Ezr 5:1

Ezr 5: “The unexpected opposition to the work of God discouraged the people. If any of the wall had been set up (Ezr 4:2), it had now been broken down (Ezr 2:17; Nah 2:17). The foundations of the temple if built (Ezr 3:10) had to be again restored for building (Hag 2:18). The people had dispersed to the cities (Ezr 2:70), claiming the time had not come for building (Hag 1:4). A spirit of gross materialism set in. Houses were built and glamorised (Hag 1:4), and every effort was made to build up personal wealth (Hag 1:6), but there was no true prosperity (Zec 8:9-18). A succession of bad seasons left the people impoverished (Hag 1:10,11) and completely dispirited. Haggai’s message was ‘Consider your ways!’ But in Ezr 5, the work is resumed. The two chapters in Ezra combine the faithful actions of the people (Ezr 5), and the authoritative commands of the Persian monarch (Ezr 6)” (GEM).

Ezr 5:2

SET TO WORK TO REBUILD THE HOUSE OF GOD: The AV has “began”, but there had already been a beginning — this was ANOTHER beginning, after some considerable delay.

Ezr 5:5

THE EYE OF THEIR GOD WAS WATCHING OVER THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS: Although the eye of God perceives everything that is sinful about us, nevertheless the reason for His perceptive observance is that He is a caring Father: Psa 32:8; 33:18; 34:15; 1Pe 3:12.

2Ch 36:1

2Ch 36: “This last ch brings to a conclusion the Davidic monarchy, in the dismal environment of ecclesial failure. This is encapsulated in the lives of the kings of Judah following righteous king Josiah. He was the last of the courageous monarchs who endeavoured to bring the nation back from apostasy. Josiah’s rule was righteous, but being based on obedience to law, did not reach the ‘hearts and reins’ of the people. Thus, the opening v of 2Ch 36 epitomises the attitude of the people. ‘Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz’ (v 1). They acted for their own interests and found Jehoahaz was to commence the final plunge downwards. He was the king of retribution (vv 1-4). He was followed by Jehoiakim, the irreligious egotist (vv 5-8). Jehoiachin was the despised broken idol (vv 9,10). Zedekiah became the vacillating king (vv 11-13). Then the record shows the spiritual decadence of the nation (vv 14-16), the destruction of Jerusalem (vv 17-21). The final section of the ch foreshadows a change by divine decree — the king of the east who provided for the rebuilding of Jerusalem (vv 22,23). Cyrus stands as a type of Christ, who shall complete the typical work of the past, when he makes Jerusalem the throne of Yahweh, and brings to this earth a recognition of the righteous holiness of Yahweh” (GEM).

2Ch 36:6

NEBUCHADNEZZAR… ATTACKED HIM AND BOUND HIM WITH BRONZE SHACKLES TO TAKE HIM TO BABYLON: But he died before being transported there (Jer 22:18,19; 36:30).

2Ch 36:8

THE DETESTABLE THINGS HE DID AND ALL THAT WAS FOUND AGAINST HIM: Or “upon him” — ie, some strange tattoos or markings (Tes 34:370).

2Ch 36:9

EIGHTEEN: The KJV has “eight”, based on Heb mss, but the NIV follows the LXX and Syriac (see also 2Ki 24:8). Notice that Jehoiachin was old enough to do evil (cp 2Ki 24:9): this accords better with 18 than with 8.

2Ch 36:13

HE… HARDENED HIS HEART: Hard-heartedness is first seen in Pharaoh (Exo 4:21; 7:3,13; 8:15,32; 9:12,34; 10:1,20,27; 11:10; 14:4,8). So when this description is used of anyone in Israel, it is very pointed: ‘You are being like the oppressing Egyptians from whom I have delivered you!’ Cp Deu 15:7; 2Ch 36:13; Psa 95:8; Isa 63:17; Mark 10:5; 16:14; John 12:40; Rom 2:5.

2Ch 36:17

YOUNG WOMAN: This refers to the “virgins”, the young maidens associated with the “sanctuary”, or Temple worship. They were consecrated either for life or until marriage to the service of the sanctuary. See Lam 1:14; Rev 14:1-4; 2Sa 13 (Tamar); Jdg 11:37; Luk 2:36; Isa 7:14; Luk 1:5,36; Eze 44:22; Isa 61:10 / Isa 62:5; 1Sa 2:22.

2Ch 36:18

Vv 18,19: The temple being found “leprous”, ie Lev 14:45, and thus to be broken down and carried away.

