PEOPLE OF

THE PROMISE:
EXILE & RETURN

The Exile Ends and

LESSON 9

God’s People Return SCRIPTURE:

EZRA 1–2

Lesson 9 Questions
First Day: Read Lesson 8 Notes.
The notes and lecture fortify the truth of the passage for understanding and application to daily life.

1. In what ways did the lecture expand your understanding of the kingdom of God and His
sovereignty?

2. What help did you receive from the notes to be better equipped for battles of faith?

Second Day: Read Ezra 1:1.

God fulfilled His promises to His exiled people.

3. Summarize the important details captured in Ezra 1:1.

4. What do the following verses tell you about God’s hand in Israel’s history?

2 Chronicles 36:15-20

2 Chronicles 36:21; Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10

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 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Isaiah 44:28; 45:1, 13

5. a. What do the details in these verses reveal about God’s purposes and power?

b. How does this encourage you?

Third Day: Read Ezra 1:1-4.

God moved Cyrus to facilitate the return of exiled Israelites to Jerusalem.

6. From verses 1-2, how did Cyrus explain the authority behind his decree?

7. What specific outcomes did Cyrus’s decree allow and support?

8. a. Cyrus supported the free expression of worship but likely did not recognize Israel’s God as the
one true God. What is remarkable about God accomplishing His purposes through this king?
(See also Proverbs 21:1.)

b. How might this give you hope in a world that often appears chaotic and misguided?

Fourth Day: Read Ezra 1:5-11.

God supplied the needs of the returning exiles.

9. a. From verses 2 and 5, what role did God play in the exiles’ decision to return to Jerusalem?

b. Think about the practical considerations behind this decision. What must the exiles have
considered?

c. In what ways does this demonstrate how God works within and through people?

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10. How did God supply the practical needs of those committed to this mission? How has He
provided for you?

11. What lessons do these verses teach you? What difference do they make in your life?

Fifth Day: Read Ezra 2.

God recorded the names of the returning exiles.

12. Describe the variety of people and roles among those God called to return to Jerusalem.

13. a. Why might God have prompted Ezra to record the names and numbers here?

b. How does God’s attention to detail impact you?

14. a. From this chapter, what reminds you of the importance of worship to the Israelites?

b. How does God offer you opportunities to contribute sacrificially to building His kingdom?

Sixth Day: Review Ezra 1–2.

God activates every detail within His sovereign plan.

15. What truths about God did you find meaningful in this week’s study? How will you respond?

Homiletics for Group and Administrative Leaders: Ezra 1–2

Next step: Listen to the lecture.

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 Lecture Notes

Next step: Read the lesson notes.

110 | Lesson 9
Lesson 9 Notes
Ezra 1–2

Focus Verse
“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by
Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout
his realm and also to put it in writing.’” (Ezra 1:1)

Outline
● The Historical Context of Ezra
● The Return to Jerusalem – Ezra 1–2

Engage
Life sometimes feels like a confusing swirl of endless details. Every day introduces a new
flood of information, challenges, and decisions. We do our best to navigate a world we cannot
control. In most cases, we come up short. Our circumstances may lead us to ask, “Where is
God in all of this? What do people expect of me? How will I possibly process everything all at
once? Can I get enough done?” Life seldom affords enough time or space to catch up to or
comprehend everything we encounter.

The people of Judah had lived as exiles in Babylon for 70 years. Torn from everything familiar
and with little control over their daily choices or destiny, they surely struggled to see God’s hand
in their lives. But by this time, a once-foreign land had become ordinary to a new generation. A
constantly changing tide of political rulers who did not honor God threatened to blur the unique
identity of God’s chosen people. However, the God of their ancestors was not finished. God had
promised through His prophets to limit the exile to 70 years and restore Israel. That time had
come. Only God could accomplish the promised restoration of His covenant people. The book of
Ezra chronicles God’s multifaceted work to fulfill His promises. God activates every detail within
His sovereign plan. He rules over everything, including what we cannot comprehend.

