Ezra 8:1-20

And I gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava.

The assembly at Ahava

I. The long journey commenced.

II. An important inspection made. This halt illustrates--

1. The need of seasons of rest.

2. The use of seasons of rest.

III. A grave deficiency discovered. Ministers of religion are sometimes slow in making personal sacrifices and rendering personal assistance even in a good enterprise.

IV. The supply of the deficienct sought. He sought them--

1. By means of influential men.

2. By sending them to the right place.

3. By sending them to the right man.

4. By sending them with precise instructions.

V. The supply of the deficiency obtained.

1. The supply was sufficient.

2. The supply was various.

3. The supply was remarkable for the presence of at least one man of distinguished ability.

4. The supply was obtained by the blessing of God. (William Jones.)

A man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli.

Men of understanding

I. Are the gifts of God.

1. They derive their abilities from Him.

2. They rightly develop their abilities by His blessing.

3. They attain their moral excellences by His blessing.

II. Are of great worth amongst men.

1. Understanding is essential to the beneficent employment of other gifts and powers.

2. The employment of understanding itself confers great benefits upon society.

Conclusion: It behoves us--

1. To praise God for men of understanding.

2. To prize such men.

3. To endeavour to become men of understanding. (William Jones.)