SOURCE FOR QUESTIONS
Ezra 1:1 through 10:44

‍KEY VERSE FOR MEMORIZATION
“And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat, and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.” (Ezra 6:21-22)

BACKGROUND

The Book of Ezra provides a vital link in the historical record of the Jewish people. In 722 B.C., the Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel. When the Southern Kingdom of Judah was overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar’s armies in 586 B.C. and the people were carried away to Babylon, Israel ceased to exist as an independent nation. Ezra records how the Jews returned to their homeland, their struggle to survive, and their efforts to rebuild what had been destroyed. 

Restoration is a main theme of the book: not only restoration of the exiles to their homeland, but also restoration of the proper worship of God after years of captivity. Ezra reminded the people that despite their failure to obey God and abide by their covenant with Him, He had not forgotten them. 

The Book of Ezra can be divided into two sections. Chapters 1-6 document the first return of exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the people’s rebuilding of the Temple despite opposition to their efforts, and the eventual completion and dedication of the Temple. Chapters 7-10 record Ezra’s journey to Jerusalem about fifty-eight years later with a second group of returnees, and his efforts to bring about spiritual reformation. 

Both sections offer hope for every generation. Those who are serving God can be encouraged by how He enables His people to overcome challenges and accomplish His will. Those who are bound by sin can learn that God offers deliverance and will accept and restore those who seek Him in true repentance.

SUGGESTED RESPONSES TO QUESTIONS‍

1. The prophet Jeremiah had foretold that Babylon would be punished for their iniquity. He also prophesied that after the people of Judah spent seventy years of captivity in Babylon, God would bring them back to their homeland (see Jeremiah 25:12 and 29:10). Isaiah foretold that a Gentile ruler named Cyrus would rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple (see Isaiah 44:28). In 539 B.C., just prior to the events in the Book of Ezra, the armies of King Cyrus of Persia overthrew Babylon. What events are described in Ezra 1:1-3, and what characteristic of God is demonstrated by these events?
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   Ezra 1:1-3 indicates that God stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus, who issued a proclamation throughout his kingdom stating that the Lord God of Heaven had charged him to build God a house at Jerusalem. He encouraged the Jewish people to return to their homeland to build the Temple. 
   
   In response to the second question, your group may offer various thoughts. However, when these events are viewed in conjunction with the Scriptures in Jeremiah and Isaiah, they should conclude that the prophecies were precisely fulfilled, thus demonstrating God’s faithfulness and the complete accuracy of His Word.
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2. Verse 5 of chapter 1 indicates that “all them whose spirit God had raised” decided to return to Jerusalem after King Cyrus’ proclamation. What do you think is meant by that phrase, and why is it important?
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   Your students should see that God motivated those who responded to the opportunity to return. While they were a minority (many more of the Jewish people stayed behind in Babylon), they were a God-stirred minority. 
   
   Having God’s direction and blessing was important because the returnees would face many obstacles as they went back to their homeland. They would be leaving the security of Babylon for a land most of them had never seen. The journey would be long and dangerous, and they would be taking up residence in a ruined city with no proper homes, roads, or government. However, the returning exiles had a God-given vision and purpose that sustained them. 
   
   You may wish to follow up by pointing out that we too may be called to undertake tasks for God that seem difficult or even impossible. However, when God moves upon our spirits and places an open door before us, we can be sure He will go with us and provide what we need, just as he did for the Jewish exiles (see verses 6-8).
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3. Chapter 2 lists the people who joined Zerubbabel for this journey. In so doing, the returnees indicated their faith in God’s promise to restore them to their land. How did some of the “chief of the fathers” further demonstrate their trust and commitment to God? Ezra 2:68-69
   
   Verses 68-69 record that some of the chief of the fathers “offered freely for the house of God,” giving what they could out of their own resources for the rebuilding. Ask your group why they think these verses are part of the Biblical record. The point should be made that materially supporting God’s work is encouraged and commended throughout Scripture. The fact that these individuals offered “after their ability”—as much as they could—was of more importance than the monetary value of their gifts.
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4. The Jews had not been able to offer sacrifices to God during their exile, as this could only be done in the place God ordained (see Deuteronomy 12:11-14). Ezra 3:2 records that one of the first official acts of the returning exiles was to build the altar of God. Why do you think the people built the altar before rebuilding the Temple or the city wall?
   
   While no reason is directly stated, restoring the spiritual “life” of the nation clearly was a priority for those who returned. City walls could only offer limited physical protection, but the favor and protection of God was vital if they were to overcome the challenges facing them. 
   
   To amplify the discussion, ask your group to parallel the building of the altar to a new convert building a relationship with God. Points mentioned could include the following.
      • The builders were motivated when God’s Spirit moved on their hearts, and those who turn to God do so in response to His call to repentance.
      • The builders recognized that establishing regular communication and sacrifice to God was vital, and the one who desires a relationship with God must also recognize the vital necessity of regular communication with Him and obedience to His instructions.
      • The construction of the altar took time, effort, and commitment. While the experience of salvation occurs in a moment, developing a consistent walk with God also requires time, effort, and commitment.
      • The builders faced opposition from the people of the land, and the individual who turns to God will face opposition from the spiritual enemy. 
   
