have no problem in giving back to Him since He has blessed us with everything.  

Verse six continues, From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord. But the foundation of the Temple of the Lord was not yet laid.  They were giving and offering burnt offerings to God, but the foundation of the Temple of the Lord was not yet laid.  We do not need to worry about church buildings in order to worship God.  All we have to do is accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord and then be led by the Holy Spirit.

Ezra 2:1

Ezra 2:1 says, Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;  This is listing of all the people of Israel that returned from captivity in Babylon after 70 years of exile.  They were to be in better shape than when they were in exile, but still not as glorious as before.  If we as followers of Christ fall into sin once again, we will be restored if we confess our sins and ask forgiveness, but we may not be as effective in the eyes of the world as we were before. 

Verse two adds, Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:  After being told some of the leaders of Israel during the return, most of the rest of the chapter simply lists the people by family, so I am gong to simply list them.  

Verse three says, The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred  seventy and two.  

Verse four adds, The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.  

Verse five continues, The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.  

Verse six states, The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve.  

Verse seven adds, The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four. 

 Verse eight continues, The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.  

Verse nine says, The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.  

Verse ten adds, The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.  

Verse eleven continues, The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.  

Verse twelve states, The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two. 

Verse thirteen adds, The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.  

Verse fourteen continues, The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.  

Verse fifteen says, The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.  

Verse sixteen adds, The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.  

Verse seventeen continues, The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.  

Verse eighteen states, The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.  

Verse nineteen adds, The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.  

Verse twenty continues, The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.  

Verse twenty-one says, The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.  

Verse twenty-two adds, The men of Netophah, fifty and six.  

Verse twenty-three continues, The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.  

Verse twenty-four states, The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.  

Verse twenty-five adds, The children of Kirjatharim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty and three.  

Verse twenty-six continues, The children of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.  

Verse twenty-seven says, The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two. 

Verse twenty-eight adds, The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.  

Verse twenty-nine continues, The children of Nebo, fifty and two.  

Verse thirty states, The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.  

Verse thirty-one adds, The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.  

Verse thirty-two continues, The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.  

Verse thirty-three says, The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.  

Verse thirty-four adds, The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.  

Verse thirty-five continues, The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty. 

Verse thirty-six states, The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.  

Verse thirty-seven adds, The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two. 

Verse thirty-eight continues, The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.  

Verse thirty-nine says, The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.  

Verse forty adds, The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy and four. 

Verse forty-one continues, The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.  

Verse forty-two states, The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.  

Verse forty-three adds, The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,  

Verse forty-four continues, The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,  

Verse forty-five says, The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub, 

Verse forty-six adds, The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of Hanan,  

Verse forty-seven continues, The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,  

Verse forty-eight states, The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam, 

Verse forty-nine adds, The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,  

Verse fifty continues, The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,  

Verse fifty-one says, The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,  

Verse fifty-two adds, The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,  

Verse fifty-three continues The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Thamah, 

Verse fifty-four states, The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha. 

Verse fifty-five continues, The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, 

Verse fifty-six says, The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,  

Verse fifty-seven adds, The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.  

Verse fifty-eight continues, All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.  

Verse fifty-nine states, And these were they which went up from Telmelah, Telharsa, Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:  

Verse sixty adds, The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.  

Verse sixty-one continues, And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:  

Verse sixty-two says, These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.  Some of this particular group who were children of priests tried to register as part of the priesthood but were consider polluted because their names could not be found in the genealogy records.  We cannot be a part of the priesthood of believers if our name is not written in the Lambs Book of Life.  

Verse sixty-three adds, And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim. 

Verse sixty-four continues, The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,  

Verse sixty-five states, Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two hundred singing men and singing women.  

Verse sixty-six adds, Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two hundred forty and five;  

Verse sixty-seven continues, Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.  

Verse sixty-eight says, And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in his place:  

Verse sixty-nine adds, They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.  

Verse seventy concludes, So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.   I debated on the best way to discuss these verses, and there really is little to add except that quite often in the Bible, God had His people numbered, or counted, so maybe it is a good thing if we count the number of people in the church today as long as we don’t do it to boast about how many people attend our local fellowship compared to others.  I believe it is a good thing to know how many of us there are in a particular congregation and in the church as a whole.  Also, after numbering the people, we are told that even as they were returning from exile, that the people gave to the treasure of the work as they were able, and I believe this tells us that even if we have been suffering financially, we should still give to God's work as we are able.  So, I guess these verses speaking of Israel's return from exile basically deal with two things we never seem to want to talk about, and that is numbers and giving.  It seems to me that these were important things to God then and maybe they should be important to us today as well. Of course, in order to return to the land that God had given them, they had to be a part of God's people to begin with.