The Historical Context of Ezra

The Setting
Israel’s history presents a dramatic account of persistent human failure alongside God’s unrelenting
grace. Called as His people and warned by His prophets, yet enticed by false gods, the splintered
nation of Israel suffered God’s discipline, which was administered by conquering nations. First, the
10 tribes comprising the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC.1 Then, in 586 BC, the

1. Israel’s fall: 2 Kings 17

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 Who Is Ezra?
His role: A priest and scribe from Aaron’s lineage, Ezra recorded events signaling the end of exile
and led the second group of Israelites to return to Jerusalem.

His message: The importance of God’s Word, His temple, and Israel’s worship

An image to remember: The rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing the worship God ordained for
His people

two tribes of the Southern Kingdom of Judah fell to Babylon.2 God’s purpose—to shine His light to the
world through His chosen people—had not changed despite their deportation to foreign lands.

God declared His plans for Israel long before enemy nations gathered to destroy their cities and
deport their people. Prophets foretold Judah’s 70-year exile, which would end in the most unexpected
way.3 The Lord promised to stir the heart of a foreign king to send His shattered, scattered people
back to their ancestral homeland. Isaiah named Cyrus as God’s instrument around a century before
this king was born.4 Just as God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt,5 He opened a way for
His people to return to their homeland to live rightly as His covenant people. God aligned the details.
He moved kings and people to accomplish His plans. God’s ultimate purpose extended beyond the
physical addresses of the displaced Israelites. He desired their spiritual renewal and stirred their
hearts to move forward as He intended.

Ezra entered Israel’s history at this point. The citizens of Judah, deported to Babylon in three waves,
would also return to the promised land in three waves—all orchestrated by God. Some returned, while
some remained in Babylon. The Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah record the experiences
of three leaders who led three groups of people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild what the enemy
had destroyed.

Living in exile posed challenges to the unique identity and spiritual mission God intended for the
Israelites. After a 70-year absence from their homeland, life in Babylon probably felt somewhat
normal and comfortable for most of them. Their moral standards and spiritual focus had deteriorated.
They lacked access to the Jerusalem temple and God’s prescribed system of sacrifices and worship.
The demolished land of their fathers was now inhabited by a population that would make them
feel like strangers. God’s timely plan for His people involved a return to the land where they would
rebuild Jerusalem, reconstruct the temple, and restore their God-ordained system of worship. God
preserved His people, despite their sin. He would still bring the promised Messiah into the world
through His chosen nation. God would act powerfully on behalf of His people through leaders like
Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, and kings such as Cyrus.

2. Judah’s fall: 2 Kings 24-25; 2 Chronicles 36:5-21

3. 70-year exile: Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10
4. Cyrus: Isaiah 44:28; 45:1, 13
5. God’s deliverance: Exodus 13:17–14:31

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The Author
Ezra’s name means “help.” His book records God’s evident help in his endeavors. A descendant
of Aaron, a priest, and a scribe skilled in the law of Moses,6 Ezra’s focus on God’s law and Israel’s
worship undergirded his call to record the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple and restore proper
worship within Israel. We repeatedly read that God’s hand was on him.7 Committed to the Scriptures,
Ezra intentionally elevated the importance of the Torah, the temple, and prayer.8 Ezra’s godly influence
made a difference in the lives of God’s people.

As in the past, God continued to raise up prophets to speak His message to His people. Earlier,
Ezekiel had warned the Babylonian exiles of Jerusalem’s imminent fall as well as God’s plan to
restore His people and temple.9 Daniel faithfully served God in Babylon’s royal courts.10 He interpreted
and received visions revealing God’s control of kings and kingdoms.11 The book of Ezra provides
historical context for other Old Testament books from this period. God’s prophets Haggai and
Zechariah encouraged the people to resume their work to rebuild Jerusalem’s temple. Historically,
Esther’s dramatic account sits between Ezra 6 and 7, between the first and second return of exiles to
Jerusalem. Esther and her family remained in Persia, choosing not to return.12 The book of Nehemiah
so seamlessly picks up the narrative where Ezra ends that the Hebrew Bible combines the books.
Ezra focused on the rebuilt temple, while Nehemiah was tasked to rebuild the city wall.13 Though the
book never confirms authorship, most scholars consider Ezra as the author of the book that bears his
name. Some scholars say Ezra also wrote or coauthored the book of Nehemiah.

