“The Battle for the Blessing”
Ezra & Nehemiah Series Week #4
January 21st 2024
We have called this series “The Battle for the Blessing”
· We must contend every day for the fruit of God’s blessings.
This Week: Ezra 1:3-11
This section is often subtitled “Cyrus’ Proclamation”…
· Ezra 1:3-4
NOTE: Many people doubt that the Biblical accounts are accurate, and insist they must be made-up to control people.
· In 1879, an archaeological dig of the ancient ruins of Babylon,
the “Cyrus Cylinder” was uncovered
o On it is written, in a specific type of ancient Akkadian Cuneiform, the text of Cyrus’ decree on which Ezra based his account!
These Royal Decrees were read by a herald in the town square, or more commonly at the main city gates.
· Ezra 1:3
Remember, not all of the “freed” Jews take Cyrus up on His offer…
· Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy…
o Isaiah 10:22
The locals in any Persian district are to help stock the Jews for the trip!
· Ezra 1:4
Now for the next section, which is usually known as: “Holy Vessels Restored”
The Holy Spirit had to be at work here, lighting a fire in the heart of these chosen to return…
· Ezra 1:5
Why did the entire Levite tribe go back?
· Deuteronomy 18:1-2
This are given a voluntary offering, above and beyond what was “Encouraged”
· Ezra 1:6
We should pause a second to look at the parallels between this “Second Exodus” to the first Exodus from Egypt…
· Exodus 12:35-36
o The Gold and silver was used to build the Tabernacle
Now, here’s how it went with the Jews leaving Babylon:
· Ezra 1:7-8
Nebuchadnezzar sacked Jerusalem in 587 B.C. after a 10 year siege!
· 2 Kings 24:13
As the Lord had said?
o 2 Kings 20:17
God knows how to protect those things that he calls sacred!
· 2 CHRONICLES 36:7
Those precious articles would be protected from mistreatment until they could be returned! Listen to this incredible story:
· DANIEL 5:1-2
God could not permit the defiling of the sacred to continue…
· DANIEL 5:5-
None of the kings’ men can decipher the writing…
· They call in Daniel the prophet to interpret the inscription, and he translates…
· Read all of Daniel 5 for the whole story!
Back to our text:
· Ezra 1:9-11
o This is a celebration of restoration of what was left of Solomons Temple!
We talked about the parallels between the first Exodus, and this one, but there are some very important distinctions:
· The Israelites in Egypt were held against their will as slaves
· The Jews in Babylon were only being held captive by their indifference.
The Israelites in Egypt were only satisfied with their miraculous deliverance for about six weeks
· Exodus 16:2-3
We cannot allow ourselves to become voluntary slaves to indifference, comfort, status, or to forget who we are meant to be!
· 1 Peter 2:9-10
Remember, God knows how to protect those things that he calls, sacred and holy…
· 1 Peter 2:11-12
When Jesus returns, will the way that you have carried yourself in this foreign land, give you glory to God, or will you be found lacking?