Yesterday, we saw that Ezra's mission from Artaxerxes was accomplished. Today, we see that his mission from the LORD was just beginning. Recall from chapter 7 that Ezra set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to obey it and to teach it to others. We noted back then that there was a special need for faithful preachers

In a matter of a few months, Ezra has obtained permission from Artaxerxes king of Persia to gather exiled Jews and lead them back to Jerusalem, gained financial support for his enterprise, organized the expedition, made the arduous journey and brought the treasures into the Temple. The last two verses of chapter 8 demonstrate the completion of Ezra's endeavors so

We have read previously of the search for Levites to come along on this journey as well as of the fast Ezra proclaimed. Between these events and the general organizing of the expedition, the people are encamped by the river Ahava for twelve days before setting out. As we learned back in chapter seven, the journey would take nearly four

As the people prepare to leave on the journey to Jerusalem, Ezra entrusts the offerings for the Temple to the oversight of twelve priests. This is an enormous responsibility as the amount of treasure is immense. The silver, alone, was over 25 (standard US) tons. Exhorting them to guard these treasures well, Ezra reminds the priests, "You are holy to

As Ezra prepared to lead an expedition from Babylonia to Jerusalem, he gathered those who were going at the side of a river or canal that ran into the Euphrates. As we have seen before, King Artaxerxes provided him with enormous amounts of money and supplies for the support of the worship of the LORD. Ordinarily, carrying large amounts of

As Ezra prepares to lead this expedition of returning exiles, he gathers them at "the river that runs to Ahava." We do not know precisely where this was, but can safely assume it was a small river or canal that ran into the Euphrates. While they camped there for three days, Ezra took account of who had gathered with him.

In today's reading, Ezra records the names of several leading Israelites who accompanied him from the lands of exile to Jerusalem. Many of these leaders bring with them significant numbers of men. As most of these likely brought wives and children with them, we can estimate that several thousand men, women, and children prepared to make the journey to Jerusalem.

The most common theme of Ezra is the theme of God's sovereignty. The LORD is in control of all things. As we have seen, He even uses the actions and intentions of mankind, whether noble or sinful, to accomplish His righteous will. Recognizing this, Ezra breaks forth into praise of the LORD. It was the LORD who put it into

Because of God's grace and providential care of His people, Ezra finds favor in the sight of Artaxerxes king of Persia. The king and his seven counselors (men who held a hereditary position close to the king because they were of the families of the seven conspirators who overthrew the impostor, Smerdis, and placed Artaxerxes' grandfather, Darius, on the throne)

Today, we learn something of Ezra's motives for moving to Jerusalem. In the seventh year of Artaxerxes' reign (about 458 B.C.), Ezra sets out on his journey from Babylonia. Accompanying him are several other Israelites, some of whom are priests, others are Levites who are the hereditary singers and gatekeepers in the Temple, as well as some Temple servants. (The