This chapter is unique. It is the first time, if my memory serves me correctly, that an account of the events taking place in the bible is written in first person. We clearly know that Ezra is the author of this book, as indicated with the use of the words “me” and “I” throughout this chapter, as Ezra explains who came with him on the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. The chapter begins, “Here is a list of the family leaders and the genealogies of those who came with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:” (Ezra 8:1)
Ezra then listed several families and their men that accompanied him.
Ezra’s Journey to Jerusalem
“I assembled the exiles at the Ahava Canal, and we camped there for three days while I went over the lists of the people and the priests who had arrived. I found that not one Levite had volunteered to come along. So I sent for Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Messullam, who were leaders of the people. I also sent for Joiarib and Elnathan, who were very wise men. I sent them to Iddo, the leader of the Levites at Casiphia, to ask him and his relatives and the Temple servants to send us ministers for the Temple of God at Jerusalem. Since the gracious hand of our God was on us, they sent us a man named Sherebiah, along with eighteen of his sons and brothers. He was a very astute man and a descendant of Mahli, who was a descendant of Levi son of Israel. They also sent Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descendant of Merari, and twenty of his sons and brothers, and 220 Temple servants. The Temple servants were assistants to the Lievites – a group of Temple workers first instituted by King David. They were all listed by name.
And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God protects all those who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.” (Ezra 8:15-23) (Yes, Lord! You are so good! Thank you for covering us.)
Ezra then appointed 12 priests to be responsible for transporting an offering made up of gold and silver to the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. The text continues, “We broke camp at the Ahava Canal on April 19 and started off to Jerusalem. And the gracious hand of our God protected us and saved us from enemies and bandits along the way. So at last we arrived safely in Jerusalem, where we rested for three days. (Yes, Lord! Notice how Ezra keeps glorifying the Lord with the phrase, “the gracious hand of God”. He is continually praising God, knowing from where these blessings come.)
On the fourth day after our arrival, the silver, gold, and other valuables were weighed at the Temple of our God and entrusted to Meremonth son of Uriah the priest and to Eleazar son of Phenehas, along with Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui – both of whom were Levites. Everything was accounted for by number and weight, and the total weight was officially recorded.” (Ezra 8:31-34)
The chapter ends with the exiles who had returned from captivity sacrificing burnt offerings to the Lord.
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Thank you for continually giving us mercy and grace, protecting us even when we don’t deserve it, and continually demonstrating your unfailing love towards us. We love you!
May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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