The Pulpit Commentaries
Ezra 8:21-36
EXPOSITION
Then I proclaimed a fast there. The fight of the civil ruler to "proclaim a fast" was unquestioned among the Jews and Israelites. Jezebel proclaimed one in Ahab's name when she wished to impress the Jezreelites with the notion that a great crime had been committed. Jehoshaphat did the same when he was invaded by the Ammonites, Moabites, and Mehunim (2 Chronicles 20:1). A fast was proclaimed in the fifth year of Jehoiakim when the kingdom of Judah was menaced by Nebuchadnezzar (Jeremiah 36:9). Ezra therefore assumes that he may command one now, in connection with the perils of the coming journey. That we might afflict ourselves. The Jews were commanded to "afflict themselves" on the great day of atonement (Leviticus 16:29), and understood that the affliction was to be mainly by fasting and abstaining from the bath. To ask of him a right way. Or "a direct road," i.e. a prosperous and unimpeded journey to Jerusalem. For us and our little ones. The colonists went up attended by their families.
I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers. Before he apprehended danger Ezra had boasted to Artaxerxes of the power and goodness of God, and had spoken of himself and his brethren as assured of the Divine protection. Now that peril threatened he found himself afraid, and would have been glad of such an escort as Nehemiah obtained at a later date (Nehemiah 2:9). But after his boasts he was ashamed to confess his fear. Who the enemy in the way was it is impossible to decide; but we may gather from verse 31 that it was no imaginary foe. Probably some of the Arab tribes, who owed no allegiance to Persia, had formed a design to intercept the caravan and plunder it.
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, etc. Our translators, following the Vulgate, have omitted to render the preposition לְ, which occurs in the Hebrew text before the name of Sherebiah, and have thus represented Sherebiah and Hashabiah as priests, whereas they were not priests, but Levites, as appears from Ezra 8:18, Ezra 8:19. The true sense is given by the LXX.—"Then I assigned twelve of the chief priests to Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren; i.e. "then I appointed twelve chief priests to act with twelve chief Levites, of whom Sherebiah and Hashabiah were two, in the matter of the royal offering." Ezra seems to have considered, that as the gift of Artaxerxes was an offering to the house of God, it ought to be handed over at once to the custody of the ministers of religion, and not remain in secular hands (compare verse 28).
And weighed unto the the silver, etc. We may gather from this that the silver and gold were in bars or ingots, and not in coined money. The Persians had coined money at this tin. e, but the Treasury kept the bulk of its stores in bars (Herod; 3.96).
Six hundred and fifty talents of silver, according to Mr. Peele's estimate of the talent, would be nearly a quarter of a million of our money. The annual revenue of Persia was about three and a half millions (Herod; 3.95). Of gold an hundred talents. Rather more than a million of our money.
Twenty basons of gold, of a thousand drams (see comment on Ezra 2:69). The "basons" would be worth about £55 each. Fine copper, precious as gold. The metal intended is probably that known to the Romans as orichalchum, which is generally believed to have been brass, but which may have been a more complicated amalgam. Being rarely, and perhaps only accidentally, produced, this metal was highly valued.
Ye are holy. Consecrated to God by their office, the priests and Levites were the fitting custodians of consecrated things.
The chambers of the house of the Lord are the rooms placed on either side of the main building (see 1 Kings 6:5), partly as chambers for the priests, partly as store-rooms (see Nehemiah 13:5).
The river of Ahava. Rather, "the river Ahava," as in the Vulgate ("a fiumine Ahava"). The place had probably taken its name from the stream. The twelfth day of the first month. Compare Ezra 7:9, and Ezra 8:15, from which it appears that Ahava was reached by Ezra and his company on the ninth day after they left Babylon, which helps to identify Ahava with Is, since Is (according to Herodotus) was eight days' journey from Babylon (see comment on verse 15). God delivered us from … . such as lay in wait. The boast of Ezra (verse 22) was justified by the event. He "trusted in God," and was "delivered"—how delivered we are not told, but evidently through no "arm of flesh." The hand of God led him safely through all the perils of the way, and brought him and his companions without loss or damage to the "city of their rest."
EZRA'S THREE DAYS' REST AT JERUSALEM, AND SUBSEQUENT EXECUTION OF THE MORE PRESSING OF THE COMMISSIONS INTRUSTED TO HIM (Ezra 8:32-15). After the fatigues of a four months' journey, a brief period of complete rest was well-nigh necessary. Like Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:11), Ezra was content with a rest of three days. On the fourth he discharged himself of his commission to present to the temple treasury the offerings of the Persian king, his counsellors and lords (verse 25), together with that spontaneously contributed by the Israelites who had accompanied him (Ezra 7:16). This he did by appearing in person before the priests and Levites who were in charge of the temple, and making over to them the entire offering of gold, silver, and vessels which had been brought to Jerusalem from Babylon. At the same time the exiles whom he had induced to return, and whom he had conducted in safety through so long a journey, sacrificed on the altar of burnt offerings a number of bullocks, rams, lambs, and he-goats, as a token of their thankfulness to God for delivering them from the perils of the way. After this Ezra proceeded to make known to the satraps and other governors of the provinces lying west of the Euphrates the terms of the permanent commission which he had received from the king. The result was that these officials thenceforth helped the Jews instead of hindering them, and furnished the necessary supplies for the temple service.
