1. EZRA 8: 1 - 36

4. Introduction Ch. 7:1-10 As we begin Ch. 7 of Ezra we begin a new section: A. Ch. 1-6 the emphasis was on the Temple - It was about the first return of the exiled Jews under Zerubbabel (49,000)

5. B. Ch. 7-10 Now the emphasis is on the Word of God. (i.e. the things according to the Law of God in the Torah - It is about the 2 nd return of the exiled Jews under Ezra (just over 1,900)

6. 8:1-4Genealogy *Jesus Christ in the Old Testament

7. 8:1-4Genealogy *Jesus Christ in the Old Testament * Encouragement & hope for godly fathers and mothers

8. 8:15 – 20 Problem discovered and problem solved by the good hand of our God on us

9. *The Problem – a shortage of workers

10. 8:15 – 20 Problem discovered and problem solved by the good hand of our God on us *The Problem – a shortage of workers *Note what Ezra does: 8: 15 - 17

11. 8:21 – 23 Fasting, Prayer and Ezra’s version of ‘Hallowed be Thy name!’

12. 8:24 – 30 & 8: 33, 34 On Integrity and Honesty

13. 2 Corinthians 8: 19 – 21 “ “What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.”

14. Galatians 2: 10 “ “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.”

15. Romans 15: 25 - 27 “ “Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.”

16. 8:24 – 29 Note how careful and exact Ezra is

17. 8:24 – 29 Note how careful and exact Ezra is

18. 8:31 – 36 Onward to Jerusalem – with God’s hand upon us