Good morning, I hope this day brings you joy. Today we will begin our fifteenth book. That is a nice accomplishment. Until now, the books have been long, except for Ruth. Now things are going to move much faster.
The challenge in that is we get accustomed to a writing style. The first five books were all penned my Moses. Now they’re going to change often. But not today.
Scholars believe Ezra was the chronicler of Chronicles.
Today we will read Ezra 1-3.
Respect Authority
The last paragraph in 2 Chronicles discussed how the Persians had taken control from Nebuchadnezzer and now Cyrus is the king.
This book opens in verse 1:1, with this being the first year of Cyrus.
Though not a Jew, it says the Lord moved his heart. God is the Lord of all creation. Our belief in Him does not change this immutable fact. Our lack of reverence does not diminish His authority.
One day, we will all kneel before Him (see 2:10-11).
Therefore, He places on Cyrus’s heart the need to let the Israelites return to Jerusalem.
What strikes me is the wording in Ezra 1:2. Cyrus states, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth.”
Avoid Satan
This is very close to the wording of Satan when he tempted Jesus. In Matt 4:8-9, it says, 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”
I’m not saying Satan was directing Cyrus, but pointing out how Satan mimics God when he is trying to tempt us.
Therefore, we must be careful not to follow false prophets and modern day preachers who twist scripture. The enemy knows how to impersonate God, and will fool us if we are not careful.
My wife and I enjoy a guilty pleasure of watching a television show called Ghosts. Whether the English version or the US version, it is hilarious.
Last week, they had a character return from hell as a minion of the devil and trick Jay, the husband of the person who can interact with the ghosts.
They make light of the fact that Jay wanted his restaurant to thrive, and he is getting everything he ever dreamt of. Then finds out he sold his soul.
We may laugh and think this only happens in fiction, but we know Satan tried to tempt Jesus.
I know of a person who has been in ninety-five Hollywood productions, some popular movies, and television series. He is an insider, who knows of many famous people who have sold their souls to the devil.
This is not a matter we should be laughing at.
Returning
Getting back to Cyrus, the Lord leads him to let the Israelites return and rebuilt Jerusalem. He even provides the materials they will need. Then he returns the items Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple.
When God changes a person’s heart, even an enemy can become an ally.
People may tire of fighting against someone and just let them go away.
Three times, I ended my marriages because the effort wasn’t worthwhile.
We know this was a God inspired, heartfelt action by Cyrus’s generosity.
Take Inventory
Ezra then gives a count of the articles, and the people that were returning.
In verse 2:62, there are some priests who don’t have records of their genealogy.
Because the Levites consider them unclean, they prevent them from joining in the blessing until consecration.
I also found it interesting that there were only about six Israelites to each slave (see v2:62-65) This tells me they must have treated them well, otherwise a revolt would have been possible.
The numbering of the singers after the slaves and before the animals is also funny. Does that show their position in society? Not livestock, but less than a servant.
There were one-hundred-twenty-eight musicians, the descendants of Asaph listed in v2:41. They did not count the singers with the musicians.
Strength Isn’t in Numbers
Israel came out of Egypt with two to three million people. Approaching towns and villages was intimidating, given their reputation for having God on their side.
There was still a lot of fear. Remember, only Joshua and Caleb would enter Canaan, but they moved on with power.
Now, we have a tiny group moving back into an area their ancestors had left seventy years before.
Their reputation is that of a group of people whom someone captured.
Now, they had fear (v3:3) but they worked past it.
With danger all around them, they rebuilt the altar, offered sacrifices and sang praise. The people now held those musicians in high regard.
Some people remembered what it was like before they left. They wept to see the ruin. Other people did not remember, or focused on, the promise which the future held. They rejoiced.
The noise of their worship was so loud it was impossible to distinguish the sounds of each (v3:13). Even with danger on all sides, they made their presence known.
How many of us go to work and keep our faith hidden? Afraid that if people knew we were Christians, they might not do business with us.
We join them in celebrations and at company parties with drinking and carousing. Knowing we are out of place, but keeping to ourselves because to do otherwise could jeopardize our career.
Why has assuring safety in our free country vanished when expressing our faith?
Tomorrow we will read Ezra 4-7