Commitment to God's Law
How did Ezra show his commitment to God's law?
Ezra became skilled in God’s Word and law because he had devoted himself to studying and obeying it (7:6, 10-12); he demonstrated God’s wisdom (7:25).
Why did the exiles commit to restoring worship at the temple in Jerusalem?
God moved in the Israelites’ hearts (7:7, 28).
The people knew God required temple worship because Ezra had taught them God’s law (7:10).
The king ordered the temple to be rebuilt (7:23), and the king’s wrath would fall on any who refused to obey (7:26).
Why was it important for Ezra to both learn and teach God’s Word?
Ezra needed to know what God’s law required (7:14) and teach it to others (7:21, 25) in order to set up proper worship in the temple (7:23).
How did Ezra and the exiles worship God through their faith and actions?
They trusted God to keep them safe on their journey (8:22) and then offered sacrifices in Jerusalem (8:35).
How did God provide for Ezra and the people through King Artaxerxes?
God provided through the king granting everything Ezra asked (7:6).
The king and his advisors gave silver and gold (7:15; 8:25-28), returned the stolen worship articles (7:19), ordered the treasurers to supply all worship necessities (7:20-23), exempted the temple workers from taxes (7:24), and threatened punishment for all who disobeyed God’s law (7:26)
What material resources / supplies were given for worship?
List all you can find from Ezra 7-8
Freewill offerings (7:16-17) and animal sacrifices (7:17; 8:35)
Silver and gold to supply worship needs (7:18, 20; 8:36)
Wheat, wine, oil, and salt (7:20-23)
What other ways did God provide for Ezra and the people?
They had all the people, money, worship articles, and animals needed (7:7; 8:18-20)
People gave freewill offerings (7:16; 8:28);
Ezra and the exiles were protected on their journey (8:22, 31);
all the gold, silver, and treasures arrived safely in Jerusalem (8:34)
God gave them rest from their journey (8:32)
What actions did the people do to worship God?
Hint: refer to Ezra 7:10, Ezra 8:20-30 to find the answer
Ezra and the people fasted and prayed (8:21, 23).
Ezra devoted himself to studying and obeying God’s law (7:10)
The people and donations were consecrated to God (8:28).
List the ways God guided Ezra and the people
God guided Ezra and the people through Ezra’s knowledge of and obedience to God’s law (7:6) and the king granting everything Ezra asked because God’s hand was upon them (7:9; 8:18, 22, 31).
He guided through providing all the people, money, worship articles, and animals needed (7:13-20; 8:18-20).
God also guided through the king’s order for obedience to and worship of God (7:23, 27); Ezra’s appointment of magistrates and judges (7:25); the king’s favor upon Ezra (7:28); His protection (8:22, 31); and their arrival in Jerusalem (8:32).