Meremoth the son of Uriah, or Urijah, was one of the heads of the priestly order, both under Ezra and under Nehemiah. He is mentioned as repairing two pieces of the wall of Jerusalem when Nehemiah was governor (Nehemiah 3:4, Nehemiah 3:21), and also as one of those who set their seal to the covenant with God which the whole people entered into, under Ezra's and Nehemiah's guidance, shortly after the completion of the wall, in b.c. 444. Eleazar the son of Phinehas is perhaps the Eleazar mentioned as taking part in the dedication of the wall (Nehemiah 12:42). Like Meremoth, he was a priest. Jozabad and Noadiah, chief Levites, occur again in Nehemiah 10:23, and Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 10:9; and Nehemiah 12:3.
By number and by weight. The gold and the silver were weighed; the vessels were both counted and weighed; the object being to see that what was delivered to Meremoth corresponded exactly with what Ezra had given in charge to Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and others at Ahava (see above, verses 24-27). All the weight was written at that time. Not only were the vessels counted and weighed, but an inventory of them was made by the priests in charge of the temple, and the weight of every vessel noted. Such was the care taken to prevent any embezzlement of the temple property by its custodians.
Also the children of those who had been carried away. i.e. the newly-returned exiles. Like their predecessors under Zernbbabel, who had made an offering for all Israel (Ezra 6:17), so the present colonists under Ezra, assuming that they represented all Israel, offered for the whole nation. The classes of animals offered are the same on the two occasions, and the number of the he-goats is identical; but in every other case the victims are far less numerous now than on the former occasion. This is fully accounted for by the comparatively small number of those who returned under Ezra.
And they delivered the king's commissions. Parts of Ezra's firman concerned vitally the other provincial governors, and had of necessity to be communicated to them. Such were the provisoes concerning Ezra's power of drawing upon the provincial treasuries for corn, wine, oil, salt, and money (Ezra 7:22, Ezra 7:23), and concerning the exemption of all ranks of the Jewish sacred order from taxation of any kind whatsoever (Ezra 7:24). Unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors. The word translated "lieutenants" is that which corresponds to the Persian term "satrap," and designates the highest class of the Persian provincial governors. That translated "governor" is the term which has been already applied by Ezra to Tatnai (Ezra 5:3, Ezra 5:4) and Zerubbabel (Ezra 6:7). It denotes a lower grade of official. They furthered the people. The satraps and lower officials, on being made acquainted with the king's wishes, readily complied with them, and became supporters and favourers of the Jewish people.
HOMILETICS
Before starting.
Ezra's body of travellers now duly assembled and organised, what else was required? On the one hand, they were in a condition of much danger. Without being very numerous, they were numerous enough to be worth attacking while prosecuting their journey. On the other hand, they were in a position of much responsibility, being intrusted with the care of many treasures for God's house. These were the two things Ezra had to see to before they actually moved. The plans he adopted in doing so are very characteristic and instructive, and may be employed to exhibit to us, in the first place, an example of courage, and in the second a model of caution.
I. EZRA'S COURAGE. As we have partially noted already, the danger was great. The travellers were possessed of some "substance" (verse 21). They were carrying trust-treasures as well. They were also bound on a route where persons so circumstanced were exceedingly likely to be attacked. At the same time, as a company, they were by no means organised for defence, being little more, in fact, than a large family party, with many women and "little ones" (verse 21) among them. Almost like Luke 10:3. How natural, in such circumstances, to think of military protection! How readily obtainable, also, such protection in this case! Ezra seems to feel (naturally enough under the terms of his commission, Ezra 7:12) that he had only to ask for this to obtain it. Instead, however, of going out of his way at all to obtain it, he rather goes out of his way to avoid it. He turns from the king to Jehovah. Refusing to ask at all in the one case, he asks with all his heart in the other, and prepares to go forward armed with nothing whatever but promise and prayer. How conspicuously great, therefore, his courage; more so even than that of David in 1 Samuel 17:39, 1Sa 17:40, 1 Samuel 17:45; still more so than that of Jacob (Genesis 32:1.), and almost a contrast to Nehemiah (Nehemiah 2:9). The secret of this was to be found
(1) in his confidence in God's power. Whatever the king could do for him in the way of protection, God could do more (comp. Romans 8:31; Psalms 20:7; Psalms 46:1, Psalms 46:7, Psalms 46:11).
