WEBVTT

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Introduction to the Book of Ezra The Book
of Ezra documents the faithfulness of God

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in keeping His promise despite a difficult
political reality.

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Through the prophet Jeremiah, God had
promised that the Jews would return to the

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Promised Land after 70 years of captivity
in Babylon.

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Babylon eventually fell to Persia.

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It was then that Persia permitted the
return of many exiled Jews.

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God was fulfilling His promise.

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According to ancient Jewish tradition,
the priest Ezra wrote about these return

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journeys in this book, which bears his
name, about 440 BC.

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He also describes the rebuilding of the
temple in Jerusalem, which had been

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destroyed along with the city.

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God had disciplined His people for not
keeping His laws.

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Possession of the land and the blessing of
God were always dependent on Israel's

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spiritual fidelity to God.

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Under Ezra's leadership, the Jews learned
God's laws and decrees and reformed their

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religious life as they rebuilt the temple
and the city walls.

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Now they were once again in a position to
live as God's chosen people in the land

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God promised to their forefathers,
and thus became an example to the nations

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around them.

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As you listen, think about Ezra's actions
in view of his devotion to God,

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and note his humble obedience.