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Ezra
There is a seventy
year period between II Chronicles and Ezra while Judah was in captivity.
This book records the return of the Jews from captivity in Babylon and the
rebuilding of the temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel. It also
covers the social and religious reforms under Ezra.
Chapter
1 To
listen & read click the version,
KJV or
NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 seconds
Ezra 1
1:1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of
the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred
up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation
throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given
me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him
an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and
let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of
the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the
men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods,
and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God
that is in Jerusalem.
5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the
priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised,
to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.
6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with
vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with
precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.
7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the
LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had
put them in the house of his gods;
8 Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of
Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the
prince of Judah.
9 And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand
chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,
10 Thirty basons of gold, silver basons of a second sort four hundred
and ten, and other vessels a thousand.
11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four
hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity
that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem. |
-
Whose
prophecy did Cyrus king of Persia fulfill in issuing a proclamation to
rebuild the temple? (1-4)
-
What
did Cyrus bring forth that Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of Jerusalem?
(7-11)
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Chapter
2
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listen & read click the version,
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Ezra 2
2:1 Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the
captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar
the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto
Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;
2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah,
Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the
men of the people of Israel:
3 The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy and five.
6 The children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two
thousand eight hundred and twelve.
7 The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty and five.
9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two.
11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
12 The children of Azgad, a thousand two hundred twenty and two.
13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty and six.
14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty and six.
15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty and four.
16 The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and three.
18 The children of Jorah, an hundred and twelve.
19 The children of Hashum, two hundred twenty and three.
20 The children of Gibbar, ninety and five.
21 The children of Bethlehem, an hundred twenty and three.
22 The men of Netophah, fifty and six.
23 The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
24 The children of Azmaveth, forty and two.
25 The children of Kirjath-arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred
and forty and three.
26 The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.
27 The men of Michmas, an hundred twenty and two.
28 The men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
29 The children of Nebo, fifty and two.
30 The children of Magbish, an hundred fifty and six.
31 The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and
four.
32 The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and five.
34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
35 The children of Senaah, three thousand and six hundred and thirty.
36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine
hundred seventy and three.
37 The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
38 The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
39 The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of
Hodaviah, seventy and four.
41 The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight.
42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children
of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children
of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all an hundred thirty and nine.
43 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the
children of Tabbaoth,
44 The children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
45 The children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of
Akkub,
46 The children of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, the children of
Hanan,
47 The children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of
Reaiah,
48 The children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of
Gazzam,
49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
50 The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of
Nephusim,
51 The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of
Harhur,
52 The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of
Harsha,
53 The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of
Thamah,
54 The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the
children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda,
56 The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of
Giddel,
57 The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of
Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Ami.
58 All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were
three hundred ninety and two.
59 And these were they which went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsa,
Cherub, Addan, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's
house, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:
60 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of
Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.
61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the
children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the
daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by
genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted,
put from the priesthood.
63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the
most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with
Thummim.
64 The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three
hundred and threescore,
65 Beside their servants and their maids, of whom there were seven
thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and there were among them two
hundred singing men and singing women.
66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty and six; their mules, two
hundred forty and five;
67 Their camels, four hundred thirty and five; their asses, six
thousand seven hundred and twenty.
68 And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house
of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God
to set it up in his place:
69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work
threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of
silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the
singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities,
and all Israel in their cities. |
-
Who
was the first person named as one who went out of captivity? (2)
-
What
was the size of the congregation that went out of captivity? (64-65)
Back
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Chapter
3
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listen & read click the version,
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Ezra 3
3:1 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel
were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man
to Jerusalem.
2 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the
priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and
builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings
thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.
3 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them
because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt
offerings thereon unto the LORD, even burnt offerings morning and
evening.
4 They kept also the feast of tabernacles, as it is written, and
offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom,
as the duty of every day required;
5 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new
moons, and of all the set feasts of the LORD that were consecrated,
and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the
LORD.
6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt
offerings unto the LORD. But the foundation of the temple of the LORD
was not yet laid.
7 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and
meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to
bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the
grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.
8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at
Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel,
and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the
priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the
captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years
old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.
9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his
sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the
house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren
the Levites.
10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the
LORD, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the
Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the LORD, after the
ordinance of David king of Israel.
11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto
the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward
Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they
praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was
laid.