THE ARTICLES FROM THE TEMPLE: Which were used by Belshazzar in his drunken revelries (Dan 5:3).

2Ch 36:21

2Ch 36:21,22.

See Lesson, 70 years captivity.

2Ch 36:22

THE LORD MOVED THE HEART OF CYRUS: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (Pro 21:1).

Author: Ezra

Time: 538 — 457 BC.

Summary: Ezra covers the events of the Jews returning from the Babylonian captivity. The decline of Babylon and its eventual overthrow by the Persians brought about this return to Jerusalem. The Jews are numbered and are allowed to return to Judah to rebuild the Temple. Samaritan assistance is rejected and their opposition is a contributing factor to the slow progress of the Temple construction. Despite the delays, the Temple is completed and dedicated during this period.

Key verse: “The Lord our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage” (Ezr 9:8).

Outline

1. The exiles return from Babylon: Ezr 1:1 – 2:70

a) The decree of Cyrus: Ezr 1:1-4 b) Preparations for the journey: Ezr 1:5-11 c) Those who returned: Ezr 2:1-70

2. Temple building begins: Ezr 3:1 – 4:23

a) The altar and the foundation: Ezr 3:1-13 b) Opposition to the work: Ezr 4:1-23

3. The building completed: Ezr 4:24 – 6:22

a) Work resumed: Ezr 4:24 – 5:5 b) Tatnai’s letter to Darius: Ezr 5:6-17 c) Decrees of Cyrus and Darius: Ezr 6:1-12 d) The Temple finished: Ezr 6:13-22

4. Ezra’s journey to Jerusalem: Ezr 7:1 – 8:36

a) Ezra introduced: Ezr 7:1-10 b) Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra: Ezr 7:11-28 c) The journey to Jerusalem: Ezr 8:1-36

5. Ezra’s reforms: Ezr 9:1 – 10:44

a) The offence of mixed marriages and Ezra’s prayer: Ezr 9:1-15 b) The abandonment of mixed marriages: Ezr 10:1-17 c) List of those with foreign wives: Ezr 10:18-44

Ezr 1:1

See Lesson, Post-exile period, dates.

THE LORD MOVED THE HEART OF CYRUS: Cp 2Ch 36:22. There are a number of occasions when the LORD stirred up individuals — sometimes for good, and sometimes for ill: 1Sa 26:19; 1Ki 11:14; 2Ch 21:16; Hag 1:14. Especially does this seem to be true of rulers: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases” (Pro 21:1).

Rather than wondering or speculating as to how He does this, we should appreciate that, in the case of faithful men who listen to His word, He is willing to work to encourage those who first respond to him. “Come near to God and he will come near to you” (Jam 4:8).

In this case of Cyrus, specifically, comparison with the book of Daniel suggests that it was the work of certain angels to move the heart of Cyrus in the desired direction (Dan 10:12,13).

Ezr 1:2

The decree of Cyrus is in Hebrew — apparently an erroneous translation of the original Aramaic decree of Ezr 6: see Ezr 6:2n.

Ezr 1:5

EVERYONE WHOSE HEART GOD HAD MOVED: Let us pray that God might raise the spirit within us also that we might go forward and do our bit towards the building of the spiritual temple to which we belong (2Co 5:1).

Ezr 1:8

SHESHBAZZAR: The prince of Judah. Even as Daniel was known in Babylon officially as Belteshazzar (Dan 1:7), so Zerubbabel was probably known as Sheshbazzar. We know that Zerubbabel laid the foundation of the Temple (Ezr 3:8; 5:2; Zec 4:9); but in an official letter to Darius, “Sheshbazzar” is said to have done this (Ezr 5:16). Zerubbabel was a grandson of King Jehoiachin (Jeconiah: 1Ch 3:17-19) and an ancestor of Joseph (Mat 1:12). The fact that 1Ch 3:19 calls him the son of Pedaiah instead of Shealtiel (Ezr 3:2) suggests that Shealtiel died childless and Pedaiah contracted a levirate marriage with his brother’s widow.

Ezr 2:2

NEHEMIAH: The same man listed in Neh 7:7, but not the more well-known Nehemiah (who flourished about 80 years later).

Ezr 2:36

Vv 36-39: Only 4 of the original 24 “courses” returned. By lot, the 4 were expanded to 24 again. Note: Zechariah was not of the family of Abia, but of the course of Abia by appointment (Luk 1:5) (Temple 86,87).

