Although the book of Ezra bears his name, he doesn’t make an appearance in Jerusalem until much later. I hadn’t thought about it, but he probably was in Babylon (Susa) when Esther was made Queen.
He was certainly there! These events happen in the 7th year, and Esther came to the court in that same year (2:16). So, Ezra wasn’t “riding the wave” of the new political climate after Haman had died…because that hadn’t happened yet. Ezra went to Jerusalem about the same time that Esther was made Queen and long before Haman tried to have the Jews killed.
It seems that the king recognized the wisdom and skill of the Jewish people before “Purim”. They must have been fairly wise, shrewd and well spoken to gain favor with the king. Of course, the real reason that he was successful is given in 7:6 “the hand of the Lord was on him”. Skill is important, but it’s a distant second or third to having the blessing and favor of God.
It looks like just over 1,000 people went back to Israel with Ezra, and those letters of introduction! Wow. The king practically rolled out a “red carpet” for him. How ironic that in a few years he would be signing an order making it legal to kill Jews and take their belongings. Before we get too excited about seeing the name “Daniel”, remember this is many years after the “famous Daniel” has passed away.
Why in the world wouldn’t any levites volunteer to go in the first place? Their whole identity was wrapped up in the temple…and it has just been rebuilt! I wonder if they had been long enough without the temple that they no longer felt the urge to fulfill their mission? Luckily, with some encouragement from Ezra they respond in good numbers.
Look at the amounts of silver and gold in 8:26 and consider that they are carrying all that on a popular journey without any soldiers at all. That’s faith. Now, to be fair…there are about 1500 people now…but still, that’s quite a haul for bandits. Ezra was wise to fast and pray before he began the journey. Making a difference requires risk! A quick note here: When Ezra prays his prayer of repentance in 9:9 he mentions a protective wall. It seems that the wall around the city was built by this time, which would make sense…you wouldn’t want this kind of treasure to be without some protection.
Ezra’s prayer beginning in 9:6 is short and powerful. It reveals that he is well aware of the seriousness of the matter…God has relented in his fierce anger brought about by the Jews disobedience…and within a year or two they have become disobedient again. They have set themselves up for yet another disaster. Their intermarriage with surrounding peoples was widespread, as you will notice from the list of offenders. And it seems that the temple priests, singers and everyone was guilty across the board. “Just because everyone is doing it, and it’s become socially acceptable doesn’t make it right”. Oh how we need men and women like Ezra today! Those who will stand up and acknowledge our sin for what it is…and fall face down in humility, shame and fear before the Lord of heaven on behalf of the people.
Ezra was so upset that the people felt the sting of their guilt, and repented of it. By the way, even though the people clearly acknowledge their sin in large numbers, did you notice that there were a few who did not? Two men opposed it, and they were supported by several others, one of whom was a levite. I am reminded that just because you are doing what God clearly wants doesn’t mean there won’t be disagreement or resistance. And sometimes that resistance comes from within. The idea that everything that God wants to happen will have unanimous approval from the people isn’t biblical.
I probably should have mentioned this earlier, or in an earlier post…but Ezra marks a turning point in the way that the Jews saw the temple. During the first temple period it was more about worship and in the second it became a place of teaching…much like it is today. That may have been because Ezra was a scribe, and was well versed in the Law, or it could be because the Ark of the Covenant was no longer present, and God was working in a new way through the people.
Faithfully,
PR