The Message
Ezra’s book is clearly divided into two sections: the return and rebuilding led by Zerubbabel in
chapters 1–6 and the return and restoration led by Ezra himself in chapters 7–10. Both sections
record God’s sovereign use of Persian rulers to initiate and support the Israelites and their
leaders on their pilgrimage to their homeland. The policy of the Persians differed from that of the
Babylonians who preceded them. The Babylonians pursued assimilation, which threatened unique

Three Waves of Israelites Return to Their Homeland

First Return: Led by Zerubbabel; decreed by Cyrus of Persia in 538 BC; recorded in Ezra 1–6

Second Return: Led by Ezra; decreed by Artaxerxes in 458 BC; recorded in Ezra 7–10

Third Return: Led by Nehemiah; decreed by Artaxerxes in 444 BC; recorded in Nehemiah

6. Ezra’s lineage: Ezra 7:1-6

7. God’s hand: Ezra 7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 22, 31
8. Ezra’s spiritual influence: Ezra 7:6, 25; 8:21; 9:1–10:1; Nehemiah 8:2-3, 18; 9:1-3
9. Ezekiel’s prophecy: Ezekiel 4:1-3; 33:21; 36:24–37:14; 40–45
10. Daniel’s service: Daniel 1–6
11. Daniel’s visions: Daniel 2:31-49; 4:1-27; 5:18-30; 7–8; 9:20–12:13
12. Esther’s family: Esther 9:29–10:3
13. Wall: Nehemiah 2:11-20

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 Jewish practices. The Persians allowed and supported varied religious practices, as long as those
expressions did not threaten the king. Ezra’s zeal mirrored the Lord’s intent for the fidelity of God’s
covenant people.

The end of Judah’s exile and opportunities for the returning exiles to reestablish life in Jerusalem
confirm God’s faithfulness to His promises and His people. Through the leaders He calls and the
circumstances He determines, God works to provide a way for His people to return to Him. He did
that for Israel despite their failings. This reflects God’s heart for all people. God calls spiritually
exiled humanity to return to Him through the atoning sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus. Ezra, a man
committed to the Lord and His Word, exemplified persevering leadership. He overcame difficulties
and complacency through prayer and steadfast obedience. God’s people still need this message of
redemption. God’s people still need leaders like Ezra today.

The Return to Jerusalem – Ezra 1–2

The Preparations – 1
God Moved Cyrus to Fulfill His Purposes (1:1-4) – Ezra opens with an earthly king’s dramatic decree
demonstrating the heavenly King’s unrivaled reign over time and space. God steadfastly governs
history. He chooses when to reveal the future before it comes to pass. God’s preordained tomorrow
unfolds by His power and faithfulness. The consummation of His will for Israel did not depend on
Cyrus's decisions. God inspired Jeremiah to foretell Babylon’s defeat. He graciously foretold the
length of Israel's discipline in exile—70 years. To fulfill His plan, God moved the heart of King Cyrus
of Persia, the greatest conqueror the ancient Near East had known at that time. The opening verses
of Ezra (1:1-3) mirror almost exactly 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Ezra picked up the baton, recording more
of the story as God’s plan for His people continued to unfold.

