We shall conclude the study of the book of Ezra and begin the book of Nehemiah of
the Old Testament this week.
(1) Try to recall yesterday’s reflection and see why Ezra was so deeply distressed by the sin of the people? Why did this sin of the people distress him so seriously and grievously? Why do you think the people would weep so bitterly as well?
(2) What have you learned about what needs to happen if a revival is to happen?
(3) The prayer of Ezra was obviously made in public and was heard by the people:
a. How did he end his prayer in 9:14-15?
b. How did Shecaniah (probably one of the leaders) respond to his open-ended prayer?
(4) Why did Shecaniah think that there was still hope for Israel?
a. What did he propose to do?
b. Do you think the proposed drastic action was a must?
c. Was it really doable? Why or why not?
(5) As much as Ezra was an official of Persia and returned as a learned and well-respected teacher of the Law, how important was it to have a local leader to propose such a drastic measure instead of Ezra (in fact he only recently returned to Jerusalem, his first visit since his birth)?
(6) Now, with virtually all leaders taking an oath to affirm this decision, what did Ezra do according to v. 6? How important was his action?
(7) The ensuing proclamation appeared to be a legal document that could be enforced:
a. Why did Ezra have to assemble all the people in Jerusalem?
b. What “penalty” did he use to force them to come?
(8) As the people gathered in Jerusalem, the Bible describes the emotions of the people as being distressed by the occasion and the rain. The marrying of foreign wives was certainly wrong and illegal, according to the Law of Moses, but the expulsion of the wives and their children would certainly bring about great turmoil to many families. If you happened to be one of the offenders, how hard would this decision be? What then would cause you to decide to follow the order?
(9) Pause and reflect on the main message to you today. How may you apply it to your life?
(1) While the crowd appeared to be convicted by the words of Ezra (in 10:10-11), the rain had made any immediate action impossible:
a. What did they propose to Ezra?
b. What might be the benefit of such a delay in carrying out the actual expulsion of foreign wives and children?
(2) V. 15 is a difficult verse to understand: If the “leading priests and Levities and all Israel” all agreed with such act of repentance (10:5), and with v. 15 being the verse immediately following the proposal of vv. 12-14, it is likely that they opposed “this”—meaning the delay of action, but not the act of repentance and expulsion:
a. How long did the process take?
b. What might it signify?
(3) The list of those who married foreign women began with the priests among whom those of the high priestly family was first mentioned:
a. Why were they listed first?
b. According to Keil & Delitzsch:
“By comparing Ezra 2:36-39 (to the list of 18 priests here), we perceive that not one of the orders of priests who returned with Zerubbabel was free from participation in this transgression”: What can you deduce from such a comment and especially the reason why God called Ezra to return to Jerusalem?
(4) Following the list of priests and Levites (assistants to the priests), the lay offenders were also listed, 86 names in all. Presumably they followed the example of the priests in their repentance:
a. According to v. 19, what was involved in their act of repentance?
b. Look up Leviticus 5:14-16 to see what a guilt offering is: Why would such a transgression be seen as “unintentional”?
(5) As we come to the close of the book of Ezra, it would be helpful for you to briefly review the main course of events recorded in this book. What are the main lessons that you have learned from this book?
(6) What is the main message to you from this book and how may you apply it to your life?