PEOPLE OF
THE PROMISE:
EXILE & RETURN
New Beginnings
LESSON 11
in the Promised Land SCRIPTURE:
EZRA 7–8
Lesson 11 Questions
First Day: Read Lesson 10 Notes.
The notes and lecture fortify the truth of the passage for understanding and application to daily life.
1. How did the lecture encourage your worship of God amid the world’s opposition to Him?
2. What truth from the notes did you apply to a question or circumstance you are facing?
Second Day: Read Ezra 7:1-10.
God graciously positioned Ezra and provided for him to lead Israelites back to Jerusalem.
3. From this passage and what you have learned from previous lessons, who was Ezra, what
qualified him to lead this mission, and what made the king agreeable to Ezra’s request?
4. a. Give the verses that specifically relate to Ezra’s dedication to God’s Word and His laws.
b. Why would this be important as God’s people returned to Jerusalem?
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Lesson 11 | 131
their personal BSF class studies. It may not be otherwise reproduced without BSF’s written permission.)
c. From verse 7, how does the list of those returning with Ezra reveal his priorities?
5. In what ways have you seen God reward your diligence to study and obey His Word?
Third Day: Read Ezra 7:11-28.
God moved King Artaxerxes to support Ezra’s mission.
6. List the specific ways God provided for His people through King Artaxerxes and his decree.
7. In what specific situations have you seen God’s overruling providence to accomplish His plans for
His people?
8. a. How did Ezra respond to the king’s decree, as recorded in verses 27-28?
b. For what specific provision will you thank God today?
c. Why is it important to stop and specifically acknowledge and praise God for what He has done
for you?
Fourth Day: Read Ezra 8:1-20.
Ezra assembled and led exiled Israelites to return to Jerusalem.
9. Why did Ezra so carefully record the families and lineage of the returning exiles?
10. a. From verses 15-16, what problem did Ezra uncover, and why did this matter?
b. How did Ezra address this issue? What was the result?
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11. a. How did Ezra demonstrate wise, godly leadership in this matter?
b. What challenging situation is God calling you to address, in His strength?
Fifth Day: Read Ezra 8:21-36.
Ezra and the people sought God’s protection and provision for their journey.
12. a. What did Ezra lead the people to do before they resumed their journey?
b. What realities about God and people does a humble posture of prayer recognize?
13. a. Why did Ezra refuse to ask the king for a royal escort to protect his band of travelers?
b. How is God calling you to trust Him with what only He can do?
14. a. What careful practices did Ezra implement to ensure faithful stewardship of God’s provisions?
b. Give lessons you learn from this.
Sixth Day: Review Ezra 7–8.
God’s Word guides and guards His people's commitment to Him.
15. What truth about God from this week’s lesson stands out to you?
Homiletics for Group and Administrative Leaders: Ezra 7–8
Next step: Listen to the lecture.
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Lecture Notes
Next step: Read the lesson notes.
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Lesson 11 Notes
Ezra 7–8
Focus Verse
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to
teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (Ezra 7:10)
Outline
● The Decree – Ezra 7
● The Departure – Ezra 8
Engage
God is self-existent. His nature and worth do not depend on anything outside Himself. He
does not need us in any way. Yet in amazing mercy and grace, God has revealed Himself to
humanity, not just through His wondrous creation but with actual words. The Bible represents
an extraordinary gift from God to the people He created. No matter how much Scripture we
know or how many Bibles we own, we must not take God’s divine provision for granted. God
tells us what He is like, what is true, how we can know Him, and how we should live. We do well
to listen, surrender, and obey.
Ezra’s book records the first two groups of God’s people who returned to reclaim their
homeland. Ezra’s leadership encompassed much more than leading a band of pilgrims to
accomplish an appointed task. A true spiritual leader, Ezra’s commitment to God and His law
fueled his mission and methods. Personally devoted to studying God’s Word and teaching
God’s truths to others, Ezra led the people to seek, obey, and worship God. Ezra revered God
and surrendered to His ways, deeply aware of God’s intervention and provision. God’s Word
guides and guards His people's commitment to Him. The God of eternity speaks to ordinary
people through His extraordinary Word.
The Decree – Ezra 7
God fulfilled His promises by launching three groups of Israelites to leave exile in Babylon and
return to Judah and Jerusalem.
● Ezra 1–6 documents the first return led by Zerubbabel and Joshua. They overcame opposition
to rebuild the altar and temple. They reestablished God-ordained sacrifices and feast days.
● Ezra 7–10 records the second return, led by Ezra himself. He focused on leading God’s people
to consecrate themselves before God and align themselves with His truth.