Why would Cyrus show deference to Israel and their God? Cyrus referred to “the Lord, the God of
Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem.” His words do not necessarily indicate personal belief but rather
tolerance of the religious customs of conquered nations. He gained political advantage by permitting
his subjects to worship their gods as their customs dictated, as long as they did not challenge the
state. Cyrus released the exiles to reestablish worship of God in the Jerusalem temple—where He
had chosen to dwell with them. Cyrus’s religious tolerance did not minimize God’s sovereign power in
this decree. God used Cyrus to confirm His presence and finish what He started. Cyrus did not need
to believe in Israel’s God to be subject to Israel’s God. The same God who hardened Pharoah’s heart
as he refused to release God’s people14 softened Cyrus’s heart to let them go. God’s hand was with
His people as He encouraged them to go up to Jerusalem.

For 70 years, God’s people were scattered across the Babylonian Empire. They built homes, grew
crops, and had children among the Babylonians. They lived alongside exiles from other nations.
Cyrus’s decree opened the door and provided the means for God’s people to return to Judah. God’s
help came from a surprising source—outside His people. The Lord graciously cared for the needs
of His people as He made a way for them to worship Him in the manner He prescribed. As God
faithfully fulfills His promises, He meets His people’s need to live daily in His presence.

14. Pharaoh's hardened heart: Exodus 7:2-5

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 God’s Sovereign Control of the Details
The Doctrine of Fulfillment of Prophecy
Israel’s history firmly demonstrates God’s faithfulness to accomplish everything He promises. We
considered the doctrine of fulfilled prophecy as we studied Daniel 2, with a call to believe the yet-
to-be-fulfilled promises within God’s Word. We contemplate yet another angle on this important
doctrine through Ezra’s life story. God fulfills everything He declares with intricate detail. God knows
everything and can do anything. Nothing can hinder the purposes God ordains. No one can halt His
sovereign plan.1 Israel’s prophesied exile and return to their homeland moved forward according
to His perfect will and timing. God governs all history and tells us everything we need to know to
confidently face the future.

The Holy Spirit led God’s prophets to speak on His behalf.2 Only God can accurately forecast the
future. Humans struggle to predict economic trends or even the weather. Not only does God know
what will happen, He makes it happen. Yet even within God’s sovereign control, He uses prophets
such as Jeremiah, kings such as Cyrus, and servants such as Ezra. God’s power and people’s
choices mysteriously combine to carry forward His plan. We similarly look to God above as we
process all that is taking place on earth below. Fulfilled prophecy proves that God’s Word is true.
His plan is unstoppable. Life’s big issues, daily details, and seemingly murky future all rest within
God’s watchful care.

What difference does it make to know that God named a powerful king to an appointed task
long before that king drew a breath? How do the highs and lows of an ancient people impact us?
Without recognizing God’s preordained and certain work in the past, we will not understand His
ongoing presence and power today and into the future. The people and history of planet Earth are
not careening aimlessly toward an uncertain destination. While we cannot know or understand
when or how God will carry out His plan, even the turmoil we face can be entrusted to Him.

Fulfilled prophecy confirms God’s truth and displays His character. God, the eternal King, works
through and despite earthly kings. How does God’s unfolding plan, moving forward in His perfect
time and ordained way, strengthen your faith? Jesus Christ, God’s own Son, came to earth as God
had promised. He will return, just as God has foretold. The God of eternity has revealed enough
about the future for His people to experience comfort and hope today. Which promise from God’s
Word will you take to heart today?
1. God’s control of history: Isaiah 46:9-10
2. The Holy Spirit and prophecy: 2 Peter 1:21

God Moved Individuals to Follow and Fund His Plan (1:5-11) – God continued to move in human
hearts as the Israelites’ return to their homeland approached. Not only did the Lord stir a king’s heart,
He also moved the hearts of exiled Israelites to pack up and leave Babylon. Verse 5 confirms that
God Himself led specific people to join the band of returnees. Heads of families from the tribes of
Judah and Benjamin, along with priests and Levites, prepared to make the move to rebuild the house
of the Lord in Jerusalem.