12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who
were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation
of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and
many shouted aloud for joy:
13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy
from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted
with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off. |
-
What
did Jeshua and Zerubbabel first build? (1-2)
-
After
this what did Jeshua and Zerubbabel begin to build? (8)
-
For
what did the people sing, praise and give thanks unto God? (11)
-
What
did the old men do who had seen the first temple? (12)
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Chapter
4
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listen & read click the version,
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Ezra 4
4:1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the
children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of
Israel;
2 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and
said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do;
and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of
Assur, which brought us up hither.
3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers
of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an
house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD
God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of
Judah, and troubled them in building,
5 And hired counsellers against them, to frustrate their purpose, all
the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king
of Persia.
6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote
they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and
Jerusalem.
7 And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and
the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the
writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and
interpreted in the Syrian tongue.
8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against
Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:
9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the
rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the
Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the
Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites,
10 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar
brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are
on this side the river, and at such a time.
11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto
Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and
at such a time.
12 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to
us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city,
and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.
13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and
the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and
custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.
14 Now because we have maintenance from the king's palace, and it was
not meet for us to see the king's dishonour, therefore have we sent
and certified the king;
15 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers:
so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city
is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that
they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause
was this city destroyed.
16 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the
walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this
side the river.
17 Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to
Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in
Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a
time.
18 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.
19 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that
this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that
rebellion and sedition have been made therein.
20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled
over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom,
was paid unto them.
21 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this
city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.
22 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow
to the hurt of the kings?
23 Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum,
and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste
to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.
24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So
it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia. |
-
What
did the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin want to do? (1-2)
-
After
Zerubbabel refused them what three things did these adversaries do?
(3-10)
-
What
did they write to try to convince King Artaxerxes to cause the
rebuilding to stop. (11-16)
-
What
did Artaxerxes cause to happen? (21-24)
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Chapter
5
To
listen & read click the version,
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NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 seconds
Ezra 5
5:1 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of
Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the
name of the God of Israel, even unto them.
2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of
Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem:
and with them were the prophets of God helping them.
3 At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the
river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto
them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this
wall?
4 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the
men that make this building?
5 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they
could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and
then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.
6 The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river,
and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were
on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:
7 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius
the king, all peace.
8 Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea,
to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and
timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and
prospereth in their hands.
9 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded
you to build this house, and to make up these walls?
10 We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the
names of the men that were the chief of them.
11 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of
the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded
these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.
12 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto
wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of
Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the
people away into Babylon.
13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king
Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.
14 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which
Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and
brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take
out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose
name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;
15 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the
temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in
his place.
16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the
house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now
hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.
17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search
made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether
it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house
of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us
concerning this matter. |
-
What
were the names of the prophets who inspired the Jews to start
building again? (1-2)
-
To
whom did Tatnai send a letter regarding the progress of the work?
(6)
Back
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Chapter
6
To
listen & read click the version,
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NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 seconds
Ezra 6
6:1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the
house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.
2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the
province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:
3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a
decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be
builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the
foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore
cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;
4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let
the expences be given out of the king's house:
5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God,
which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at
Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again
unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and
place them in the house of God.
6 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-boznai,
and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be
ye far from thence:
7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the
Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.
8 Moreover I made a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these
Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods,
even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto
these men, that they be not hindered.
9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and
lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt,
wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are
at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of
heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.
11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word,
let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be
hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.
12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all
kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy
this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree;
let it be done with speed.
13 Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and
their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so
they did speedily.
14 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the
prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And
they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God
of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and
Artaxerxes king of Persia.
15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar,
which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.
16 And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the
rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this
house of God with joy,
17 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred
bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering
for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes
of Israel.
18 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in
their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is
written in the book of Moses.
19 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the
fourteenth day of the first month.
20 For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them
were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the
captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
21 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity,
and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness
of the heathen of the land, to seek the LORD God of Israel, did eat,
22 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the
LORD had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria
unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God,
the God of Israel. |
-
What
did Darius tell Tatnai to do? (7)
-
How
was the cost of rebuilding to be paid? (8)
-
What
was the prayer request of Darius? (9-10)
-
What
did Darius order to happen to anyone who altered his edict? (11)
-
When
was the temple finished? (14-15)
-
How
did the children of Israel celebrate the dedication of the house of
God? (16-22)
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Chapter
7
To
listen & read click the version,
KJV or
NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 seconds
Ezra 7
7:1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia,
Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
2 The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
3 The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
4 The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
5 The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son
of Aaron the chief priest:
6 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law
of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted
him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon
him.
