Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Bible Study Notes in Ezra- Chapter 5


Ezra 5

 

-There is a sequence of events that important to note here in this chapter as the work resumes on rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple of the Living God. Note first that God speaks through His prophets Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 5:1). Second, the men of God take the word and run with it to complete what God had spoken. This was Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Ezra 5:2). They had the courage to begin rebuild again after they had been halted under Artaxerxes’ proclamation (see Ezra 4). There was again resistance from foreign authorities, namely Tattenai governor of the province beyond the River, also Shethar-bozenai and their colleagues (Ezra 5:3, 6). Nevertheless, and this is the third important event in sequence, the work continued as the Eye of God was on the elders of the Jews so as not to stop the progression of the work on His House (Ezra 5:5).

-A report was sent to King Darius, which was an honest representation of what the Jews told their Gentile rulers as to the reconstruction process. A request for the decree issued by King Cyrus was given so that a decision could be made as to letting them work on the Temple or not (Ezra 5:7-17).

-*Application* All things that the LORD calls us to and allows will be done decently and in order. When things are truly of His Spirit, it will just flow and smoothness will occur no matter how daunting the circumstances. Seek God first on every matter you face. Then, when you hear His prophetic Word, act upon it trusting that all will be well. This, as we will see in the next chapters, will bring success and blessing for the Kingdom of God!

 

Verse to Memorize: Ezra 5:1-2

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