(2) In his confidence in God's faithfulness. Here was just one of those cases in which God might be expected to exert his great power. His well-known promise (see 2 Chronicles 16:9) to defend all those who sought him in truth had been openly referred to before the king (see end of verse 22). If Ezra, in such circumstances, had now asked for an escort, he would have unsaid what he had said already, and put an open reproach on God's truth. On the other hand, if God, when thus appealed to, had not granted his protection, may we not almost say that he would have brought a reproach on himself? It was Ezra's conviction of this being an impossibility which gave him his great courage at this time. But chiefly, perhaps, that courage was due
(3) to his confidence in God's mercy. God's protection was ready for those who sought it. Sought it on what terms? Sought it
(a) with becoming earnestness, as shown by their "fasting" or turning aside from ordinary pleasures and occupations in order to be wholly occupied in this seeking (comp. Isaiah 58:1, and Isaiah 58:3; Acts 13:2). Sought it
(b) with proper humility, as shown by their "afflicting" themselves on account of their sins, and not asking this great favour as though they in any way deserved it. Sought it
(c) with a profound sense of his goodness, as being One concerned much for the "little ones "(verse 21; comp. Genesis 32:11; Jonah 4:11) of his people, and far from unconcerned also even as to their "substance" or temporal welfare at large (comp. Psalms 35:27; Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:26, end 32; Luke 12:7). These were the kind of thoughts which made these companions of Ezra as we find them pictured to us here in verse 23, viz; with Babylon left behind them, a perilous journey before them, yet all the defence they sought for found in fasting and prayer (see Psalms 36:7).
II. EZRA'S CAUTION As we have already intimated, he was in a position now of great trust. The mere money value of the trust was exceedingly large, amounting in silver alone, if we take the talents as Hebrew talents, worth £375 each, to £650 × 375 + £100 × 375. It was also valuable as being contributed by many of the chief personages of Persia (the "king," etc; etc.), and by all the elite of Israel in those parts ("all Israel there present"). And it was especially precious as being intended for the most sacred, as then known, of all purposes, "the house of the Lord." It was truly requisite, therefore, for such a steward not only to be "faithful," but to be "found" so (1 Corinthians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 8:20, 2 Corinthians 8:21). Accordingly, Ezra took care, first, to transfer the safe-keeping of thin precious trust to other hands than his own, thus avoiding all ground for mistrust or possibility of scandal in one important direction. Next he selected for this purpose, out of the two classes most suitable by office for such a trust, a company of no fewer (apparently) than twenty-four men (verse 24), taking especial care to have among them two of those last-comers whose coming had been looked upon as so great a gain to them all. Further, all that was intrusted to them he duly and carefully weighed (we are told of this twice) in their presence, and then placed in their hands, evidently accompanied by a correct catalogue of the whole. And, finally, in handing it over, he sought to impress upon them a similar feeling of responsibility to that entertained by himself. "Watch ye and keep" (verse 29) these treasures. Do so
(1) as a matter of principle. Ye yourselves are "holy," persons separated by your own office and by my choice for this work. The treasures, also, are "holy;" the vessels made for God's house, the money a "freewill offering," i.e. something deliberately separated for his service whom we have worshipped so long. Nothing, therefore, can be plainer, nothing more solemn, than this trust. Do so
(2) as a matter of prudence. You will be asked for an account of this stewardship; a very exact account ("by weight"), a very public account ("before the chief of the priests," etc; etc.), a very solemn account, viz; in God's own city, in God's own house. Thus anxiously and scrupulously do we see him seeking to avoid any injury, or any occasion of blame, either to others or to himself, in connection with this trust.
From the whole we learn—
1. To avoid some common mistakes. Courage is not imprudence. Caution is not cowardice. It was brave conduct on Ezra's part to be afraid of the reproach of unfaithfulness or of bringing shame on God's cause. It was prudent conduct on Ezra's part to neglect human defence for Divine.
2. To make an important distinction. Precaution, in trusting God, is always weakness, generally folly, and sometimes sin. Precaution, in trusting men, even men of God, is none of the three. In such a case it is not unadvisable to associate men in companies so as to be checks and supports to one another (Luke 10:1); and to appeal to comparatively low motives, such as prudence and the fear of detection, and not only to high ones (Luke 12:1, Luke 12:2).
3. To recognise the spiritual unity of the Bible. In Ezra we find a man so identified with the "Law" that he has been called a second Moses. Yet the gospel itself could not teach us more than we have learnt here of the freeness of God's mercy.
After arriving.
"We departed." "We came." Thus it is that Ezra here relates the rest of his journey, the only thing worthy of note between Ahava and Jerusalem being this, that, through "the good band of God" upon the travellers, they were kept in safety the whole way. This being acknowledged with a suitable note of thanksgiving, as something remarkable in such a journey (see end of verse 31), the story goes onto tell us of the first doings of the pilgrims after reaching the place which they had sought and thought of so long. Some of these doings, we shall find, affect their position principally as travellers just arrived; and some have to do with them, on the other hand, rather as residents just admitted.
