Ezra 8 - Introduction

Chapter Eight
PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

1.

Do you think the figures in Ezra 8:3-14 are round numbers or exact numbers? How many do not end in a zero?

2.

Do you think Ezra would suggest (Ezra 8:22) that the church rely less on government help, and more on God's care? Are the two always mutually exclusive?

3.

Note the meticulous care that Ezra takes to organize everything, and to put others in charge of all valuables. Whom was he doing this for?

4.

How was God's help apparent to them in making this trip?

OUTLINE

In chapter 8, details of the trip are given: the leaders of the returnees are listed, along with the treasures which they brought with them.

B. Lists are given of returnees, and treasures which they carried back; the treasures are delivered.

1.

The list of exiles returning with Ezra (Ezra 8:1-14).

2.

Addition of Levites to the company (Ezra 8:15-20).

3.

Leave-taking ceremonies (Ezra 8:21-23).

4.

The treasures, and how they were handled (Ezra 8:24-30).

5.

The journey, and arrival at Jerusalem (Ezra 8:31-36).

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1.

How much time was spent getting the expedition underway?

2.

How many leaders did Ezra select to go up with him?

3.

What kind of persons did he trust with the gold and silver?

4.

How many persons made the trip, and how did this compare with the company in Ezra two?