Journal Through the Bible: Week 102 Monday

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Ezra chapter 9

With the help of the LORD the people had successfully made their way to Jerusalem but in spite of God's protection over them the people acted ungratefully. They returned to their old abominations. Unbelievable! And yet, I suspect that we are just as forgetful today.

Notice that it was the princes and rulers who led everyone into trespassing against the very God that had sustained them. The report that he heard astonished Ezra! He was embarrassed to approach the throne of God in prayer.

Does God issue any commands?

• God had told the people in the law of Moses not to intermarry with the Canaanites of the land. Disobedience had caused the people to be taken into captivity. Now here the returning refugees were flagrantly disobeying the same command of the LORD again!

Does God make any promises?

• God does not speak.

Does this chapter teach anything about Jesus?

• We were in bondage yet our God did not forsake us. He extended mercy. (verse 9) "While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
• God punished us "less than our iniquities deserve (verse 13) because He placed them upon Jesus.

Does this chapter teach anything about yet-future events?

• God always has a remnant, or "nail" in his holy place. He had one in Ezra's day, imperfect as it was, and He will have one in the future. It will likewise be made up of sinful (but redeemed) people. They will likewise inherit God's land.