Ezr 2:43

THE TEMPLE SERVANTS: Or “Nethinim” (AV). They are said specifically to be those “whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites” (Ezr 8:20), thus indicating both their realm of activity and their historical origin. In most of the occurrences they are listed with and after the Levites (cf 1Ch 9:2; Ezr 7:7; Neh 7:73). Because of this reference to the activity of David and their being joined with Solomon’s servants (Ezr 2:58; Neh 7:60; cf 1Ki 9:21) and the foreign names that they bear, it has been thought that they were foreigners, mostly captives of war, put into this service. For example, Mehunim (Ezr 2:50; Neh 7:52) may refer to those overcome by Uzziah (2Ch 26:7). Nephusim (Ezr 2:50; Neh 7:52) may refer to the Hagarite clan of Naphish (Gen 25:15; 1Ch 5:19). Because of the similarity of duty, some have sought their background in the Gibeonites, “hewers of wood and drawers of water for the house of my God” (Jos 9:23,27) and also in the Midianites (Num 31:30,47). The correlation is probably no more than that of similarity of service, not direct relationship. Whatever may be the roots of their origin, they were treated as part of the people of God, at least as proselytes (Neh 10:28…). They are mentioned by name in the OT in post-Exilic times. From Babylon 612 returned, 392 with Zerubbabel (Ezr 2:58: Neh 7:60) a count which includes “the children of Solomon’s servants”) and 220 with Ezra (Ezr 8:20) as “ministers for the house of our God” from the place Casiphia (Ezr 8:17) “in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king (Ezr 7:7). Like other sacred ministers, they were exempted from taxation (Ezr 7:24).

Ezr 2:63

GOVERNOR: “Tirshatha” in KJV. Simply sig “governor” in Persian, and refers here to Nehemiah (Neh 8:9).

Ezr 2:64

THE WHOLE COMPANY NUMBERED 42,360: A reconciliation of Ezra’s numbers (Ezr 2:64) with Nehemiah’s numbers (Neh 7:66): * The totals in Ezra: Men of Israel: 24,144; priests: 4,289; Levites, singers, etc: 341; temple servants 392; men of unproven origin: 652. Total of 29,818. * The totals in Nehemiah: 25,406 (vv 5-38) + 4,289 (vv 39-42) + 360 (vv 43-45) + 392 (vv 46-60) + 642 (vv 61,62) = 31,089. * Ezra: 29,818 (from Ezr 2), plus 1,765 (others, in Neh) = 31,583. * Nehemiah: 31,089 (from totals of Neh 7), plus 494 (others, in Ezr) = 31,583. * The 31,583, plus 10,777 (possibly from other ten tribes) = 42,360 (the total congregation: cp Ezr 2:64 and Neh 7:66).

Ezr 3:1

THE SEVENTH MONTH: The 7th month was a particularly significant month in the Jewish calendar: blowing of trumpets on the first (Lev 23:24), day of atonement on the 10th (Lev 23:27), and the beginning of the Feast of Tabernacles on the 15th. This was a time of great expectations in Jerusalem. And so they kept the Feat of Tabernacles (Ezra 3:4), which reminded them of deliverance from Egypt and the period in the wilderness (Lev 23:43). A powerful reminder of the deliverance from Babylon.

Ezr 3:2

THE MAN OF GOD: Moses is referred to in this way elsewhere: Deut 33:1; Josh 14:6; 1Ch 23:14; 2Ch 30:16; Psa 90, title. This description, used in this definitive way, is shared by Elisha (2KI 5:8,20), David (2Ch 8:14; Neh 12:24,36), and, more surprisingly, Shemaiah (2Ch 11:2). Maybe we should bear these in mind when we read of our responsibilities in 2Ti 3:17 — the only NT occurrence of this phrase.

Ezr 3:3

THEY BUILT THE ALTAR ON ITS FOUNDATION: On its proper base, ie, where it had originally stood (2Ch 16n; Isa 8n).

Ezr 3:7

THEN THEY GAVE MONEY…: The Jews were having to purchase their own building materials, because they had not been informed of the provisions in the original decree (ie, Ezr 6:3,4). Their limited finances restricted them to a small, unimposing temple (Ezr 3:12).

AS AUTHORIZED BY CYRUS KING OF PERSIA: This was the original grant and decree, as received in Ezr 1:2,3 — which seemed to say nothing about financial support (ct Ezr 6:4).

Ezr 3:11

THEY SANG: “They sang together” (AV), or “responsively” (RSV).

Ezr 4:1

The ‘adversaries’ opposing the work prompted the giving of the vision to the prophet Zechariah (Zec 3:1).

