LINK: Ezra 7
We are going to switch gears a bit here and do a character study on Ezra. Later, Carol will lead a character study on Nehemiah and then a comparison between the two men. As we read these four chapters about Ezra, I will pose questions each day to help us consider who Ezra was and what he did. My main purpose is to get us thinking along the lines of a character study. Please feel free to go beyond these questions as you consider the man Ezra and what you can learn from his character. On Friday, when we finish this book, I'd like to invite you to share your observations summarizing the character of Ezra.
BACKGROUND
Ezra chapter six ends in 516 B.C. with the completion of the temple in Jerusalem. Priests and Levites were performing their duties and the spiritual rituals were being observed. Now we fast-forward 58 years to chapter seven. (The story of Esther took place in Persia during that 58 year gap.)
Chapters 7-10 of Ezra describe Ezra's return to Jerusalem during the reign of Artaxerxes. Ezra led a group of people from Babylon to Jerusalem in 458 B.C. Artaxerxes provided Ezra with a decree that allowed any and all Israelites in the kingdom of Persia to join Ezra if they so chose. This decree also provided financing and gave Ezra authority to institute God's law in Jerusalem.
CHARACTER STUDY
What is the purpose and significance of Ezra's genealogy?
Who is Ezra? What kind of work did he do in Babylon?
What do you learn about Ezra's heart in this chapter?
What can you learn about Ezra's relationship with God from the final two verses?
Based on his decree, what do you think Artaxerxes thought of Ezra?
2 comments:
Ezra 7:10 is one of my FAVORITE versus. Sums up my calling!
That verse JUMPED out at me when I read this chapter! (I hadn't noticed it before.) It's one of my new favorites. :)
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