Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
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Thus, “according to the good hand of his God upon him,” Ezra had
persuaded the king to make abundant provision for the return of all
the people of Israel and of the priests and Levites in the Medo-Persian
realm, who were minded “of their own free will to go up to Jerusalem.”
Verses 9, 13
. Thus again the children of the dispersion were given
opportunity to return to the land with the possession of which were
linked the promises to the house of Israel. This decree brought great
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rejoicing to those who had been uniting with Ezra in a study of God’s
purposes concerning His people. “Blessed be the Lord God of our
fathers,” Ezra exclaimed, “which hath put such a thing as this in the
king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem:
and hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counselors,
and before all the king’s mighty princes.”
Verses 27, 28
.
In the issuing of this decree by Artaxerxes, God’s providence
was manifest. Some discerned this and gladly took advantage of the
privilege of returning under circumstances so favorable. A general
place of meeting was named, and at the appointed time those who
were desirous of going to Jerusalem assembled for the long journey. “I
gathered them together to the river that runneth to Ahava,” Ezra says,
“and there abode we in tents three days.”
Ezra 8:15
.
Ezra had expected that a large number would return to Jerusalem,
but the number who responded to the call was disappointingly small.
Many who had acquired houses and lands had no desire to sacrifice
these possessions. They loved ease and comfort and were well satisfied
to remain. Their example proved a hindrance to others who otherwise
might have chosen to cast in their lot with those who were advancing
by faith.
As Ezra looked over the company assembled, he was surprised to
find none of the sons of Levi. Where were the members of the tribe
that had been set apart for the sacred service of the temple? To the
call, Who is on the Lord’s side? the Levites should have been the first
to respond. During the captivity, and afterward, they had been granted
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many privileges. They had enjoyed the fullest liberty to minister to the
spiritual needs of their brethren in exile. Synagogues had been built,
in which the priests conducted the worship of God and instructed the
people. The observance of the Sabbath, and the performance of the
sacred rites peculiar to the Jewish faith, had been freely allowed.