7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the
priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the
Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
8 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the
seventh year of the king.
9 For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from
Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem,
according to the good hand of his God upon him.
10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to
do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave
unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the
commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.
12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the
law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
13 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his
priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own
freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
14 Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven
counsellers, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to
the law of thy God which is in thine hand;
15 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his
counsellers have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose
habitation is in Jerusalem,
16 And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the
province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of
the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in
Jerusalem:
17 That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams,
lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer
them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
18 And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do
with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of
your God.
19 The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house
of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
20 And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God,
which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's
treasure house.
21 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the
treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the
priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of
you, it be done speedily,
22 Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of
wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of
oil, and salt without prescribing how much.
23 Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently
done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath
against the realm of the king and his sons?
24 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites,
singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it
shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
25 And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand,
set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are
beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye
them that know them not.
26 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the
king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto
death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to
imprisonment.
27 Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing
as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which
is in Jerusalem:
28 And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his
counsellers, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was
strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, and I
gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. |
-
Of
whom was Ezra a descendant? (1-5)
-
What
did Ezra prepare his heart to do? (10)
-
Who
sent a letter authorizing supplies and materials to be given to Ezra
for the house of God? (11-25)
-
What
was to be done to any one
who would not observe the law of God and the king? (26)
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to top
Chapter
8
To
listen & read click the version,
KJV or
NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 seconds
Ezra 8
8:1 These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the
genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of
Artaxerxes the king.
2 Of the sons of Phinehas; Gershom: of the sons of Ithamar; Daniel: of
the sons of David; Hattush.
3 Of the sons of Shechaniah, of the sons of Pharosh; Zechariah: and
with him were reckoned by genealogy of the males an hundred and fifty.
4 Of the sons of Pahath-moab; Elihoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with
him two hundred males.
5 Of the sons of Shechaniah; the son of Jahaziel, and with him three
hundred males.
6 Of the sons also of Adin; Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him
fifty males.
7 And of the sons of Elam; Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him
seventy males.
8 And of the sons of Shephatiah; Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with
him fourscore males.
9 Of the sons of Joab; Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two
hundred and eighteen males.
10 And of the sons of Shelomith; the son of Josiphiah, and with him an
hundred and threescore males.
11 And of the sons of Bebai; Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him
twenty and eight males.
12 And of the sons of Azgad; Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him
an hundred and ten males.
13 And of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these, Eliphelet,
Jeiel, and Shemaiah, and with them threescore males.
14 Of the sons also of Bigvai; Uthai, and Zabbud, and with them
seventy males.
15 And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava;
and there abode we in tents three days: and I viewed the people, and
the priests, and found there none of the sons of Levi.
16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan,
and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah,
and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men
of understanding.
17 And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place
Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his
brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring
unto us ministers for the house of our God.
18 And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of
understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of
Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;
19 And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his
brethren and their sons, twenty;
20 Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for
the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of
them were expressed by name.
21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we
might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for
us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.
22 For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and
horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had
spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for
good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them
that forsake him.
23 So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of
us.
24 Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah,
Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,
25 And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels,
even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his
counsellers, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered:
26 I even weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of
silver, and silver vessels an hundred talents, and of gold an hundred
talents;
27 Also twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams; and two vessels of
fine copper, precious as gold.
28 And I said unto them, Ye are holy unto the LORD; the vessels are
holy also; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering unto
the LORD God of your fathers.
29 Watch ye, and keep them, until ye weigh them before the chief of
the priests and the Levites, and chief of the fathers of Israel, at
Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of the LORD.
30 So took the priests and the Levites the weight of the silver, and
the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem unto the house
of our God.
31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the
first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon
us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay
in wait by the way.
32 And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.
33 Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels
weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of
Uriah the priest; and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and
with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui,
Levites;
34 By number and by weight of every one: and all the weight was
written at that time.
35 Also the children of those that had been carried away, which were
come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings unto the God of
Israel, twelve bullocks for all Israel, ninety and six rams, seventy
and seven lambs, twelve he goats for a sin offering: all this was a
burnt offering unto the LORD.
36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's
lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they
furthered the people, and the house of God. |
-
What
did Ezra proclaim at the river of Ahava? (21)
-
Why
was Ezra ashamed to ask for an escort of soldiers? (22)
-
How
did Ezra handle the accounting of the silver and gold brought to
Jerusalem? (24-34)
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Chapter
9
To
listen & read click the version,
KJV or
NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 seconds
Ezra 9
9:1 Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying,
The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not
separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to
their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the
Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians,
and the Amorites.