Ezra 1:7

Ezra 1:7 says, Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;  Not only did Cyrus authorize the rebuilding of the Temple, he returned all the vessels of the Temple that Nebuchadnezzar had seized and put in the temple of his gods.  Though these vessels of God had been held by a pagan king and probably used in the worship of pagan gods, they were still preserved. People may seize the things of God today and use them in the worship of other gods, but they can never permanently destroy them and one day they will be returned to God. For example, some people misuse God's word to promote ideas that are in opposition to their meaning, but we are told and thereby should know that God's word will never change in its meaning. Like these Temple vessels, it has been preserved for us for centuries. Sometimes, we just need to reclaim it in its meaning as revealed by God. 

Verse eight adds, Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. Cyrus returned these vessels to Sheshbazzar, after having the treasurer number them.  Matthew Henry points out that Sheshbazzar, which he says means joy in tribulation is the Babylonian name for Zerubbabel which means a stranger in Babylon.  I can say that we as Christians should have joy in tribulation that comes from those people who do not believe in God because of our relationship with God and that we will always be strangers in this world.  The next three verses simply list the items returned. 

Verse nine says, And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives, 

Verse ten adds, Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand. 

Verse eleven concludes, All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.  This was quite an expensive amount of vessels that somewhere along the line could have been melted down just for their monetary value, but God had preserved them, and Cyrus willingly returned them.  God will always preserve what is His, and that especially means those who are His by accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord.

Ezra 1:1

Ezra1:1 says, Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,  This was after the Babylonnians had been defeated in fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy. These had been very bleak years for the people of Israel under the harsh rule of Nebuchadnezzar. They had no king and no Temple and if they sang hymns of praise they were mocked.  Still, as Matthew Henry points out, they had prophets. We today sometimes face ridicule for worshipping God and in some places in the world it is unlawful to worship God at all.  Now, this time was coming to an end.  We are told that the Spirit of the Lord stirred up Cyrus, the king of Persia, even though Cyrus did not really believe in God.  God can and does work through those who do not even believe in Him.  

Verse two adds, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. We were told that Cyrus made a proclamation, and here we are told what it was.  Cyrus said that the Lord of heaven had given him all the kingdoms of the earth which would acknowledge God's sovereignty. This occurred in his first year of reigning over Babylon, and not his first year ruling Persia.  Cyrus said that God had charged him with building Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.  We do not need to question how God accomplishes His work, but we only need faith that He will.  

Verse three continues, Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.  Cyrus asked who there was among them who was willing to do what their God was commanding.  We as God's people need to go where God sends us when He sends us. Cyrus said that those whom God called should go to Jerusalem and build His house there.  Hopefully, when God's work needs to be done, He will not have to use non-believers to get Christians to moving to do His work.  

Verse four states, And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.  Cyrus did not leave those who were not going out of the work.  They were to supply silver and gold, beasts and goods and freewill offerings to help those who did go.  We may not all be able to go to where God's work needs to be done, but we can all help support those who do.  Some will be able to help more than others, but we can all do something under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.  

Verse five adds, Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.  Those that God called, the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, the priests and Levites, and all that God's Spirit moved, left for Jerusalem to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem. Once God calls us, we need to move as the Holy Spirit directs us. 

Verse six adds, And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.  Those who didn't go willingly gave to help those who did.  God never forces us to give to support His work, but if we cannot go, I believe He expects us to willingly give to support those who do.

Mark Review

Mark does not deal with the birth and childhood of Jesus but starts with the beginning of His ministry.  Mark has been called more of a book of action than some of the other Gospels.  Mark begins with the ministry of John the Baptist which he points out was a fulfillment of a prophesy.  John preached and baptized people to prepare them for the coming Messiah, whose sandals he said he was unworthy to even unlatch.  We are still just as unworthy.  Jesus came to John to be baptized, and as soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove, and a Voice came down from heaven saying, "Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Father, Son and Holy Spirit were all present, because They are One.  Jesus was immediately tempted by the Devil, but He was victorious.  Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, we can expect to be immediately tempted to try and keep us from making Him our Lord as well.  We have a record of John the Baptist being beheaded. We have the record of Jesus calling His disciples, not all at once but over time.  We are not all called to follow Jesus at the same time.  We have a record of the miracles Jesus performed, and of the times that the disciples doubted or became self-centered, and this can still happen today.  We have a record of Peter’s great faith and later great denial of even knowing Jesus, because he as yet did not know the resurrected Lord.  Until we have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we at best will waver in proclaiming our faith in Him and denying Him the next time trouble comes.  We have a record of Jesus’s agonizing prayer in the Garden while the disciples with Him, Peter who was named the Rock for his faith and James and John who wanted to sit on Jesus’s right and left hand in His kingdom couldn’t even stay awake for an hour. We have a record of Jesus instituting the Lord’s Supper, and of His betrayal by Judas shortly thereafter.  We have a record of Jesus’s death, burial and resurrection on the third day, and of the women finding the empty tomb and receiving the good news of His resurrection.  Then, we have a record of the ascension of Jesus into heaven and the disciples going to preach the Gospel to all men.  This is our task today.  This is not all that Mark tells us, but it is a few of the points that we find in Mark.  Next, we will look at Ezra.