Ezra 3:1-5 Building the altars

 Good morning, well, I am back again.  God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!

   The Israelites had the money to start rebuilding the temple.  It was important for them to put their resources to best use.

  3 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.   2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.

  The children of Israel were in the cities.  As their first official act they built an altar to GOD.  This was a symbol of GOD's presence and protection.  This also showed their commitment to serve GOD.  Zerubbabel offered burnt offering as the law of Moses stated in Levitius 1-7.

   3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening.   

  The Jews were weary of the people here.  They were a mixed group of people that the Assyrians had conquered in years past.  However, this did not stop them from building the altar and serving GOD.

  4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;

  This Festival of Shelters lasted seven days.  The people lived in whatever they could, tents, lean-tos, booths, or......  This was just as their ancestors had done during their trek through the wilderness.  This festival reminded them of Gods past protection and guidance in the wilderness and His continued love for them.

  5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord.

  The exiles built an altar just after arriving in the new land.  The people began worshipping GOD through sacrifices even before the Temple foundation was started.  After years of captivity they learned the importance of obeying God from the heart and not just out of habit. 

  This too we must learn.  We must stay close to GOD and keep HIM as our top priority.  Thank you for reading with me. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

 

Ezra 2:64-70 Last info until rebuilding Temple

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!!!

  Ezra - when going back to rebuild the temple a lot of energy, materials, and effort was in place.  Here, today, we'll look at the final items brought, and then where some of the people settled.

  Ezra 2: 64 The whole company numbered 42,360, 65 besides their 7,337 male and female slaves; and they also had 200 male and female singers. 66 They had 736 horses, 245 mules, 67 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.

        68 When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. 69 According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics[a] of gold, 5,000 minas[b] of silver and 100 priestly garments.

     70 The priests, the Levites, the musicians, the gatekeepers and the temple servants settled in their own towns, along with some of the other people, and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

  42,360 people returned, plus over 7 thousand servants and 200 singers.  Then you look at the animals taken: horse, mules, donkeys, and camels.  This was definitely a large critical movement.

  The money was given to start rebuilding the Temple.  The people put what resources they had to their best use. They were excited and dedicated to the rebuilding of the Temple.  Everyone who contributed did so of his/her own freewill.  They offered money, support, or their ability to rebuild.  They people were so dedicated to the Temple that they gave all they could whether it be resources, ability, or other support.

   It would be great if America's Christians gave all to the LORD and we could see a revival as was done at the 2023 Asbury revival and with these Israelites.

  Today, say an encouraging word to someone, offer assistance to someone, or in some way share the good news you have as a Christian.

   Thank you for reading with me today.  Next, in Chapter 3 we will look at the rebuilding of the altar.  Love y'all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ezra 2:59-63 More descendants? Let's see----

 Good morning all. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

  Enjoying Ezra?  It is difficult, but I am learning something from it; hopefully you will gain some insight as well.

  Ezra 2:59 The following came up from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer, but they could not show that their families were descended from Israel:

60 The descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah and Nekoda 652

61 And from among the priests:The descendants of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai (a man who had married a daughter of  Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by that name). 62 These searched for their family records, but they could not find them and  so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. 63 The governor ordered them not to eat any of the most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim. 

Back in these days, to the Hebrew people, genealogies were important credentials.  One had to prove they descended from Abraham, if they could not, then they were not considered "true Jews".  Because of this they would be excluded from the Jewish community life and rituals.  

   Some privileges were restricted to certain tribes, like the Levites. They were the only ones to serve in the Temple.

   Looking at verse 63, the governor, most likely Zerubbabel, told them not to eat any of the  most sacred food until there was a priest ministering with the Urim and Thummim.

   The sacred food was the priests' share of meat that was sacrificed on the altar.

 Okay, what is the Urim and Thummim?  These were probably the sacred lots and carried by the priest in the garment he wore.  They were used to determine God's will in important matters.

   So, if your head is buzzing as is mine we'll go on tomorrow talking about how many people, men and women, livestock and servants and singers they carried. Also, donations in preparing to build the temple.

   Whew-----so many "begats" it is hard to follow.  Thanks for reading. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ezra 2:1-58 Exiles who returned with Zerubbabel

 Good morning and a merry Christmas eve eve to you all. God is good all the time, all the time, God is good.

The following exiles were from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin and is made up of men who were leaders.  This same list is in Nehemiah 7:7.  These are the families and citizens of cities.  Verse 36 begins listing priest, Levites, and other Temple servants.  To save time and space I'll let you view these on your own with no other commentary.

Ezra 2: 

The List of the Exiles Who Returned

2 Now these are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had taken captive to Babylon (they returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to their own town, 2 in company with Zerubbabel, Joshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum and Baanah):

The list of the men of the people of Israel:

3 the descendants of Parosh	2,172
4 of Shephatiah	372
5 of Arah	775
6 of Pahath-Moab (through the line of Jeshua and Joab)	2,812
7 of Elam	1,254
8 of Zattu	945
9 of Zakkai	760
10 of Bani	642
11 of Bebai	623
12 of Azgad	1,222
13 of Adonikam	666
14 of Bigvai	2,056
15 of Adin	454
16 of Ater (through Hezekiah)	98
17 of Bezai	323
18 of Jorah	112
19 of Hashum	223
20 of Gibbar	95

21 the men of Bethlehem	123
22 of Netophah	56
23 of Anathoth	128
24 of Azmaveth	42
25 of Kiriath Jearim,[a] Kephirah and Beeroth	743
26 of Ramah and Geba	621
27 of Mikmash	122
28 of Bethel and Ai	223
29 of Nebo	52
30 of Magbish	156
31 of the other Elam	1,254
32 of Harim	320
33 of Lod, Hadid and Ono	725
34 of Jericho	345
35 of Senaah	3,630

36 The priests:

the descendants of Jedaiah (through the family of Jeshua)	973
37 of Immer	1,052
38 of Pashhur	1,247
39 of Harim	1,017

40 The Levites:

the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (of the line of Hodaviah)

74

41 The musicians:

the descendants of Asaph

128

42 The gatekeepers of the temple:

the descendants of
Shallum, Ater, Talmon,
Akkub, Hatita and Shobai	139

43 The temple servants:

the descendants of

Ziha, Hasupha, Tabbaoth,

44 Keros, Siaha, Padon,

45 Lebanah, Hagabah, Akkub,

46 Hagab, Shalmai, Hanan,

47 Giddel, Gahar, Reaiah,

48 Rezin, Nekoda, Gazzam,

49 Uzza, Paseah, Besai,

50 Asnah, Meunim, Nephusim,

51 Bakbuk, Hakupha, Harhur,

52 Bazluth, Mehida, Harsha,

53 Barkos, Sisera, Temah,

54 Neziah and Hatipha

55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon:

the descendants of

Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda,

56 Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,

57 Shephatiah, Hattil,

Pokereth-Hazzebaim and Ami

58 The temple servants and the descendants of the servants of Solomon I'll begin next on Ezra 2:59 after Christmas.  Merry Christmas and don't forget Jesus in the holiday festivities. Love you all. In Christ's Love and Grace Johnny

Ezra 1:8-9 Returning Temple Items to Jerusalem

 Good morning all. Wow! God is good all the time, all the time God is good.  Tis the season to remember why we celebrate this time of year!  JESUS CHRIST!

Let us see what King Cyrus is doing now.  V 8: 8 Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah.

So who is Sheshbazzar? It is thought that Sheshbazzar is the Babylonian name for Zerubbabel, one of the Jewish leaders during the first return.

  So Mithredath is the treasurer and he is to count all the items to be returned. Here they are:  9 This was the inventory:

gold basins - 30; silver basins - 1,000; silver incense burners - 29; (v10) gold bowls - 30; silver bowls - 410; other items - 1,000

  In todays market value I cannot even imagine how many millions of dollars was returned to the temple.  Plus, they were given even more items of value that were not counted by the treasurer. The Tabernacle of Moses' items would be valued at 13 million today, just think about the Temples value.  If you add these up you come up with 2499, however in verse 11 it states that in all there were 5,400 articles of gold and silver.

11 In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and of silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along with the exiles when they came up from Babylon to  Jerusalem.

  These items were returned to the Temple of God, and no other hand caused it to happen except God's hand.  Cyrus, as mentioned before, was not a believer in the Jewish God, but was a   follower of Zoroaster, a monotheistic prophet.  God made all this come to be. 

  Think about our lives.  Sometimes we are discouraged or think God has forgotten about us.  BUT, we must never give up hope because God is ahead of us, in control, and the turning point may be just ahead.