Ezr 4:2

WE SEEK YOUR GOD AND HAVE BEEN SACRIFICING TO HIM: As well as to many other “gods” too!

Ezr 4:7

IN THE ARAMAIC LANGUAGE: As was Dan 2:4 — end of Dan 7. Not only is the letter of Ezr 4:11-16 written in Aramaic, but also the entire section from Ezr 4:8 thru Ezr 6:18.

Ezr 4:11

ARTAXERXES: Prob Cambyses: 529-522 BC.

Ezr 4:24

THUS THE WORK ON THE HOUSE OF GOD IN JERUSALEM CAME TO A STANDSTILL UNTIL THE SECOND YEAR OF THE REIGN OF DARIUS KING OF PERSIA: Through the opposition of the adversaries the wonderful work that had commenced with the returning exiles stopped. The work was stopped for abut 16 years. It was this stopping of the work which caused some to say, “The time has not yet come for the LORD’s house to be built” (Hag 1:2). Opposition should not cause us to slack the work and make excuses for our inactivity.

2Ch 32:4

See Lesson, Hezekiah’s tunnel.

2Ch 32:5

THE SUPPORTING TERRACES: “Millo” in Heb. Literally, the “filling”: an area filled in on the top of the mountain, probably with retaining walls, so as to increase the flat area for building there. Modern archaeological finds on Mount Zion and the city of David support this identification.

2Ch 32:7

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS. DO NOT BE AFRAID OR DISCOURAGED: Familiar words to those God cares about: Deu 31:6,7,23; Jos 1:6-9; 1Ch 28:10,20; Isa 35:4; Dan 10:19.

2Ch 32:8

WITH US IS THE LORD OUR GOD TO HELP US…: Hezekiah is echoing the words of the prophet who was his great counselor (Isa 8:10). Hezekiah must have taken great comfort from the way in which Isaiah spoke to him.

AND THE PEOPLE GAINED CONFIDENCE FROM WHAT HEZEKIAH THE KING OF JUDAH SAID: Some trusted his words, but many did not: Isa 22:4-12.

2Ch 32:20

KING HEZEKIAH AND THE PROPHET ISAIAH SON OF AMOZ CRIED OUT IN PRAYER TO HEAVEN ABOUT THIS: Hezekiah’s prayer in more detail: 2Ki 19:1-34; Isa 37:1-35.

2Ch 32:23

The nations bring tribute to Israel (Isa 18:7; 23:18; 60:5-14; 61:6) because Jehovah has exalted Israel (Isa 49:7; 60:10; 61:9); and this proves Him to be the true God (Isa 40:5; 44:3-5; 48:20; 49:7; 52:10; 59:17; 61:9).

2Ch 32:24

IN THOSE DAYS: “At that time”, but not actually later than the invasion of Sennacherib. Rather, this is background information for the same times: see notes, Isa 36-39, re dates.

HEZEKIAH BECAME ILL AND WAS AT THE POINT OF DEATH. HE PRAYED TO THE LORD, WHO ANSWERED HIM AND GAVE HIM A MIRACULOUS SIGN: More detail in 2Ki 20 and Isa 38.

2Ch 32:31

BUT WHEN ENVOYS WERE SENT BY THE RULERS OF BABYLON TO ASK HIM ABOUT THE MIRACULOUS SIGN THAT HAD OCCURRED IN THE LAND, GOD LEFT HIM TO TEST HIM AND TO KNOW EVERYTHING THAT WAS IN HIS HEART: The chronicler passed over Hezekiah’s unwise decision to show the Babylonian envoys his riches with a brief comment — whereas the Kings and Isaiah accounts are much fuller (cp 2Ki 20:12-19 and Isa 39:1-8).

2Ch 33:1

2Ch 33: “For fifty-five years the reign of Manasseh continued, and for most of those years it was a time of great evil and wickedness. Manasseh quickly forgot the righteousness of his father Hezekiah, and brought the nation of Judah to one of its lowest ebbs. His was the longest reign of any of the kings of the Davidic throne, and brought an apostasy into a state religion. His mother’s name was Hephzibah, and he was born on the third year of Hezekiah’s miraculous extension of 15 years following the defeat of Sennacherib. Even though the message of Yahweh was delivered to the king and nation, the sad record is ‘they would not hearken’ (v 10). Therefore the divine judgment came against the king (v 11), and he was taken into captivity into Babylon towards the end of his reign. Then came the most remarkable change in Manasseh. In his affliction, he prayed unto Yahweh and humbled himself. After so long a period of absolute apostasy and wickedness, the heart of Manasseh was turned to Yahweh. He ‘knew’ that Yahweh was God (v 13). The idea is that Manasseh recognised the hand of Providence in his life. He desperately desired to undo the evil he had done, but he had slain those who could have helped. Idolatry was still rampant in the days of his grandson, Josiah. Though Manasseh tried to repair his folly, there was not a sincere response by the nation. Certainly that sacrificed to Yahweh only (v 17), but they did this openly because they feared the king. Secretly they continued to serve pagan gods and this was openly done in the succeeding reign. The folly of Manasseh was seen in the evil reign of his son Amon, who reflected the environment of his early upbringing. It was a period of political instability (v 24) and of spiritual decadence (v 17). It was a time of great shadows in the record of Judah” (GEM).

