Study notes

Ezra 8

Introducing EzraWho wrote it, when, why, and what to look for as you read

7:1–8:36 Section

Over 50 years after the second temple was finished, Ezra travelled to Jerusalem. He travelled with other Jews whose families had been forced to live in Babylonia.

The king of Persia sent Ezra to Jerusalem with a letter. It explained what Ezra was supposed to do. The king wanted Jews in Judah and Jerusalem to follow the laws of the Persian government. He also wanted them to follow their own religious laws. These laws were collected in the Law of Moses. Ezra was to teach the Law of Moses and make sure the people obeyed it.

The king made sure that Ezra had what he needed to complete his duties. This included money and supplies. It included the authority to appoint judges and officials who did what was right and fair. The king’s letter protected Ezra and his group from other Persian officials. Persian officials couldn’t force them to pay them money. But the letter couldn’t protect them from being attacked or robbed as they travelled.

Ezra could have asked the Persian king to send soldiers and horses to protect them. But he wanted to show the king that the true God takes care of his people. Ezra and his group trusted God to do this. They showed their faith in God by going without food and by making themselves humble. Ezra and his group fasted (fasting) as they prayed (prayer) for God to protect them. God kept them safe.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, they rested. Then they sacrificed animals as a burnt offering and a sin offering.

8:1–14

This list shows the family leaders who bravely traveled with Ezra to Jerusalem to join the Jewish community. It includes fifteen families represented by 1,515 men. With women and children, the total might have been around 5,000 people.

8:15

  • The Ahava Canal branched off the Euphrates River near Babylon.

  • I found no Levites there: Only a few Levites had come earlier with Sheshbazzar (Ezra 2:40). The reason why so few Levites returned to Jerusalem is unclear.

8:16–17

The Hebrew term translated as "men of discernment" refers to those who could interpret and explain the Torah. These men were likely respected for their expertise in Scripture (compare Nehemiah 8:8–9). Ezra tasked them with using their influence to recruit more Levites.

8:18

the gracious hand of our God: Ezra, his leaders, and Iddo acted to fix the problem, but God's grace made it possible. Only thirty-eight Levites, including the leaders, and 220 temple servants responded.

8:21

a fast, so that we might humble ourselves: Ezra saw the need to ask God for protection, safety, and health for 5,000 people walking 800 miles. Robbers might hide in the hills, crossing rivers was dangerous, and people could get sick.

8:22

ashamed: Ezra had openly declared his faith in God's power to protect the Israelites on their journey. Asking the king for help now would imply that Ezra doubted God's ability to provide.

8:25

The leaders were responsible for transporting offerings for the temple and sacrifices. Since these gifts were holy and belonged to God (Ezra 8:28), the priests needed to care for them.

8:26–27

The Persians and supportive Jews donated a large amount of money. Transporting it without a royal escort was very risky.

8:31–32

On the twelfth day of the first month we set out: It took twelve days to organize, encourage some Levites to join, and pray for God's protection. Only then could Ezra lead the people toward Jerusalem (see Ezra 7:9).

8:35

sacrificed burnt offerings: Many Jews who came to Jerusalem with Ezra likely offered their first sacrifice. This was probably a moving spiritual experience for them to confess their sins and dedicate their lives to God. For details on the burnt offering, see Leviticus 1.

Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources