Context
After several years and decades of God telling the Israelites to put their false idols aside and commit to their covenant with him, he decides to exile them to Babylon. However, he promised that he wouldn’t leave them there forever and would stir up the heart of one of Babylonian kings named Cyrus to let the Israelites go back to Jerusalem and rebuild (Isaiah 44:28). The book of Ezra narrates this occurrence and the process of rebuilding the temple which includes the challenges the Israelites faced and the obstacles they had to overcome.
Who wrote the book of Ezra?
Although there is no expressly mentioned author, Ezra, a scribe and priest is widely believed to have written it.
Key observations
- Chapter 1 shows us the fulfilment of the prophecy given in the book of Isaiah chapter 44. God did indeed stir up the heart of a king called Cyprus who gave the order for the Israelites to go back and build the temple. This shows that God didn’t forget them as he promised which further proves that God is capable of doing that which he has promised, no matter how unlikely or impossible it seems.
Isaiah 60:22 ~ At the right time, I, the LORD, will make it happen.”
- Ezra 1:6 ~ And all their neighbors assisted by giving them articles of silver and gold, supplies for the journey, and livestock. They gave them many valuable gifts in addition to all the voluntary offerings. Not only did God make it happen, he also paved a way for them. They didn’t have to worry about where the building materials would come from because he already factored this into the plan. He already thought ahead and made a way. There was divine provision in the divine fulfilment.
- It may have seemed like God abandoned them in those years of exile and suffering but he was still with them. They were his chosen people, his children whom he would never forget.
Isaiah 49:15 ~ Never! Can a mother forget her nursing child? Can she feel no love for the child she has borne? But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