I. TRAVELLERS JUST ARRIVED. Under this aspect we see them, very naturally,
(1) enjoying their rest. For the first three days this is all that we are told of them, that they abode or "sat" in Jerusalem for that time (comp. Nehemiah 2:11). We can imagine easily what took place: the stir occasioned by their arrival (Ruth 1:19; Matthew 21:10); the family inquiries and recognitions; the consequent dispersions and hospitalities; and the final absorption and disappearance of all the newly-arrived within walls. There they would gradually recover from the effects of their long journey, and realise the grateful fact that they were no longer on the march. Those who have been long travelling, or otherwise labouring, in connection with God's service have a kind of right at times to such rest, if only with the object of enabling them thereby to do better service in time to come. In the present instance we may well believe that some part of these days of quiet was employed in this way, the result being that "on the fourth day" we see these just-arrived travellers
(2) discharging their trust. On that day there appears to have been a solemn gathering for this special purpose within the precincts of the temple. Ezra and his twenty-four trustees (verse 24) would doubtless be on the one side to hand over the treasures; and four representatives of the Jerusalem hierarchy, two priests and two Levites, are described as being present on the other side to receive them. Very carefully, also, as became the place and the trust, was everything done. All the gifts of every description—"the silver and the gold and the vessels"—were "weighed;" they were weighed by "the hand" of the chief man who had to receive them; they were weighed in the presence of the three others associated with him, and probably also in that of all the chief personages both in Church and state (see verse 29) at Jerusalem; they were not only weighed in their presence, but also "numbered"—numbered "every one"—as a still fresher precaution against any error in the past; and then, finally, with a view to their safety for the future, they were "written down," or added formally to the existing catalogue of temple treasures and gifts. So honourably and so completely were these travelling treasurers relieved of their trust. And so happily, therefore, was their journey now terminated, both as to its labours and as to its special cares. Now they were able to rest indeed, both in body and mind.
II. As RESIDENTS JUST ADMITTED. Their next cares, therefore, were in connection not with their journey, but their arrival. What were the duties devolving on them in connection with the place they bad come to? They had some such duties, it is clear,
(1) in regard to God and their brethren. For example, having been conducted safely, by God's providence, to take up their abode in that place which he had chosen to put his name there, it was very fitting that they should openly declare their consecration to that name. This was represented by those "burnt offerings" of which we are twice informed in this place (verse 35. See also Leviticus
1.; 2 Chronicles 29:1. end 31, and Psalms 66:13, for the connection of devotion or "vows" with burnt offerings, and the various kinds of animals so offered, almost the same as here). In so consecrating themselves, however, they only acted as a portion of that whole consecrated Israel of God to which they belonged. This identification of themselves with the covenant people they appear to have represented by their evidently studied reference in the number of animals offered to the appointed number of the covenant tribes, viz; by offering twelve bullocks, twelve he-goats, and 8 X 12, or ninety-six rams. Note, also, how it is expressly said of the twelve bullocks that they were offered "for all Israel," and comp. 6:17, and Numbers 7:2, etc. For the peculiar number of lambs (seventy-seven) it seems difficult to account, but the mention of the twelve he-goats as being for a "sin offering" was a silent confession on their part of their own need, and of all Israel's need, of propitiation and atonement. In the next place, these three religious duties of consecration, communion, and confession being thus duly attended to, we find them turning to those civil duties which were required by their position; i.e. to their duties
(2) in regard to their earthly ruler and king. In the discharge of these they handed to the governors and deputy governors (Numbers 7:36) of that part of the Persian empire the orders of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:21-15). This was done in the proper order. It was certainly true, in their case, that they were Israelites first, and Persian subjects afterwards (see also Matthew 22:21). It was also done with proper completeness. To hand these orders of Artaxerxes to his deputies for the purpose of securing the advantages therein specified was to acknowledge, in the fullest manner, both his authority and theirs. It was to confess clearly that the Persian power extended so far. It was to acknowledge the authority of the Persian laws and officials over all souls in that land; and, therefore, to prove themselves not only true Israelites, but loyal subjects too.
CONCLUSION. Let all those who name the name of Christ see from all this—
1. The importance of showing "all good fidelity" (Titus 2:10). Before these returned children of the captivity allowed themselves to present their offerings in that house of God which they had travelled so far to visit and to benefit, they made all clear on this other point. We find a somewhat similar spirit in 1 Samuel 12:3; 2 Corinthians 8:20, 2 Corinthians 8:21; and may be reminded in two different yet equally instructive ways of Numbers 16:15, and Matthew 5:23, Matthew 5:24.
2. The importance of believing in the necessity of atonement. Even the burnt offerings of God's own Israel, without the sin offering, would not be acceptable. That which we desire to offer to him must be purified first. But how can it be purified except by the sacrifice of the cross (Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:10)?
3. The importance of being good subjects. We have seen the significance, in this respect, of the beginning of Matthew 5:36. We may- also see the good results thus secured in what is recorded in the end of that verse. It caused those who had the rule in that land to "further" the welfare of God's "people," and the work of God's "house." This is one advantage of honouring the "powers that be" as ordained of God. It causes them, in return, to honour and favour the religion we profess. Just as it is with servants in a household, so is it with subjects in a kingdom; it is thus they may especially "adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour" (Titus if. 9, 10). Other branches of "politics" may not be forbidden; this is positively enjoined (Romans 13:1, etc.).
HOMILIES BY J.A. MACDONALD
The fast at the Ahava.
The halt on the banks of the Ahava lasted three days. Ezra lost no time. He viewed his company, and finding no Levites, organised a mission to induce some of them to join him. To the credit of the sons of Levi, strong as was their attachment to the silver of Casiphia, they promptly forsook it in favour of Zion. On the third day the caravan was made up; but before the journey was undertaken Ezra proclaimed a fast. Consider—
I. THE OBJECT. It was to obtain the Divine guidance and protection.
1. The adults needed this for themselves.
(1) The weight of responsibility rested with them. Duties are claimed from adults which are not required from children: religious, civil. Excuses may be pleaded for infants which would not avail for adults.
