Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Ezra 1: Return From Exile

Thus far in the Old Testament, we have witnessed the incredible story of the people of Israel.

We saw God began preparing a people to bear His name with the calling of Abram.  Through Isaac and then through Jacob, God chose the line that was to become His people.  From slavery in Egypt being ushered out by Moses, through four decades in the wilderness, and then into the Promised Land under Joshua, the story grew.  Judges and kings, priests and prophets led the people for centuries.  Then the lights went out as Judah went into exile in Babylon.  Was their story over?  No!  Now, in Ezra, the adventures of the Israelites continue as they return from exile!

A king named Cyrus came to the throne.  As foretold by Jeremiah, he released the Jews from their captivity and allowed them to return home to Jerusalem to rebuild their temple.  Although a Gentile, Cyrus was viewed very favorably by the returning exiles.  Not only did he free them and allow them to return from exile, but he also sent with the articles of the temple that were taken by Nebuchadnezzar and commanded the citizens of his realm to help the Jews in their quest of national restoration.

After a long, dark night of exile in a foreign land, a new day was dawning for the people of God!

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