Ezra 7 finally introduces us to the person of Ezra. A scribe skilled in the law of Moses, Ezra’s determination to study, obey, and teach the Word of God was critical to the reformation of the people. We are called to be skilled and obedient to the Scriptures if it is our desire to reform our family, church, and community.
They Kept The Passover
The Passover Feast is a beautiful shadow of the reality of the sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God. The people returning from the exile from Babylon celebrated the Passover in Jerusalem for the first time in decades. The Lamb is our substitute, and provides the opportunity for salvation.
Work! It's Worth It!
When opposition to the building of the temple came, the people relented and the work stopped. After months of inactivity, God sent the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to rebuke them for their inactivity. As a result, the people returned to work and the temple was finished. The encouragement to us it is always worth it to serve the Lord.
Joyful Memories, Hopeful Dreams
As the exiles returned home from Babylon, they immediately began to worship God through the offering of sacrifices and the celebration of the Feast of Booths. As they joyfully remembered what God had done, they looked forward to what He would do when Messiah came. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of those hopeful dreams. He is the living water who satisfies our spiritual thirst.
God and the Exiles
Why does God record long lists of names so often in the Bible? In listing the names of the returning families from Babylon, we learn much about the character of God. God ‘s faithfulness, eternal nature and attention to detail reveals that He cares deeply for each of us.