Day 259. 16th September Bible Commentary With Dr. Toyin Ojo Taken From The Book Of Ezra Chapter 4-8.
DIFFERENCE.
EZRA CHAPTER 4:7-23
A NEW KING (ARTAXERXES) AND HIS OFFICIALS STOPS THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM. The officials instigated him stating their success will be a reproach to the king — they will stop paying taxes, and tribute. And, that will affect the revenues of the king Artaxerxes. Therefore he ordered the work of building Jerusalem to stop.
EZRA 71-28
Professor Ezra relocated from Babylon back to Jerusalem. He is a lecturer of the law of Moses. Following his decision to move the king Artaxerxes wrote him a letter of authority, commendation and goodwill.
THE ADDRESS OF EZRA “To Ezra the priest, teacher of the law of the God of heaven; Greetings” (v.11). Is a good acknowledgment of difference. Difference does not defile. If we spot the difference then let’s acknowledge it.
I recall winning a spot the difference competition in a National Newspaper Challenge as a child. I was about ten years old, this experience made me keen, I love difference!
The King Authorised Some Freewill Offerings for the building of the LORD’s temple of their God in Jerusalem (v.15-18).
He also stopped the imposed taxes and tribute. He encouraged all who wanted to return with Ezra to do so.
He expressed great reverential fear for the LORD.
He gave them administrative advice and governance guidelines.
Ezra rejoiced - he gave praise to the LORD for such favour (v.27-28).
EZRA CHAPTER 81-36
Find all families that left Babylon with Ezra listed; v.2-14.
EZRA WAS OBSERVANT TO NOTE THAT NO LEVITE WAS AMONG THEM; therefore he put a request forward and some Levites and Temple Attendants were sent and they continued the journey together (v.18-20).
A PRAYER FOR SAFE JOURNEY:- They had fears, the risk include attacks from bandits.
Yet, they had made a boost that the LORD will protect them. Thus Ezra could not go to the king requesting for soldiers (see v.21-22). They fasted and prayed!
ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY:-
Ezra took his learning seriously - by ensuring what is stated in the Laws of the LORD is been done - he ensured what belongs to the LORD of the freewill offerings was given to the priests while in transit. Providing leadership he advised them to ensure the offerings were safe and handed into the treasury of the LORD God in Jerusalem and this was done (Read v.28,31-34).
Are you consciously practicing what you know of God? To create meaning, and to give essence of the Christian act and nature.
THEY ARRIVED JERUSALEM;
And offered sacrifices (Burnt Offerings and Sin Offerings) on the fourth day, after resting for 3 days. v.32-35.
According to the orders of king Artaxerxes; the royal satraps and governors of the Trans-Euphrates supported all the people and the project of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem.
NIGHT
“To Ezra the priest, teacher of the law of the God of heaven; Greetings” (711).
Ezra distinguish himself and this was known and his difference brought himself and his God honour.
- Don’t try to hide. Matthew 515
- Don’t serve God with ulterior motives, the commendations will come and it will be unique. Matthew 516
17TH SEPTEMBER CBC 2022 WITH OLUWATOYIN EMIOLA OJO TAKEN FROM THE BOOKS OF EZRA & NEHEMIAH.
A SAD COUNTENANCE.
EZRA CHAPTER 9:1-15
Intermarriage
In this chapter, the leaders acknowledge their sins of intermarriage with unbelieving women of the neighbouring countries and cities — Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites — idol worshiping nations. Since Israel is an holy race Ezra takes the matter up in prayers mourning ( see v.3, 6– ).
EZRA CHAPTER 10:1-17
Smitten by guilt, the people wept knowing that their intermarriage with idol worshiping women and having children with them was wrong. But some leaders are yet committed to their ills. (see v.15).
Ezra decides leaders should meet and deliberate, he schedules a meeting.
The descendants of the priests and peoples of Israel that engaged in intermarriage are listed in v.1844.
NEHEMIAH CHAPTER 1:1-11
NEHEMIAH’S PRAYER OF INTERCESSION
Nehemiah is the cupbearer to the king — he intercedes in prayer for Israel’s sins as reports were brought to him by his guest ( who were his family members ) that “the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” v.3.
NEHEMIAH 2:1-10
AN UNUSUALLY SAD COUNTENANCE
Nehemiah serves the king wine with an unusual countenance. The King likes Nehemiah’s conduct, therefore noticed the change in his mood. He questions that, asking if Nehemiah was ill? Then Nehemiah told him the report from Jerusalem had saddened him with a burden.
After a talk, the king and the Queen allowed him go for a while back to Jerusalem to fix the ruins stated. Nehemiah asked for letters to the governors of the Trans-Euphrates for the safety of his journey and Asaph keeper of Royal Park for timber supplies which will be needed for the projects. And it was granted (v.8).
SAMBALLAT AND TOBIAH didn’t support Nehemiah (see v.3,19).
Nehemiah left the citadel of Susa where he serves the king for the project he had set his heart to do for the hand of the LORD was upon him. When he arrived, he privately went to inspect the walls and the gates which were in ruins. And afterward contacted all those needed to accomplish his goal.
NIGHT:
Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14
“Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers …”
The world is our accommodation. With so much happening in it. Let us be guided by the scriptures in Christ’s name.
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr. Toyin Ojo
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