_Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity._ GOING UP OUT OF CAPTIVITY I. The deliverance from captivity. 1. This captivity had been-- (1) A degradation; (2) a subjection; (3) a transformation; (4) a retribution. The most deplorable degradation and the most... [ Continue Reading ]
_The number of the men of the people of Israel._ A SUGGESTIVE RECORD Consider-- I. The significance of the fact of the record. 1. It Was an honour to the pious and patriotic ones who returned. 2. It is an illustration of the Divine record of God’s spiritual Israel (Luke 10:20). 3. It suggests... [ Continue Reading ]
_These sought their register._ THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAR SPIRITUAL PEDIGREE I. The doubtful pedigree amongst the people is an illustration of uncertainty as to our spiritual state. 1. This uncertainty may consist with association with the people of God (Ezra 2:59). 2. This uncertainty must invol... [ Continue Reading ]
_And some of the chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord which is at Jerusalem, offered freely._ POSSESSIONS AND OFFERINGS I. The completion of their journey. “They came to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem.” II. The extent of their possessions (Ezra 2:65). III. The presen... [ Continue Reading ]