● Nehemiah led the third group to overcome the ploys of persistent enemies and fortify
Jerusalem’s wall.
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God charted the course for His people and raised up the right leaders for the right tasks at the
right time. The people’s return to reinhabit the promised land after their exile demonstrates God’s
faithfulness to His promises and sovereign plan. Throughout history, God has always desired heartfelt
worship by His people, not merely external compliance to rules. Ezra called the people to obedience
but also recognized God as worthy of their wholehearted worship and focus.
Ezra’s Lineage – 7:1-5
God propelled Ezra into leadership during the reign of the Persian King Artaxerxes, around 458 BC,
about 80 years after the first return under Zerubbabel and 57 years after the temple dedication.1
Ezra’s priestly lineage traced back to Aaron, Israel’s first high priest and Moses’s brother.2 God’s
law dictated that priests descend from Aaron. Yet this privileged calling did not imply an elevated
worthiness before God. Aaron himself grievously sinned when he fashioned a golden calf for the
people in the wilderness.3 Aaron, Ezra, and all who physically qualified as Israel’s priests needed
God’s redemption along with the people they led. However, the preservation of the Aaronic priesthood
marks God’s faithfulness to provide spiritual leaders for His people and uphold the Mosaic law.4
Ezra's Return – 7:6b-9
God confirmed the burden He gave Ezra by moving King Artaxerxes to support his plan. The king
granted Ezra everything he asked, not because of Ezra’s eloquence or passion, but because the Lord’s
hand was upon His servant. Ezra assembled Israelites, priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, and
temple servants to return with him to Jerusalem. The composition of the returning group attests to
Ezra’s focus on restoring the spiritual life of His people.
Ezra's Priority – 7:6a, 10
Ezra’s qualifications as Israel’s spiritual leader included more than his bloodline. He served as a
teacher of the law of Moses—well-versed in the priorities and practices God designed for Israel’s
worship. Even while in exile, Ezra saturated himself in the Old Testament Scriptures. Not only did
God’s laws frame Ezra’s own life and thinking, but he also “devoted himself” to teaching God’s laws
to His people. When God’s Word frames our thinking, His ways will naturally mold our priorities and
impact on others.
Physical tasks and daily responsibilities need not be separated from spiritual priorities. Ezra certainly
attended to practical matters such as planning, packing, and preparing for the 900-mile (about 1,500
km) journey with a band of pioneers. However, Ezra’s commitment to God and His Word undergirded
his decisions and duties. Ezra’s story details his passion to lead people to honor and worship God.
Ezra's Authority – 7:11-26
God confirmed Ezra’s divine commission with a royal decree. King Artaxerxes shared Ezra’s
determination with full sympathy and financial support. The king’s royal decree offered an open
invitation for any Israelite in his kingdom to join Ezra and return to their homeland. Artaxerxes
commissioned Ezra to discern the state of Judah and Jerusalem in accordance with God’s law.
1. Temple dedication: Ezra 6:16-18
2. Aaron: Exodus 4:14; 28:1-2
3. Aaron’s failure: Exodus 32
4. Aaronic priesthood: Exodus 28:1; Leviticus 8–10
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The Significance of God’s Word
The Doctrine of the Bible
Have you ever considered how God has drawn you to this Bible study? Every week, you can open
God’s Word to study and apply what you learn in powerful and practical ways. God gave us His
Word, revealing Himself and everything He knows that we need to know. We seldom adequately
marvel at this profound privilege. Through God’s Word, we understand something of God’s nature,
character, and sovereign plan for human history. We learn how sin sabotaged humanity and how
God sacrificed His Son to redeem what sin had stolen. The Bible teaches us that history is moving
on the course God has designed toward a final victory He will accomplish. And if that were not
enough, God gives His Spirit to live within believers, illuminating their minds to understand and
believe His truth. The Bible is truly a treasure book, given by God to us.
Unlike any other book we can hold, the Bible contains divine revelation that God’s Spirit delivered
through more than 40 human authors.1 Because the Bible reveals God-generated truth, it is fully
trustworthy and without error in its original documents.2 The Bible stands on eternal truth, which
cannot change.3 By the Spirit’s power, Scripture pierces the human heart, unmasking our sinfulness
and need for God.4 More than a record of facts, the Bible contains life-giving truth and trustworthy
promises5 that offer hope and stability to God’s people.
Without eyes fixed on the Bible as our standard, we are left to make sense of life based on the
wavering whims of our time-bound, earth-oriented understanding. If we do not look to our Creator
to define what is true and yield to His authority, we rely only on human assets, which prove limited
and wanting. If we view the Bible as a dusty book that only applies to weak and culturally irrelevant
people, we will fail to know God as He truly is. Ignoring or rejecting the Bible means missing life’s
treasure of eternal truth and facing forever without hope.
