Ezra’s Decision
Ezra 7:1-28
Key Verse: 7:10
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
Ezra’s Identity and Vision (1-9)
Read verses 1-5. To what events do “After these things” refer? (6:14-15, 22; About 60 years elapsed between 6:22 and 7:1) Who was the King Artaxerxes? What is the Historical connection between Ezra, Daniel, and Jeremiah? (Je 29:10-14, Da1:1-7) Who was Ezra? (1-6, 11-12, 25) What can we find and learn in Ezra’s life in a foreign land?
Read verses 6-9. What was His decision? (6a, 8-9, 27-28) Who came with him?(7, 8:15-20) Why might they make such a decision to return to Jerusalem? (15-17, 19-20) What can we learn from Ezra?
Ezra’s Decision (10-28)
3. Read 10. What was the spiritual condition of the people of Israel? (9:1-2, Judges3:1-6) What decision did Ezra make? Why? (Ps 119:9-11, 2 Ti3:16-17) What does it mean that Ezra “devoted” himself to “study”, “observe” and “teach” the words of God?
4. How did Ezra put His decisions into action? (27-28, 8:15, 9:3-5, 10:1-11, Neh 8:2-3, 13)
How had God blessed Ezra’s decisions? ( 7:6, 9; 8:18,22,31) What impact did the decision and vision of one man, Ezra, have on His people, Israel? (9:3-5, 10:12-17)
5. What life-defining decision would you make to start the New Year 2025?