Ezra 7 - Introduction

Chapter Seven

The one theme which runs through chapter seven is the qualifications, or credentials, of the man Ezra. A new age is being born. As in the days of Moses, or David, or Elijah, or Jesus, attention must be focused on the question of legitimacy, or authority, of the new leader or new forms. Of course the forms need no confirmation: they are simply those from the time of Moses, being reinstituted; but the man must be subjected to scrutiny.

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

1.

Why do you suppose Ezra put so much emphasis on his credentials? Who would have questioned these?

2.

Why do you suppose Ezra wanted to go on this mission?

3.

What qualifications did he have for the assignment?

4.

What help did he get from God?

OUTLINE

Through Chapter s 7 - 10 we see Ezra's involvement in the restoration of Israel and its religious forms.

III. Ezra Becomes Involved In The Restoration of Israel (Ezra 7:1 to Ezra 10:44)

A. Ezra leads a second band of returnees back to Israel, and gives God thanks.
1.

Who Ezra was, and what he was doing (Ezra 7:1-10).

2.

Authorization from King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:11-26).

3.

Ezra's thanksgiving and compliance (Ezra 7:27-28).

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1.

Who was the king who commissioned Ezra to go to Israel?

2.

List the three goals that Ezra had set for his life.

3.

What responsibilities of government were placed upon Ezra?

4.

What two reasons did Ezra have to be thankful to God?