In His Word, God gave us a lamp for our feet and a light for our path.6 The Holy Spirit takes biblical
truths and unlocks our minds to understand what human wisdom alone cannot grasp. God’s Word
provides fresh food for our hungry souls, speaking to our greatest needs and satisfying our deepest
longings. The Bible reflects God’s infinite nature—a lifetime of study cannot exhaust the riches
within God’s beautiful Word. Knowing God’s Word helps us recognize Satan’s lies and this world’s
errors.7 God’s Word speaks with simultaneous simplicity, clarity, and depth that we can teach to
infants but also ponder until our last breath. Heaven and earth will pass away, but God’s Word
abides forever.8 What does God’s Word mean to you?
1. Inspiration of Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21
2. Scripture's trustworthiness: Numbers 23:19; Proverbs 30:5; John 17:17
3. Unchanging truth: Psalm 119; Isaiah 55:10-11; 1 Peter 1:23-25
4. God’s Word pierces: Hebrews 4:12
5. Certain promises: 2 Corinthians 1:20; 7:1; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:4
6. Guiding light: Psalm 119:105
7. God’s Word protects: Psalm 119:104, 118
8. God’s Word abides forever: Matthew 24:35; 1 Peter 1:24-25
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Ezra carried money that the king and his people contributed to fund the sacrifices God required in the
Jerusalem temple. The decree also allowed discretionary use of any additional funds. This official
edict communicated a call to diligent work, faithfulness to “the God of heaven,” and the king’s fear of
God’s wrath should his dynasty hinder the work in any way. Artaxerxes also instructed Ezra to appoint
judges to enforce both the laws of God and the king. The king gave Ezra authority to allow those who
served in the temple to forgo taxation. He also permitted Ezra to punish rebels by death, banishment,
confiscation of their property, and imprisonment.
The king’s edict recognized Ezra as “the priest, a teacher of the Law, a man learned in matters
concerning the commands and decrees of the Lord for Israel.” How did an exiled priest influence this
powerful earthly king? Ezra, without question, leaned on God’s wisdom, not his own. The faithfulness
God birthed and bolstered within Ezra reaped amazing outcomes. Ultimately, God Himself set His
favor upon Ezra and his efforts. God equips people who faithfully study and obey His Word to impact
the world in remarkable ways.
Ezra’s Gratitude – 7:27-28
Ezra did not attribute the king’s abundant blessing and support to his own passionate words and
efforts. He did not point to cunning strategy or careful planning to explain what had happened. With a
humble and grateful posture, Ezra praised God for every blessing he now recalled.
Despite an undoubtedly long work list, Ezra stopped to speak grateful words to the praiseworthy
God of his ancestors. First, he exalted God for moving the king’s heart to honor the Jerusalem temple.
Ezra understood the temple’s pivotal role at the heart of Israel’s worship. Second, he recognized
that God had granted the favor of the king and his advisors. Third, he acknowledged his own inner
fortitude and courage as the work of God, not human boldness. God’s hand truly rested on Ezra.
God’s people study His Word to know God and live in a way that honors Him. They seek His guidance
through prayer. When God does what only God can do, we should take notice. Ezra used words to
express all that God had done, and so should people today. The God who moved the heart of this
king still works on behalf of His people. Praising God for matters big and small prepares God’s people
to recognize their dependence on Him, acknowledge His goodness, and understand His power. The
faithfulness of God propels the faithfulness of His people.
The Departure – Ezra 8
Ezra offers details regarding the wave of returnees who journeyed with him. Individuals and families
prepared to join those already living in Judah and Jerusalem. Ezra recorded the names of specific
individuals as well as the number of unnamed men. His record demonstrates God’s presence and
purpose through the details and people who made this trip from Babylon to Jerusalem.
The People Who Journeyed – 8:1-14
Ezra recorded the genealogy of those who returned with him as a formal registration of the
courageous band. The family heads are documented, listing first the priestly divisions born from
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Aaron’s sons: the descendants of Phineas, a son of Eleazar,5 and those of Ithamar.6 Ezra clearly
sought to fortify the priesthood within Israel. The census of the returnees registers a noticeably
smaller party than those who returned earlier with Zerubbabel. However, God entrusted this group
with the sacred privilege of restoring temple worship in Jerusalem under the God-ordained leadership
of Ezra, the priest.
The Levites They Lacked – 8:15-20
This Jewish contingent followed the route their great ancestor Abraham traveled 1,400 years before.