(2) Where responsibilities are onerous, the greater the need of prayer and fasting. This is not sufficiently considered. Hence the serious blunders, the disasters.
2. They needed it on behalf of their "little ones."
(1) Any army encumbered with women and children would be at an immense disadvantage in the face of a foe. The claims of natural affection would so distract as to destroy presence of mind, and expose to a more easy prey the very objects of solicitude.
(2) This would be so in the highest degree in an army of civilians. How helpless are we in the face of our spiritual adversaries! What need have we for the hand of God upon us for good I
3. They needed it for the safety of the treasure in their custody.
(1) It was vast in its value (verses 24-27). The plate alone is estimated at £1,038,600. Then there was the private property, "all the substance," of the whole caravan.
(2) It was therefore tempting to the cupidity and rapacity of marauders. These were known to exist. "The enemy in the way." We have to guard our Christian honour, which is of priceless value, against the rapacity of the "enemy in the way." So have we need of fasting and prayer.
II. THE MOTIVE.
1. He was jealous for the honour of God.
(1) He might have had an escort from the king. He had influence enough at court to have procured this. The safety of the treasure, to which the king himself and his counsellors and princes had so handsomely contributed, would have been a sufficient reason to influence him.
(2) But then he had proclaimed to him great principles, viz.—
(a) That "the hand of God is upon all them for good that seek him." The king might say, "Why then do you not seek him and trust in him?" May we not say this to ourselves when we are tempted to lean upon an arm of flesh?
(b) That "his power and his wrath are against all them that forsake him." The king might reply, "Why then do you not confide your defence to him from those wicked persons who would molest you?"
(3) What a testimony to Artaxerxes of their faith in their principles, and of the jealousy of God for his honour, that Ezra did not ask for a military escort, and yet was prospered in his way!
2. He was jealous for the honour of his people.
(1) The great principles enunciated might be true, and yet the way of the people might be disastrous. In that case it would argue that they did not "seek God," and that, "forsaking" him, they made him their adversary.
(2) To prevent this the fast was proclaimed. The "afflicting of the soul" was to express repentance for departures from God, that his wrath might be averted and his favour conciliated. Do we not need this?
(3) Prayer was then added to the fasting (verse 23). Fasting and prayer are naturally associated (see Nehemiah 1:4; Daniel 9:3; Matthew 17:21).
III. THE ISSUE.
1. "The Lord was entreated of them."
(1) Some favourable sign may have been given them. On another occasion God anthenticated his servant Ezra by sending heavy rain to show his anger (see Ezra 10:9). Their faith in God would have carried its own evidence. True faith is of Divine inspiration (Colossians 2:12). Therefore it is the subsistence of things hoped for, i.e. things hoped for are to genuine faith as certain as though they subsisted.
2. The success of their journey proved it.
(1) They were "delivered from the hand of the enemy." The enemy was there, but he was restrained by the hand of God upon his people. The lurking foes as well as the avowed enemies were restrained (see verse 31).
(2) They "came to Jerusalem" in safety (verse 32). Our safe arrival in heaven will be the most glorious proof of the good hand of God upon us. But it would be folly to remain unassured of that good hand upon us until this proof may or may not be given. Until a present assurance be given we should not cease to pray; and if prayer without fasting does not secure it, then let fasting be added unto prayer.—J.A.M.
HOMILIES BY J.S. EXELL
The spiritual and secular aids of life.
I. THE SPIRITUAL NEEDING THE AID OF THE SECULAR. "To require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way" (Ezra 8:22). Ezra was about to conduct his comrades on a perilous journey to Jerusalem; hence he felt the need of a military guard as well as of the good hand of God upon him. The spiritual, as a rule, requires the aid of the secular.
1. Divine truth needs secular aid. As the companions of Ezra would be in danger during this march, so the word of God is often in peril in the world; infidels assail it, and secular aids are necessary to defend it.
2. The Church of God needs secular aid. It is exposed to many enemies on its journey to Jerusalem, and requires the defence of secular agencies—legislative, intellectual, and social.
3. The life interests of the good need secular aid. The good man needs the aid of the physician; his property must be protected, his ships must be insured. True, God loves his own book, his own enterprise, his own people, but it is his method to aid them in the use of means. As a general rule Ezra must employ both horsemen and prayer; prayer and precaution must go together.
4. The moral needs the aid of the secular:—
(1) Because God has ordained that the spiritual shall move in the sphere of the secular. The sacred vessels of the sanctuary journey in the desert under the care of man; piety is subject to physical law.
(2) Because the spiritual is in danger through the natural antagonism of the sinful heart. Ezra and his companions were endangered by men who wished to frustrate their mission; the carnal hates the spiritual, hence the need of horsemen.
(3) Because God has intrusted the spiritual to men as a discipline. The truth of God is put within the power of men that they may be cultured into a right attitude toward it; that they may become "fellow-helpers of the truth."
II. THE SPIRITUAL ACTING WITHOUT THE AID OF THE SECULAR. "For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers."
1. Why did Ezra act without the aid of the secular?
(1) Because he feared lest he should manifest greater dependence upon the aid of a heathen king than in the God of heaven. Ezra did not wish Artaxerxes to take the place in his enterprise which belonged to God; he had more confidence in his God than he had in his king. There are times in religious life and in moral service when it would be wrong to put any trust in man, when Divine aid may alone be sought. Ezra wanted to show that God was the object of his supreme confidence; that he was indeed conducting the sacred vessels to Jerusalem.
