The Story Of Ezra- Lesson GR 3-4

There was a time when the Israelites were not obeying God’s word and were doing wrong things. This caused God’s wrath to come upon them. As a result, God allowed King Nebuchadnezzar to conquer them in their war with the Babylonians and they were taken captive in Babylon. They lived there for many years awaiting God’s mercy. Cyrus, King of Persia, freed the Israelites after many years and allowed them to return to Jerusalem. He gave them what they needed to rebuild their city and the Temple.

​Ezra the scribe was one of the people that lead the Israelites in their return to Jerusalem. Scribes are people who write down the word of God. When the temple was rebuilt, Ezra read the books of Moses to the people. “Then all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” (Nehemiah 8:6)

When the people heard the readings, they remembered God’s commandments and repented for disobeying Him all the years they were in captivity. Ezra said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

​Ezra did not want them to return to the city without their hearts returning to the Lord. He read the word of God to them every day for 7 days. They made a feast for the Lord for seven days.

We should read the word of God every day and keep His words in our heart.

“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” John 14:23​