  Thank you for reading with me today. Love y'all!

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Can God stir us? Ezra 1:5-7

 Greetings and Merry Christmas to y'all!!!  This time of year you will hear it in the church, on t.v. and the radio about the birth of Jesus.  You know, it just does not change. Angel came to Mary, a virgin, told her she would be with child. Joseph, the future husband was visited by an angel and told it would be okay.  They went to Bethlehem and a baby was born.  They named him Jesus.  In a nut shell!  Well, I know you can get a more indepth version but I want to return to Ezra.

  Ezra 1: 5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.  

 Cyrus ruled over what had been Assyria and Babylon. Assyria deported the Israelites from the north kingdom (Israel) and Babylon took Israelites captive from Judah.  King Cyrus was not a Jew, he was a follower of Zoroaster, a monotheistic prophet.  However, he was a tolerant ruler who allowed his subjects to practice their own religions.

  So, remember, God stirred Cyrus' heart first, now he is moving the leaders, priests, and heads of families and Levites to go and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.  If you don't think God can change the heart of man, just read deeper in the Bible and you will see how he saved the Israelites numerous times. 

6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.

  The journey back to Jerusalem was about a 4 day journey. Many took their wealth with them to be instrumental in building the temple.  However, there were some Israelites who had acquired wealth during the time of captivity and did not want to lose their "material or personal possessions", therefore remained behind. Don't we do this today, material possessions more important than anything else, including God?

  7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;

  King Nebuchadnezzar raided the Temple and took many valuable furnishing with him.  Most of the items were made of solid gold.  Cyrus, being a tolerant and supporting king returned these items to the Jews for the temple they planned to rebuild.

  What do you see here we don't today?  First, tolerance - by a non-believing King; second - wanting the people to be able to worship as they did before; and third - returning what had been stolen by a previous king.

  Tolerance, freedom of worship, and returning to God what is rightfully his.  Today, in my opinion, it seems tolerance only if you agree; freedom of worship is here but with criticism and strife; and people returning to God what is rightfully his - our prayer time, study the Bible, and spreading the word.  Just my thoughts.

   Tomorrow we will see how much was truly taken from the Temple by King Nebuchadnezzar.

  Thank you for reading with me today. Love y'all and early Merry Christmas.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny

Ezra 1:1-4 Do you know Ezra?

 Well Good Morning.  On the way back from the gym (yes, gym) I listened to a story by a man who struggled with his relationship with God.  It felt like me, then upon returning home I prayed and God laid on my heart the book of Ezra.  Why?  I don't know, but that is what I'll study these next few weeks.

  Who was Ezra?  A priest, a scribe, and a great leader. The name Ezra means "help".  Ezra was one who believed God's word and then obeyed it.  We will learn more about Ezra as we go along.

  Just a preface on this book straight from my life application Bible.  After 70 years in exile, the captives from Judah were allowed to return to their homeland.  Nearly 50,000 people made this journey. Upon arrival they began to rebuild the Temple, but became discouraged by opposition.  After encouragement from Haggai and Zechariah, they returned to the task and completed the Temple.  The message of the prophets still speaks to us today, encouraging us to continue building up God's church.

Ezra 1: 1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:

NOTE:  Cyrus was not a servant of Yahweh, but he was used by God to return the Jews to their homeland.  When Cyrus conquered a land he was merciful to the inhabitants. Now he is giving an order to fulfill the words of the prophet Jeremiah.

2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:  “‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them. 4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”

  Okay, the first line, remember, Cyrus is not a believer and he says: the God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and appointed me to build a temple.  Where: In Judah at Jerusalem.  This allowed the exiled Jews to return to their homeland after 70 years in exile.  Cyrus gave them protection, money, and the temple items Nebuchadnezzar had taken.

  His proclamation provided several things.  First the Jews can work together to rebuild the Temple, some man the supply lines, some leading and others providing support.  

Each person is asked to serve in some capacity, no matter how large or small a task, to work as team members and let the LORD get the credit, not individuals.

   This is what we are asked to do in our local assemblies:  be a team member, worry not about getting credit, just do what God has asked you to do.  But most of all, enjoy being in service to God and being a child of the LIVING GOD!!!!

  More tomorrow.  Love y'all! Thank you for reading.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny