Today’s passage: Ezra 1
Helpful thoughts:
- The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were likely written by the same person who wrote 1 and 2 Chronicles (Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, of course). Many believe the human author to be Ezra himself.
- The book, being written after the events, was probably written in the mid 400s B.C.
- “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” – Proverbs 21:1
- God stirred up the heart of a mighty king (Verse 1), and the hearts of His own people (Verse 5), to bring about His promised will. (Jeremiah 25:11)
- One of the ways God could have stirred up the heart of the king of Persia was through the ministry and service of Daniel (Daniel 6:25-28).
- God’s promises to the exiles included the restoring of their “fortunes” (Jeremiah 29:10-14).
Questions to consider:
- What do we learn about God in this chapter? What does He do when He makes a promise? Is there anyone who He cannot use to bring about His purposes? How can this encourage us as we think about the promises we claim in Christ through the gospel?
- Why do you think God had to also move in the hearts of the Jews to return? What might have been their comfort level with their current situation after seventy years of living there?
- How might God’s grace be more active in our lives than one would expect? How could He use the ministry of His word today to encourage you in His grace?