Early in the journey, Ezra assembled the group at the canal that flows toward Ahava, where they
camped for three days. During this break in their travel, Ezra discovered that no Levites were among
the travel party. Within the structure God ordained to support Israel’s worship, the Levites were
designated to assist the priests at the temple. Ezra could not ignore this omission.
Why had the Levites not joined Ezra’s group voluntarily? Was life in exile more comfortable and
familiar than the uncharted course faced by Ezra and his band of returnees? Ezra demonstrated
courageous and wise leadership by recognizing and addressing this problem. Good leaders do not
merely forge ahead but acknowledge and address any gaps that should not be overlooked.
Ezra realized that he needed the Levites to carry out his mission and restore Israel’s worship
in Jerusalem. In response, he formed a delegation to carry a message to Iddo, a key leader in
Kasiphia—evidently a place where Levites and temple servants lived. God moved in the heart of a
capable man identified as Sherebiah, a descendant of Levi’s son Mahli,7 to enlist 18 from his family.
Two other key leaders, Hashabiah and Jeshaiah, descendants of Merari,8 added 20 more. Ezra
acknowledged God’s gracious provision as 38 Levites and 220 temple servants were registered and
joined his assembled band of returnees. God would use this relatively small number of key men to
mold the future of His people.
The Prayers that Guided Them – 8:21-23
Ezra recognized the need for God’s power and provision for every step of their journey. The leaders
God uses do not depend on their own strength and wisdom to move forward. In fact, dependence on
God rises as the hallmark of godly leadership. Ezra wisely set aside time to call the people to humble
themselves before God and seek His provision and protection.
Ezra realized the journey before them would be long and dangerous. The caravan route they would
travel, beset with Bedouin raiders, posed a threat to the women, children, and goods in their care. Ezra
took every sensible precaution to ensure careful stewardship of the people, money, and treasures. He
planned and prepared, but he also prayed. Ezra led the people to fast, pray, and seek God for their
safety and the protection of the resources entrusted to them.
When Ezra stood before the king, he had declared God’s faithfulness and the favor He bestows on
those who seek Him. Led by God, he refused to tarnish that proclamation with a request for a military
escort to provide human protection. We can relate to Ezra’s struggle between the reality that caused
him fear and the theology he professed. He chose to live under the truth about God that he had boldly
declared to the king. Ezra did not want to risk misrepresenting the God in whom the travelers would
5. Phineas: Numbers 25:7
6. Ithamar: Exodus 28:1
7. Mahli: Exodus 6:19; Numbers 3:20, 33; 26:58
8. Merari: Genesis 46:11; Exodus 6:16; Numbers 3:17, 35-36
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find ultimate security. When God answered this deliberate prayer with a safe journey, His people
would recognize that God’s mighty hand delivered them to their destination.
The Provision that Supported Them – 8:24-36
Ezra exercised zealous care to steward the riches dedicated to God and the temple. He did not take
this responsibility lightly. He set apart 12 leading priests for this sacred task. The silver, gold, and
precious articles were weighed and entrusted to these proven leaders for the journey. Ezra clearly
communicated not just the value of the precious items given as freewill offerings to the Lord, but he
also said to them, “You as well as these articles are consecrated to the Lord.” Those delegated with
this important task bore responsibility for safely transporting the treasures dedicated to the Lord.
Godly leaders remain accountable not just for their assigned duties but to God Himself. Faithfully
stewarding the privileges and resources that God bestows represents a very high calling.
The divinely commissioned travel party set out for Jerusalem from Ahava on the twelfth day of the
first month. Ezra led the returnees forward only when a sufficient representation of Levites joined
their band and the entire group covered their journey in deliberate prayer. God protected them from
enemies and bandits on their journey, and they arrived safely in Jerusalem four months later, where
they rested for three days.
On their fourth day in Jerusalem, Ezra and the priests accounted for the silver, gold, and sacred
treasures by number and weight. This official audit validated the faithfulness of these appointed
servants and the provision of their faithful God. Those who genuinely serve God make every effort to
uphold integrity before God and people.
The exiles who had now returned from captivity offered sacrifices to God and delivered the king’s
edict to the governing officials in the region. The restored sacrifices represented their consecration
before God and desire to worship Him as He ordained. Saturated in God’s Word, Ezra’s commitment
to God and His ways clearly permeated his leadership. God led Ezra to seek God, to lead for His
cause, and to call His people to worship Him rightly. God’s Word guides and guards His people's
commitment to Him. Believers today remain faithful, not because they are strong but because God
is mighty. The Word of God leads the people of God to know how to live for Him, and His Spirit
empowers them to do so.