2Ch 33:2

These kings had a great deal of influence over the people’s thinking. The people were clearly weak in following — like sheep — in the ways of their leader, but this is the way we are made. We like to follow leaders, and we like to be leaders. There is a lesson for us here in both of these aspects. When we are leading, let us be sure to be righteous; and when we are following, let us make sure we have chosen the right leader — the “Hezekiah”, not the “Manasseh”.

2Ch 33:3

ASHERAH: See Lesson, Asherah.

2Ch 33:11

KING OF ASSYRIA: See Lesson, Babylon = Assyria.

AND TOOK HIM TO BABYLON: Babylon, having been conquered by Sennacherib of Assyria, was now being governed by his son Esarhaddon.

2Ch 33:17

Manasseh could not influence the people to repent.

2Ch 33:19

ASHERAH: See Lesson, Asherah.

2Ch 34:3

ASHERAH: See Lesson, Asherah.

2Ch 34:5

HE BURNED THE BONES OF THE PRIESTS ON THEIR ALTARS: This action was predicted by “a man of God out of Judah” in the reign of Jeroboam (1Ki 13:1,2).

2Ch 34:6

THE TOWNS OF MANASSEH, EPHRAIM, AND SIMEON, AS FAR AS NAPHTALI: The cities which Josiah cleansed were outside the boundaries of Judah. He actually extended his cleansing into the territory of Israel — the people who had already gone into captivity. This might seem rather a waste of effort. However, Josiah knew that the land belonged to God, and that it was polluted by the idols — even though Israel had been taken away by the Assyrians some time before.

2Ch 34:12

Examples of faithfulness in service: Samuel (1Sa 3:20); David (1Sa 22:14); the temple overseers (2Ki 12:15); the workers (2Ch 34:12); Hananiah (Neh 7:2); Abraham (Neh 9:8); the treasurers (Neh 13:13); Daniel (Dan 6:4); Timothy (1Co 4:17); Epaphras (Col 1:7); Tychicus (Col 4:7); Onesimus (Col 4:9); Paul (1Ti 1:12); Moses (Heb 3:2,5); Gaius (3Jo 1:5); Jesus Christ (Rev 1:5); Antipas (Rev 2:13).

Cp Luk 16:10; 2Ch 31:12.

2Ch 34:19

WHEN THE KING HEARD THE WORDS OF THE LAW, HE TORE HIS ROBES… AND GAVE ORDERS…: He might easily have said, ‘How interesting! We should begin a study of this unique historical document!’ Or ‘Let’s form a committee to look into this!’ Or ‘So what?’ But instead, he repents immediately, and then begins to take action!

Josiah’s actions contrast sharply with those of his son Jehoiakim, when he heard the word of God (Jer 36:23) only a few years later.

2Ch 34:22

HULDAH: “When she died, she was buried at the entrance to the house of God in Jerusalem. A great multiple gateway was built in the southern wall of the temple, a part of which was called the Huldah Gates Jesus and his apostles must have used it many times during his mortal life” (Mary Eyre, Tid 64:553).

2Ch 34:33

When the Book of the Law was discovered in Josiah’s reign, it is likely that he read of the evils which Moses had prophesied would come about if the Jews neglected God. He sent to inquire of God what he might do to avert this judgment. God’s answer was that it was too late; the calamities were on the way. However, because Josiah was faithful and God-fearing, they would not come in his day. Thus the first fulfillment of the prophecy of Jeremiah concerning a northern invader, may have been averted because of Josiah and the resurgence in his day of Judah’s right worship. (The Scythians passed by Palestine. However, the Babylonians would not.) While he lived Josiah indeed did God’s will, so that — “All his days the children of Israel departed not from following the LORD” (2Ch 34:33). Not only did he cleanse Judah, but he was also instrumental in reducing idolatry in Israel.