Ezra is an interesting book that I've missed so much in the past when we have read it. God is pointing so many things out to me this time around...
1) His hand is definitely on Ezra - Ezra knew the law by memory and could write it all from recall; only God's hand being on him...It had been 1000 years since the law was given.
2) It would take four months to travel 1000 miles from Babylon to Jerusalem
3) Dangerous route; everyone traveled with messengers or guards due to the thieves that to live would steal from the caravans, but to show their absolute faith in God they traveled with no one protecting them but God! What a statement about their faith! They fasted and they prayed for all the protection they needed!
4) Do you know that the 7500 pounds of silver, 500 bushels of wheat, 550 gallons of wine, 550 gallons of olive oil and unlimited salt weighted more than 4 tons? Think about that one folks...no trailers, no cars, no trucks, nope they had a HEAVY LOAD without trailers to carry!
5) The travelers would have numbered around 7000 to 8000 people returning; some were accustomed to the life in Babylon and did not return.
Ezra's faith is an example for all. We don't hear a lot about Ezra, but WOW! I am amazed by the load, much less the faith that Ezra showed!
Thank you Father for sharing the faith of such wonderful men that you called to step up and they did! Thank you for allowing us to see through these ordinary people great things happened as reminders that this can still continue today! Amen
Sweet Blessings,
Debbie
3 comments:
And can you think how dark it was at night? How desolate? No cell phone to call 911.
I truly can't imagine everything that faced these people! I agree imagine no cell phone for 911...I love to try to place myself in their shoes to add more to the story. They have big shoes to fill!
The Israelites return to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon reminds me of when God brought them out of Egypt many years before. The people also left Egypt then with a lot of gold, silver, bronze, etc....
Yes, Ezra was a great man of God!
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