Take to Heart
Hold Fast
God called Ezra, a priest descended from Aaron’s lineage, to lead a band of Israelites to return to
Jerusalem and Judah. Even while in exile, Ezra diligently studied and sought to teach God’s laws
to His people. Ezra’s saturation in God’s Word, will, and ways equipped him to lead exiles home—
physically to Jerusalem and spiritually to reignited devotion, worship, and obedience. Ezra certainly
demonstrated strong leadership and efficient planning, but his true success came because God’s
hand was upon him. King Artaxerxes granted Ezra favor and support, issuing a royal decree of
permission, financial support, and political protection for Ezra’s God-ordained mission.
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Ezra carefully recorded the families who left exile with him. When Ezra determined that the Levites
needed to serve in the Jerusalem temple had not joined the journey, he sent a delegation to rectify
the problem. God brought key leaders and provided the Levites and temple servants needed to uphold
this priority. Before the people embarked on their journey, Ezra led them to fast and pray, relying on
God’s provision and protection rather than a military escort. He entrusted consecrated leaders to
steward the dedicated gold, silver, and treasures. He validated that all those resources arrived as
intended. Reinstating sacrifices and commitment to God’s Word, Ezra honored God by faithfully
leading His people back to Jerusalem.
Apply It
God’s Word did not grow deep roots in Ezra’s heart by chance. Ezra recognized the importance
of God’s laws. He spent time and effort to know God’s Word deeply and teach it to others. How
are you seeking to deepen your knowledge of God’s Word in a world full of competing loyalties?
Spiritual disciplines reap life-altering results. A daily habit of studying God’s Word or commitment
to memorizing Scripture does far more than fill our minds with words and facts. God molds our
hearts to His when we dedicate ourselves to knowing the Scriptures. God’s Spirit unlocks His truth
to transform our hearts and lives. Ezra sought to restore the worship of God’s people because he
bowed before Israel’s God. In the same way, God will direct your heart and realign your life goals as
you surrender your thoughts to His. Do you see Bible study as an obligatory task or a privilege and
delight? How has God rewarded your diligent study of His Word?
Before the traveling Israelites left Ahava, they deliberately sought God’s protection and blessing. They
recognized the dangers of their journey but did not shrink back in fear. Through fasting and deliberate
prayer, they looked to God, not human strength, as their source of safety and security. Through prayer,
believers acknowledge both their need and God’s sufficiency. When God answers prayers, He receives
the glory, and our faith in Him grows. God listens when His people pray and He acts on their behalf.
God may not always answer in the ways we expect, but the very practice of depending on Him through
prayer trains our hearts to seek God and surrender to Him. What pressing need should you pour out to
God today? How will you trust God to recognize your deepest needs and answer your prayers?
Ezra’s leadership incorporated practical wisdom alongside spiritual priorities. Entrusted by God with
people and treasures, Ezra implemented rigorous measures to steward his God-given responsibilities
wisely. He recognized the need for careful practices to hold people accountable, visibly validating
honesty and integrity among the leaders. Ultimately, he called others to view their duties as unto
God Himself. Churches, Christian organizations, governments, business, and family responsibilities
should be stewarded in a way that honors God. Wise procedures and transparent governance ensure
honesty, uphold God’s standards, and strengthen believers’ witness before a watching world.
Serving God rightly is a spiritual matter with practical implications. Think about the leadership roles
and responsibilities that God has entrusted to you. How do you consecrate your heart to God in these
matters? Do you see your work first as unto the Lord and then to others? How do you honor God
and align with the guiding principles of His Word in the details of your work for Him? God’s holiness
motivates our faithfulness in serving Him and those under our care.
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Ezra is deemed a great leader, but his success did not depend on his intelligence or strategy. God’s
hand was on him when he made his request to King Artaxerxes. God’s hand was on him when the
king’s edict paved the way for his journey and paid the bill. God’s hand was on him when Levites and
temple servants joined the travelers and the people sought God in prayer. God’s hand was on him
as the band of travelers arrived safely in Jerusalem with their treasures intact. God’s presence and
blessing matter more than anything else this world offers. Do you recognize God’s hand in your life?
Do you recognize God’s hand in the lives of those around you? Do you ever rush past God’s obvious
blessings without acknowledging His intervention and provision? Sometimes we recognize God’s
hand through evident success. Other times, God’s blessing comes through His unrelenting presence
through persistent hardship. In every case, God upholds His purposes in the lives of His people. In
what situation do you need God to act on your behalf? How will you trust God to do what only He can?
How will you look for God’s hand at work in your life?
142 | Lesson 11 All Scripture quotations in this publication are from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® NIV ®
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