(2) Because he feared lest he should deprive God of the glory of his own operation. Had Ezra obtained the band of soldiers, they would have concealed the operation of God; Christian workers must not give the glory of the Divine activity and achievement to another, much less to the soldiers of a heathen monarch.
(3) Because he feared lest he should seem to compromise Divine truth in the view of the king. Ezra had said to Artaxerxes that "the hand of our God was upon all them for good that seek him;" he feared even in appearance to compromise this statement.
(4) Because he feared lest he should substitute a carnal expedient for a spiritual preparation. Secular aids do not often avail in the absence of moral fitness. Soldiers cannot give safety to disobedience.
2. How did Ezra act without the aid of the secular? He was not indifferent to the danger to which he might be exposed in marching without the band of soldiers; he did not superstitiously seek to avert it; he did not frantically rush into it; he religiously braved it.
(1) Humility. He humbled himself before God in view of his perilous journey.
(2) Supplication. He sought the Divine aid. Thus must we act when we are called upon to reject the secular aids of life.
3. When did Ezra act without the aid of the secular? Ezra travelled without the soldiers n an important crisis; it is but seldom that we are called upon to divorce prayer and precaution.
4. What moral qualities did Ezra exhibit in thus acting without the aid of the spiritual? It is evident that he was zealous for the honour of God; courageous in sacred toil; devout in daily life; and could act alone when necessary. God answered his confidence by leading him safely to Jerusalem.—E.
The sacred trusts of life.
I. THE TRUST GIVEN. "And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God" (Ezra 8:25).
1. Their nature. As the men appointed by Ezra had costly and sacred vessels committed to their care, so men have given to them money, time, genius, and influence to carry through life.
2. Their purpose (verse 28). These vessels of gold and silver were given for the use and adornment of the temple at Jerusalem. Men must hold their sacred trusts for God.
3. Their measure (verse 26). The gold and silver given were carefully weighed; all the capabilities of men are weighed by God: to some he gives two talents, to others five talents; to each man according to his several ability.
4. Their responsibility. The comrades of Ezra had the responsible task of safely conveying the vessels of the temple to Jerusalem; human talent is a solemn gift.
5. Their registration (verse 34). The gifts of man are written in the book of God.
II. THE FIDELITY REQUIRED. "Watch ye, and keep them" (verse 29).
1. Their peril. The men conveying the costly vessels of the temple would be exposed to many enemies by the way (verse 22); men of talent are liable to many moral enemies—pride, indolence, misuse, and neglect of culture.
2. Their safety. The prayers of these men were their protection. Ezra says, "So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was entreated of us" (verse 23). Devotion is the safeguard of talent.
3. Their inspection. "Weighed in the house of our God" (verse 33). At the last God will judge men for the use of their talents; then every man will be morally weighed in the unerring balance of truth.
4. Their fidelity. The comrades of Ezra were faithful to their trust; happy if at the close of life we are found faithful to the trusts we have received.—E.
HOMILIES BY J.A. MACDONALD
The custody of the treasure.
After fasting and prayer, before the caravan moved from the halt on the banks of the Ahava, Ezra made arrangements for the custody of the offerings with which he was intrusted. Whatever is done under Divine direction is intended to instruct, and in these arrangements we may seek for matter of profitable meditation. Let us then consider—
I. THE TREASURE. The vessels which were for the service of the house of the Lord typified his saints (Acts 9:15; 2 Timothy 2:20, 2 Timothy 2:21).
1. The treasure was various.
(1) Various in its qualities. Some vessels were of silver, some of gold, and some of "fine copper precious as gold." This last the Syriac, somewhat oddly, construes as best Corinthian brass, referring to the amalgam, formed by the fusion together of copper, brass, silver, and gold, found by Lucius Mummius after the burning of Corinth. More probably it was some factitious metal (see A. Clarke, in loc.). Though all men have the attributes of each, yet these are variously developed. It should he our endeavour so to cultivate our powers that our service should be like gold, of the most valuable kind.
(2) Various in its sources. Some of the vessels were the free-will offerings of Jews. Some were from the Gentiles. So whether Jew or Greek now it matters not, for all believers are one in Christ (Matthew 8:11).
2. The treasure was precious.
(1) Gold, from its purity and costliness, has ever been taken as a symbol of preciousness. Silver also has the same signification, though in inferior degree. Here also were vessels of a "fine copper precious as gold."
(2) But what material substance can compare in value to the human spirit (Isaiah 13:12)?
(a) Immortal.
(b) Capable of God (Job 28:19).
Redeemed by the Son of God (1 Peter 1:7).
3. The treasure was sacred.
(1) It was rendered so by being freely given to God. Having freely given ourselves, we have no right to resume the gift. What an anomalous position is that of the backslider from God!
