Friday, April 4 – Ezra 7, 8

1. Why was it so important for Ezra to return to Jerusalem despite the privileges he enjoyed beside the king in Babylon?

2. God used a pagan king to issue the decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem. How does this reflect on us as Christians?

3. Why did Ezra proclaim a fast to humble himself and seek God’s guidance correctly? (Ezra 8:21, NKJV)

Ezra returned to Jerusalem in the fifth month of King Artaxerxes I’s seventh year (Ezra 7:8), which is generally dated to around 457 B.C. The same year, the king issued a decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild the temple of God. Sixty years had passed between the events in Ezra 6:6 and 7:1. Despite the privileges and comfort he enjoyed in Babylon, Ezra understood that God had appointed him for a greater purpose. He was not content to remain in his position without fulfilling his divine mission.

It is easy for people to grow comfortable in a secure position and forget the greater calling in their lives. However, Ezra knew that Babylon was not his true home. He was responsible to his people, and he saw his role not as an end but as serving God’s greater plan. Though he served King Artaxerxes with dignity, he never lost sight of his ultimate allegiance to God. The Bible states, “Ezra came up from Babylon; and he was a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6, NKJV). His time in Babylon had not changed his heart or commitment to God’s law.

Ezra was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, making him part of the priestly lineage. This background gave him authority among the Jews, not only as a scribe but also as a spiritual leader. His role was critical in restoring Jewish religious practices and law, which had been neglected during their exile.

One remarkable aspect of Ezra’s journey is how God used a pagan king to accomplish His divine purpose. Artaxerxes was not a follower of the God of Israel, yet God worked through him to issue the decree that allowed the second return of the Jews. Often, people assume that God will only work through spiritual leaders or believers to fulfill His plans. However, Scripture repeatedly demonstrates that God is sovereign over all people and can use anyone, whether believer or unbeliever, to bring about His will. This truth is reinforced in 1 Corinthians 1:27: “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.”

Artaxerxes not only permitted Ezra to return to Jerusalem, but he also provided resources for the journey. The king ordered that “all the treasurers of the region beyond the River” should give Ezra whatever he requested, including up to one hundred talents of silver, one hundred kors of wheat, one hundred baths of wine, one hundred baths of oil, and salt without limit (Ezra 7:21-22). In today’s economy, the estimated total value of these gifts would be approximately $3,027,744, with silver being the most valuable contribution.

Despite receiving such generous provisions, Ezra understood that human resources alone were insufficient. He recognized the need for divine guidance and protection. Before setting out on the journey, Ezra proclaimed a fast, saying, “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions” (Ezra 8:21). This act demonstrated Ezra’s deep reliance on God rather than on material wealth or royal favor.

Ezra’s decision to fast and seek God’s guidance is significant. Traveling from Babylon to Jerusalem was a long and dangerous journey. The route was filled with potential dangers, including bandits, wild animals, and difficult terrain. Though he had received the king’s approval and resources, he understood that true success would only come through God’s protection and blessing. By humbling himself before God, Ezra set an example for the people, showing them that their trust should be in God above all else.

The story of Ezra’s return teaches several valuable lessons. First, it reminds us that we are often placed in positions of influence for a greater purpose. Like Ezra, we must remain faithful to God’s calling, even when comfort and security tempt us to stay where we are. Second, it demonstrates that God can use anyone, even those outside the faith, to accomplish His plans. Artaxerxes was a pagan king, yet God worked through him to provide for His people. Finally, Ezra’s reliance on prayer and fasting highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all things.

Ultimately, Ezra’s journey was not just about returning to a physical place; it was about restoring spiritual commitment among God’s people. His leadership, faith, and dedication played a crucial role in reestablishing worship in Jerusalem, setting the stage for further spiritual renewal among the Jews.

May you be abundantly blessed today.