Ezra 9 and 10: Ending on a Low Note

The exiles have returned, the temple is rebuilt, and worship has resumed. Ezra has led the people in prayer, fasting, and thanksgiving. It feels like a high point. But almost immediately, the celebration collides with reality. In chapters 9 and 10, Ezra discovers that the people, priests and leaders included, have compromised themselves with the surrounding nations. The joy of restoration gives way to the grief of sin. Ezra falls on his knees, tearing his garments, confessing not only his own sin but the guilt of the whole community. The Rev. James Preus, Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ezra 9 and 10. To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranottumwa.com.The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God’s authority, calling His people to courage, repentance, and hope. In Ezra 5–8 the temple is completed, worship flourishes, and hearts are renewed in God’s Word. This series on Thy Strong Word follows the events in the order they happened, revealing how the Lord moves kings and prophets, overcomes opposition, and restores His people.Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.