(2) By virtue of God's acceptance of a gift it becomes holy. When God receives a sinner he sanctifies him by his Spirit. As the Levites and Nethinims kept the vessels of the sanctuary clean, so are all the ordinances of religion designed to keep believers pure. Consider—
II. THE TREASURERS.
1. These were twelve in number.
(1) This number is sacred in Old Testament Scripture. There were the twelve sons of Jacob, and so the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 35:22; Genesis 49:28). According to the number of these tribes were the twelve pillars built by Moses; the twelve stones in the breastplate of judgment; the twelve stones in the Jordan, and in the altar of Elijah (Exodus 24:4; Exodus 28:21; Joshua 4:8; 1 Kings 18:31). So the twelve cakes on the table of shewbread, etc. (Leviticus 24:8).
(2) This number is no less sacred in the New Testament. Corresponding to the twelve patriarchs we have the twelve apostles (Matthew 10:2). Twelve thrones are to be assigned to the apostles for the judging of the tribes of Israel. Twelve and multiples of twelve are common measures in the Apocalypse in things pertaining to the Lamb (Revelation 12:1; Revelation 21:12, Revelation 21:14, Revelation 21:21; Revelation 22:2).
2. They were of the chief of the priests.
(1) They had a consecration to God in their birth as sons of Aaron. So ministers of Christ who have the oversight of precious souls should be regenerate persons.
(2) They had also a consecration in their official separation. So ministers of Christ must have a vocation from Christ. God assigns special work to special men (see Acts 13:2). By this special service they become holy, though they were officially holy already (verse 28). Every service we faithfully render to him God makes to react upon us with a sanctifying virtue.
III. THEIR DUTIES.
1. They were duly to estimate the value of their c/large.
(1) To impress this upon them, they had all the precious things weighed.
(2) The value of the soul cannot thus be estimated, yet it may be considered and pondered until the very spirit of a minister is penetrated with a sense of the magnitude of his responsibility in those over whom he is placed in the Lord.
2. They were to watch over it.
(1) To see that it was not lost through neglect, or by becoming mixed with other property. Ministerial neglect has resulted in the loss of many a precious soul.
(2) To defend it from the cupidity of robbers. These infested the way: some openly, others stealthily. So are souls in danger of encountering those who would rob them of peace.
3. They were to present it in its integrity in the temple.
(1) Having kept it amidst the dangers of the journey by the blessing of God, the custodians present the treasure in the house of the Lord. It will be a happy thing for ministers if they can as completely fulfil their commission in leading their flock into the better Jerusalem. For parents with their children, etc. (Ephesians 4:11).
(2) The balances of the sanctuary are true. The actions of all men will there be weighed up. May we not be found wanting in the great day of scrutiny.—J.A.M.
HOMILIES BY W. CLARKSON
Zionwards.
Ezra and the company he had gathered were now fairly on their way homewards, and we may look at them, looking also at ourselves, as—
I. TRAVELLERS TO JERUSALEM. "Then we departed to go unto Jerusalem" (verse 31). They had come forth from a land of captivity and comparative privation, and were on their way to the land where they would no longer be bondsmen, and where every possible privilege would be theirs to enjoy: they were "going home;" to the land consecrated to their thought by innumerable hallowing associations; to the city whose walls should, to their fond imagining, shut them in to liberty, security, and joy. Onwards we move, we who have left the land of spiritual bondage behind us, to the land of our hope; our faces are steadfastly set toward the heavenly Jerusalem. We "seek a city yet to come." Every day we are travelling forward to its open gates; every night we pitch our tent "a day's march nearer" this home on high.
II. GUIDED AND GUARDED OF GOD UPON THE WAY. "The hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy," etc. (verse 31). In answer to their earnest prayer (verse 23) and to their humility (verse 23), God gave them his guidance and guardianship along the road, and whatever enemies may have been near either refrained from attacking them or were easily repelled. In answer to our earnest prayer and our humility, God will be our guide and guardian along the heavenward way. He will
(a) show us the path we should take, saving us from error, and thus from evil, and
(b) defend us from our adversaries:
(1) those above us—principalities and powers, etc.;
(2) those around us—evil men, dangerous fascinations, worldly honours, pleasures of the flesh;
(3) those within us—unholy propensities, wayward dispositions, tendencies towards pride, sensuality, selfishness, etc.
III. THOSE CHARGED WITH SACRED TREASURE (verses 24-30). Ezra put into the hands of some of the priests and Levites very precious treasure—the gold, silver, vessels, etc; which had been contributed for the temple; they, as holy men, were to take charge of the holy things (verse 28), to watch them and keep them intact, to be prepared to have them weighed when they reached their journey's end (verse 29). All of us who are spiritual pilgrims are men charged with treasure—some with more than others. All of us have in charge that most valuable treasure—more precious than the precious gold they carried (verse 27)—our own spirit, created in God's likeness to bear his image, to dwell in his glorious presence. Each one of us must sedulously, scrupulously, devoutly watch and keep this unharmed, and be ready to have it "weighed in the balances" of God, not being found wanting then. To some of us—parents, teachers, pastors—God has intrusted the precious treasure of others' souls, and he bids us take earnest heed of them, "watching for them as those who must give account," doing our best in every way, publicly and privately, by direct solicitation and by prayer on their behalf, that they may be found whole and blameless "in that day."
IV. AT THE END OF THEIR JOURNEY. They "came to Jerusalem" (verse 32), and their arrival was marked by three things—
(1) judgment (verses 33, 34),
(2) presentation of sacrifice (verse 35), and
(3) kindly reception by those across the river (verse 36).
When we reach the end of our journey we shall find these three things—
(1) Judgment, for we must all stand at the judgment seat, etc. (2 Corinthians 5:10). God will bring every work into judgment (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
(2) The offering of no more sacrifices as under the old dispensation, and no more pleading of the one great Sacrifice for sin; no sin offering at all (verse 35), but the offering of praise and of holy service—of our purified, renewed, perfected selves, whole and without blemish, vessels meet for the Master's use even in the heavenly sanctuary; and
(3) welcome from those who are there. Those who are on that side the river will wait, with outstretched hands, with eager hearts, to receive us to those blessed shores, to lead us into that better land, to introduce us to that country which has no temple because it is a temple, full of the presence and the glory of the Lord.—C.
HOMILIES BY J.A. MACDONALD
Progress.
When the treasure was disposed in custody of priests sanctified to watch over it, and the caravan was otherwise ordered, the pilgrims started from the camp of the Ahava en route for Jerusalem. As we might expect from the piety which influenced them in their preparations—
I. THEY WERE PROSPERED IN THEIR JOURNEY.
1. They enjoyed the blessing of their God. "The hand of our God was upon us."
(1) The hand is the symbol of power (Judges 1:35; 2 Samuel 24:14). Appropriately so, since it is the instrument by which commonly we exert our strength. So when the "hand of God" is mentioned his omnipotence is supposed (Exodus 15:6; Psalms 17:7).
(2) The hand of God "upon" men sometimes denotes his almighty judgments (1 Samuel 5:11; 1 Peter 5:6). "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." Sometimes it denotes his all-sufficient protection and defence (John 10:28, John 10:29). In this good sense it is intended here (see also Ezra 8:18, Ezra 8:22; Ezra 7:9; Nehemiah 2:18).
(3) The hand of God with his people coming up from Babylon may be likened to the glorious cloud which accompanied their fathers in their exodus from Egypt (see Zechariah 2:9, where "I will turn my hand upon the little ones" denotes the sheltering of the little ones when the sword smites the Great One).
2. The Divine protection was respected by the enemy.
(1) There was the open "enemy" in the way. There ever were, as to this day there are, bold marauders in the East. Temptations often, with impudent ostentation, attack the Christian pilgrim.
(2) There were also "those that lie in wait." There are stealthy as well as sturdy foemen. The brood of the old serpent is legion. Temptations are often most successful when they attack by surprise.
(3) But the people were armed with "all prayer." The knowledge of this so over-awed the enemies that they did not attack. Or else if they did attack they were overwhelmed by the "hand of God." "If God be for us, who can be against us?"
II. THEY ENTERED INTO JERUSALEM WITH JOY.
1. It was the end of a toilsome march.
(1) The journey occupied four months. They "departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month." They "came to Jerusalem in the fifth month" (Ezra 7:8). It would be a joy to them to have the discomfort of that tedious pilgrimage ended.
(2) It will be an inexpressible joy to the Christian pilgrim to end life's toils in the heavenly city.
2. It was the satisfaction of a cherished hope.
(1) They were "children of captivity," born in Babylon, never having seen Jerusalem. Yet would they not be without the traditions of the glory of their forefathers. The spirit which breathed in Psalms 79:1, and Psalms 137:1, could not leave them in ignorance of these things.
(2) They had also their Scriptures, which associated Zion with the glories of history and of prophecy. Now they were standing in the very place where their fathers had worshipped. In this also they had a pledge of the superior glories of the heavenly Jerusalem.
(3) They were relatives of those who had preceded them under the conduct of Zerubbabel. This is evident from a comparison of the catalogues of names (Psalms 2:1. and Psalms 8:1.). Therefore they would have happy recognitions, congratulations, and greetings. If in heaven now there is joy over the repentance of a sinner, what will be the joy of that entrance which shall be ministered abundantly into the kingdom!
III. THEY ABODE IN JERUSALEM IN PEACE.
1. They had peace in themselves.
(1) This is the happy fruit of fidelity. Tranquillity dwells with integrity. They faithfully delivered up their precious charge. "Now on the fourth day," etc. (verses 33, 34).
(2) The balances of the sanctuary are true, and the weights are just. Sad is the case of him that shall be "found wanting" (see Daniel 5:27).
2. They had peace with God.
(1) They went the right way to secure this by offering sacrifices (see verse 35). Christ is our peace.
(2) Note—These sacrifices were offered not only for themselves, but also "for all Israel." But "Judah and Benjamin" alone were present, and these only by a representation, for the bulk of the Jews remained on the Babylonish side of the river Euphrates. Query—Is there not here an expression of faith in the ultimate restoration of all Israel (Rom 10:1-21 :26)?
3. They had peace from their neighbours.
(1) This was secured to them, through the good providence of God, by the king's commissions to lieutenants and governors. These documents were probably sealed; but the purport of them is evident from the letter of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:21-15).
(2) No wonder, then, that these lieutenants should 6, further the people and the house of God." Persecution would cease. "When a man's ways please the Lord he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." Let us never move without God. Let us ever move with God.—J.A.M.