This is my final Article/Lesson concerning the Old Testament Book of Ezra.
Remember, his name means “help!” Based on this fact: “ezer” (you can easily see Ezra embedded in this little word) in Hebrew means “to help, to succor.” And the Latin verb “succurrere” means “to run,” indicating God can speedily come to our side … especially in times of need!)
Ezra (the Book) consists of 10 chapters, 280 verses, which equate to 27,441 words!
Ezra shows how God kept His promise … by allowing the Jews (who chose to do so) to return from Babylon to Judea after 70 years of captivity!
Ezra chronologically follows the Book of Second Chronicles, with the ending of Chronicles matching the beginning of Ezra. Look in your Bibles at this linkage! It’s unique.
This return from Babylon has at times been called Israel’s “Second Exodus!”
Now get this! Of the two to three million Jews estimated to have been living in Babylon (now called Persia) … only about 50,000 of them returned to Israel! They had become that “lukewarm!” Just a remnant!
This fact shows how very important it was that the godly line (blood line) be maintained in all purity (in anticipation of Jesus’ Virgin Birth) … with so few Jews heartily dedicated to God!
Between Ezra chapter 6 and chapter 7 (recording the works of both Zerubbabel and Ezra, two distinctive leaders) a time period of 50-60 years lapsed!
Historically speaking, while Ezra ministered in Israel (Judah) other so-called (but inferior) world leaders were born and lived: Buddha in India! Confucius in China! And Socrates in Greece!
Then if it helps … it took 21 years to build the Temple … after the little handful returned! Why so long? Because of a 14 year delay in the project, due to opposition! So, the actual work time was 7 years! It was called Zerubbabel’s Temple by many.
And finally this. The Persian King whose heart God “touched” … who allowed the Jews to be set free from captivity … Cyrus by name … was mentioned by Isaiah 200 years before such a release occurred! Isaiah 44:24, 28 … “Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself … THAT SAITH OF CYRUS, he is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.” Wow, a miracle indeed!
More could be written, but enough has been said to declare Ezra an absolutely amazing Book of Scripture! One from which I plan (the Lord willing) to preach in days ahead!
Hallelujah!
Or maybe better yet, Selah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell