Ezra 10 — “Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves…from the strange [pagan] wives.”  A significant number among the remnant that returned from captivity in Babylon had committed grievous sin by taking wives from the pagan nations that surrounded Judea. When this was discovered,…

Ezra 9:1-2 — Sixty years had passed since the return from captivity in Babylon and sadly, God’s people had fallen into sin. There was widespread intermarriage with the pagan peoples that surrounded Judah and with these unlawful marriages came the practice of idolatry. As we consider this regrettable set of circumstances we find an important…

Ezra 7 & 8 — How often do things happen and we write it off as mere chance or luck? Is it really chance or is there someone or something ordering the circumstances of our life? The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereignly and actively ordering all that happens in our world. This is what…

Ezra 7:1-10 — How much do you know about Ezra? (Probably not as much you should!) As we continue our study through the Book that bears his name, we learn about the historical importance and significance of this great man of God. We discover the key to his success, which just happens to be the key to our…

Ezra 6 — It had been a long and difficult process with much opposition and now the future of the Temple hinged upon whether an old Persian decree could be found. If it was found, what would the present emperor do? The rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem had been filled with twists and turns but…

Ezra 5 — After 15 years of inactivity those who returned to Jerusalem finally recommenced work on the Temple. However, the work was once again opposed! As we consider this part of the narrative, it brings to the fore some bigger questions — why do bad things keep happening? Why doesn’t God make life easier? Why…

Ezra 5:1-2, Haggai 1 — The captives who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon set to work on rebuilding the Temple, but as a result of opposition the work ceased. As the years progressed the Temple remained unfinished and the people turned their attention elsewhere. Their priorities changed and God was not pleased, so He sent…

Ezra 4 — It didn’t take long for those who returned from captivity in Babylon to face opposition. The work of rebuilding the Temple was opposed in a number of ways by the people that lived around Jerusalem. The forms this opposition took and the way the leaders responded provide some valuable lessons on dealing…

Ezra 3:1-6 — What was the first thing the remnant built when they returned to Jerusalem? Why was this significant and what does it say about their priorities? They built an altar and reestablished worship according to the Law of Moses. In this lesson Pastor Brendan takes us carefully through the text and then draws…

Ezra 1:5-2:67 — In this text we see how a remnant was willing to return from Babylon to what was a difficult set of circumstances in their former homeland. There was a long and dangerous journey ahead. There was lots hard work to be done in rebuilding Jerusalem. God providentially provided for those returning and…