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 The commitment to return to Israel meant a decision to travel 900 miles (about 1,500 km) to reach
a destination left in the dust of an enemy conquest. Many Israelites chose to remain in Babylon,
where they would enjoy a higher standard of living and less disruption than the band of exiles would
encounter. Those who returned to their stripped and desolate homeland faced physical and economic
hardship. Their willingness to return was an act of faith and trust in God.

God raised up certain people for this important task, and He met their needs in practical ways. The
pioneers received substantial gifts of silver, gold, goods, and livestock from their neighbors to support
their mission. This backing likely came from fellow Israelites who were not making the journey and
Babylonians or Assyrians who felt compelled to give. This outpouring of gifts reminds us of the
Egyptian treasures God’s people collected prior to their exodus from Egypt for the construction of
the tabernacle.15 Cyrus himself restored the temple vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had looted and
desecrated in the sacking of Jerusalem.16

A leader named Sheshbazzar brought the gathered items, partially recorded in an itemized list in
verses 9-11. Ezra’s account of the preparations for this first return to the homeland reveals important
truths about God. Faithful and generous, God keeps His promises and provides everything His
people need to carry out His will. God can accomplish what seems impossible; He is not limited by
anything that limits us.

The People – 2
Ezra recorded a census of the roughly 50,000 Israelites who returned to Israel at this time. The
movement of this group marked the end of enforced exile and the beginning of a new day for
God’s people as they reoccupied their land. While we sometimes quickly read past such lists within
Scripture, we see here God’s intimate knowledge of His children—every family and individual. God
wove their lives together with His plan. He ordained a unique role for each one in His purposes for
Israel and the world.

The exiles returned under the watchful care of God’s chosen leaders. Zerubbabel, King David’s
descendant through exiled King Jehoiachin, emerged as the leader.17 Zerubbabel’s appointment to
leadership aligned with God’s designation of David’s family as the ancestral line of Jesus Christ.18
Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, served God’s people as a priest.19 Though these leaders grew up in
exile, they were not disqualified from serving God or His people. Zechariah’s visions and Haggai’s
prophecies confirm the significant role Zerubbabel and Joshua played in the first wave of Israel’s return.

God graciously preserved a faithful and willing remnant for Himself among the exiled Israelites.
Each returning family reclaimed their inheritance allotted when Israel first took possession of the
promised land.20 On the surface, Ezra recorded a list of names and numbers; below the surface, this
list reveals God at work. God chose to include these specific people in His plans. The list includes
temple servants and Solomon’s servants—whose genealogy could not be verified.21 God preserved
Aaron’s priestly descendants and Levites to minister before Him. God sustained these family records
to validate the ancestry of His promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.22
15. Egyptian plunder: Exodus 11:2; 12:35-36
16. Looted treasures: 2 Kings 24:13; 25:14-15; Daniel 1:2
17. Jehoiachin deported: 2 Kings 24:8-16
18. Ancestor of Jesus: 1 Chronicles 3:17-19; Matthew 1:12-13
19. Levi’s line: 1 Chronicles 6:1-15
20. Promised inheritance: Joshua 15; 21
21. Temple servants: Ezra 8:20
22. Christ’s Ancestry: Matthew 1

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The details of Ezra’s list suggest God gave His people the desire to honor Him in the details of
worship and daily life. They needed to find homes for those who returned without proof of family
inheritance. They also needed to preserve the purity of sacrificial worship through verified priestly
lines. Priestly descendants unable to produce family records would not serve before God’s altar until
vetted priests confirmed God’s judgment with the Urim and Thummim, which are believed to have
been lots authorized by God to help discern divine guidance.23

God’s people affirmed their willingness to live as His holy, separated people through their generous
freewill offerings. In a time of similar uncertainty, their ancestors gave generously to build God’s
tabernacle after leaving Egypt.24 These numbered people confidently looked to God to guide the early
details of their new life. They trusted Him to meet their needs as they lived for Him. God activates
every detail within His sovereign plan.