2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their
sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of
those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief
in this trespass.
3 And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and
plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.
4 Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of
the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been
carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.
5 And at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and
having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread
out my hands unto the LORD my God.
6 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to
thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our
trespass is grown up unto the heavens.
7 Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto
this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests,
been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword,
to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this
day.
8 And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our
God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his
holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little
reviving in our bondage.
9 For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our
bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of
Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to
repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in
Jerusalem.
10 And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? for we have
forsaken thy commandments,
11 Which thou hast commanded by thy servants the prophets, saying, The
land, unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land with the
filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which
have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness.
12 Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take
their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth
for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and
leave it for an inheritance to your children for ever.
13 And after all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, and for our
great trespass, seeing that thou our God hast punished us less than
our iniquities deserve, and hast given us such deliverance as this;
14 Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with
the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us
till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant nor
escaping?
15 O LORD God of Israel, thou art righteous: for we remain yet
escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before thee in our
trespasses: for we cannot stand before thee because of this. |
-
From
what had the people of Israel not separated themselves? (1-2)
-
What
was Ezra’s reaction when he heard this report? (3-5)
-
To
what extent did Ezra say was the guilt and iniquities of Israel? (6-7)
-
How
did Ezra consider the punishment of God? (13)
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Chapter
10
To
listen & read click the version,
KJV or
NIV, then the sound symbol & wait about 30 seconds
Ezra 10
10:1 Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and
casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him
out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children:
for the people wept very sore.
2 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered
and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken
strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in
Israel concerning this thing.
3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all
the wives, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of
my lord, and of those that tremble at the commandment of our God; and
let it be done according to the law.
4 Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with
thee: be of good courage, and do it.
5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all
Israel, to swear that they should do according to this word. And they
sware.
6 Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the
chamber of Johanan the son of Eliashib: and when he came thither, he
did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the
transgression of them that had been carried away.
7 And they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all
the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves
together unto Jerusalem;
8 And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to
the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be
forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that
had been carried away.
9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together
unto Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the
twentieth day of the month; and all the people sat in the street of
the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great
rain.
10 And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have
transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass
of Israel.
11 Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers,
and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the
land, and from the strange wives.
12 Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, As
thou hast said, so must we do.
13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are
not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two:
for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
14 Let now our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all them
which have taken strange wives in our cities come at appointed times,
and with them the elders of every city, and the judges thereof, until
the fierce wrath of our God for this matter be turned from us.
15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were
employed about this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite
helped them.
16 And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with
certain chief of the fathers, after the house of their fathers, and
all of them by their names, were separated, and sat down in the first
day of the tenth month to examine the matter.
17 And they made an end with all the men that had taken strange wives
by the first day of the first month.
18 And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken
strange wives: namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and
his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.
19 And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and
being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.
20 And of the sons of Immer; Hanani, and Zebadiah.
21 And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and
Jehiel, and Uzziah.
22 And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel,
Jozabad, and Elasah.
23 Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same is
Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.
24 Of the singers also; Eliashib: and of the porters; Shallum, and
Telem, and Uri.
25 Moreover of Israel: of the sons of Parosh; Ramiah, and Jeziah, and
Malchiah, and Miamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.
26 And of the sons of Elam; Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi,
and Jeremoth, and Eliah.
27 And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and
Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.
28 Of the sons also of Bebai; Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai.
29 And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub,
and Sheal, and Ramoth.
30 And of the sons of Pahath-moab; Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah,
Mattaniah, Bezaleel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.
31 And of the sons of Harim; Eliezer, Ishijah, Malchiah, Shemaiah,
Shimeon,
32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah.
33 Of the sons of Hashum; Mattenai, Mattathah, Zabad, Eliphelet,
Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei.
34 Of the sons of Bani; Maadai, Amram, and Uel,
35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Chelluh,
36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,
37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasau,
38 And Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,
39 And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,
41 Azareel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,
42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph.
43 Of the sons of Nebo; Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jadau, and
Joel, Benaiah.
44 All these had taken strange wives: and some of them had wives by
whom they had children. |
-
Who
gathered to Ezra as he was praying and confessing? (1)
-
What
did the Israelites make a covenant to do? (2-3)
Answers to Ezra
Study Questions
Quiz on Ezra
|