   Bring out that spiritual “building” for a new convert will include making restitution and turning away from all ungodliness. However, the reward for taking these steps will extend into eternity.
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5. Ezra 4:1 mentions “the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin.” These adversaries were Samaritans— descendants of Assyrians who had intermarried with Jews when Israel fell to Assyria in 722 B.C. The Samaritans claimed to worship the true God, but they combined rituals from the Law with superstition and idolatrous practices. Any partnership with them would have been spiritually dangerous, so when they offered to help with the rebuilding, the leaders of Judah refused. Based on verses 4-5, how did the Samaritans then attempt to hinder the rebuilders?
   
      • Verse 4: They tried to “weaken the hands” of the rebuilders, probably through mockery and intimidation.
      • Verse 5: They hired counsellors to devise ways to frustrate the purpose of the builders. 
   
   Ask your group how we should respond when we are faced with opposition to our faith, mockery, intimidation, or false accusations. What measures can we take to ensure we are not swayed in our commitment to God?
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6. Ezra 4:24 records that the Jews abandoned the Temple rebuilding project, and this pause lasted for about ten years. However, in Ezra 5:1-2, we read that construction resumed due to the influence of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. Think back to those who have encouraged you to serve God and fulfill His plan for your life. What are some specific ways they helped you spiritually?
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   Encourage your group to share specific examples of times and ways that others have encouraged them spiritually. Responses to this question should highlight the importance of godly examples, spiritual mentoring, Biblical instruction, and personal encouragement.
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7. When building resumed, so did challenges. Chapter 5 records a letter sent by Tatnai to King Darius, suggesting that he research whether the previous king, Cyrus, had actually given permission for the house of God in Jerusalem to be built. A search was made, and a scroll that recorded Cyrus’ proclamation was found. What did King Darius command in his subsequent response to Tatnai’s letter? Ezra 6:7-10
   
   King Darius prohibited any interference with the Jews or hindering of their work. In addition, Tatnai was instructed to provide the builders with whatever they needed, to be funded by taxes collected from the province itself. The Jews were also to be given any animals they needed for sacrifices. 
   
   In verses 11-12, Darius went on to threaten severe punishments for those who violated his commands. What a wonderful victory this was for the Jewish people—opposition to the work was ended by the finding of a lost document in a pagan kingdom! The point should be made that God’s purpose will be fulfilled despite any opposition. God can deliver in ways we cannot imagine if we put our trust in Him.
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8. About fifty-eight years after the dedication of the Temple, Ezra and another group of exiles traveled to Jerusalem from Babylon. Details of their journey are given in Ezra 7:6-10, including that the “good hand of his God” was upon Ezra in this undertaking. Verse 10 explains why this was so. What threefold purpose did Ezra express in that verse?
   
   According to verse 10, Ezra purposed to seek to know the Law of the Lord, to obey that Law, and to teach the people God’s statutes and judgments. Discussion should revolve around the fact that Ezra’s threefold intention is essential for anyone who wants to make an impact on others for God.
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9. The returning exiles led by Ezra assembled at “the river that runneth to Ahava” (Ezra 8:15). While encamped there, Ezra proclaimed a fast and led the people in prayer, seeking God’s protection as they traveled. Since the journey had been authorized by King Artaxerxes, Ezra could have asked for a military presence to accompany them. Why was Ezra reluctant to request this? Ezra 8:22
   
   Ezra had told the king of his confidence in the power of the God of Israel. If he had then asked for an armed escort to protect the caravan, the implication would have been that God was unable to care for those who followed Him. 
   
   Point out to your class that verse 23 states that God listened to the petition of the people. The eventual success of the journey shows that God not only heard, but He granted their request.
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10. Chapters 9-10 record that after Ezra’s arrival in Judah, he found that many of the Jewish people had intermarried with people of the region in violation of God’s commandment. In response, he fell before God in prayer. What can we learn about sin and God’s response to it from Ezra’s heartfelt petition, recorded in Ezra 9:6-9?
    
    Thoughts offered could include the following.
       • Verse 6: Sin is very serious and causes shame.
       • Verse 7: Sin has consequences and deserves judgment.
       • Verse 8: God extends grace to sinners, giving them time to repent. Everyone has an opportunity; some have many opportunities.
       • Verse 9: God is merciful. 
    
    Point out that the world increasingly seems to view sin as inconsequential, but we should regard it as seriously as Ezra did. In verses 13-14, Ezra stated that if God had punished the people as they deserved, they would have been consumed by His anger. He did not offer an excuse for the people’s wrongdoing, but simply asked God to extend mercy. 
    
    Conclude your class time by noting that chapter 10 describes the people’s repentant confession and their renewed commitment to obey God’s Law. An assembly was called in Jerusalem, the guilty individuals agreed to turn away from the sins they had committed, and a plan to rectify the situation was enacted.

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CONCLUSION

Ezra’s commitment, dedication, and spiritual leadership reveals how a godly man can help lead a nation toward God. Times may be dark in our culture today, but some are still willing to stand for God and the truth. We want to be among that number!