Take to Heart
Hold Fast
The book of Ezra marks the end of Israel’s 70-year exile. Ezra covers the first two of the three groups
of Israelites that returned to rebuild and repopulate their homeland. A priest and scribe from the line
of Aaron, Ezra held God’s Word, Israel’s worship, and the Jerusalem temple in high regard. Ezra’s
leadership is recorded in the second half of his book. He brought the second group of returning exiles
home and oversaw their efforts to restore God-honoring worship among God’s people.

God orchestrated the timely fulfillment of His promises. He moved the heart of Persia’s King Cyrus
to enable the first 50,000 returnees led by Zerubbabel. God guided individuals, families, priests, and
leaders to abandon their familiar lives in Babylon, travel to a decimated homeland, and take on
difficult work. God supplied the needs of His called travelers by moving their neighbors and even the
king toward giving riches the Israelites would need to complete their task. The details in this book
demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His Word and His sovereignty over all people, including those who
do not recognize His divine hand.

Apply It
In a world filled with distorted news and conflicting opinions, we often struggle to know whom to
trust or what to believe. The timely intricacy of God’s work in Israel’s history reminds us that only
God’s words can be fully trusted. How does God’s powerful activity in the past comfort you as you
face countless details of a future you cannot fully plan or grasp? Scripture is filled with promises God
has made to His people. The details of the future may remain cloudy, but God’s sovereign control
and His certain plan offer proper perspective. God will do whatever it takes to fulfill every detail of
every promise He makes. How does God’s faithfulness embolden you to walk through the doors of
opportunity He opens as you serve Him and others? God orchestrates a constellation of details to
accomplish His plans in our lives.

23. Urim and Thummim: Exodus 28:30

24. Giving to God: Exodus 25:2

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 How do you know when God is stirring your heart? God knew the names of the exact people He would
send back to Jerusalem. Those very people recognized God’s call to pack up and move. We can
profess willingness to follow the Lord and surrender to His perfect plans for us. However, yielding to
Scripture’s commands and the Spirit’s urgings requires surrender, which often seems costly. God’s
plans for us include both the general direction of our lives and specific steps of obedience. He affords
us opportunities to step out in faith. His Spirit moves within our hearts to make us willing.25 He equips
and enables us as He leads us. In what challenging direction might the Lord be leading you? What
sacrifices are you willing to make to accomplish God’s calling for your life? How responsive are you
when God stirs your heart to reach out to a neighbor or show generosity to someone in need? How do
you respond when God gives you a burden that lingers? God moves within His people to accomplish
His work. What prevents you from listening for the Lord’s promptings as you read His Word and pray?
People who share God’s heart listen to His truth and act accordingly.

Staying in Babylon was far easier than enduring a grueling trip that required difficult work upon arrival
in Jerusalem. Our lives often feature comforting daily routines and comfortable surroundings. For
the Israelites, following God’s call meant saying goodbye to familiar places and faces. As we seek to
follow God’s call to impact the world, how might we balance the physical and spiritual needs of close
family and friends? How is God moving you to influence the lives of people around you? Have you
focused too broadly and overlooked the spiritual needs of your inner circle? Balancing competing
loyalties requires constant, prayerful focus on the Lord. How will you trust God to expand your vision
for His work while tending generously to those entrusted to your care?

Ultimately, God’s call and provision for His people—those who lead and those who follow—reveal His
intricate care and sovereign power. His governance of world history, powerful leaders, and available
people reveals His purposeful provision and steadfast plan for the world. How has this lesson fueled
your confidence in God’s plan for your life and our world? We can fully trust the God who keeps every
promise He makes. Nothing can stop Him. World governments come and go, but His Word endures
forever.26 How does God’s faithfulness to Israel inspire you to yield to Him in surrender and worship
despite uncertainty? In what specific way is God calling you to trust Him today?

25. Fulfilling God’s will and desire: Philippians 2:13

26. God’s enduring Word: Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25

118 | Lesson 9 All Scripture quotations in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® NIV ®
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