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Prophets and Kings
But with the passing of the years after the close of the captivity,
conditions changed, and many new responsibilities rested upon the
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leaders in Israel. The temple at Jerusalem had been rebuilt and ded-
icated, and more priests were needed to carry on its services. There
was pressing need of men of God to act as teachers of the people. And
besides, the Jews remaining in Babylon were in danger of having their
religious liberty restricted. Through the prophet Zechariah, as well as
by their recent experience during the troublous times of Esther and
Mordecai, the Jews in Medo-Persia had been plainly warned to return
to their own land. The time had come when it was perilous for them
to dwell longer in the midst of heathen influences. In view of these
changed conditions, the priests in Babylon should have been quick to
discern in the issuance of the decree a special call to them to return to
Jerusalem.
The king and his princes had done more than their part in opening
the way for the return. They had provided abundant means, but where
were the men? The sons of Levi failed at a time when the influence
of a decision to accompany their brethren would have led others to
follow their example. Their strange indifference is a sad revelation of
the attitude of the Israelites in Babylon toward God’s purpose for His
people.
Once more Ezra appealed to the Levites, sending them an urgent
invitation to unite with his company. To emphasize the importance of
quick action, he sent with his written plea several of his “chief men”
and “men of understanding.”
Ezra 7:28
;
8:16
.
While the travelers tarried with Ezra, these trusted messengers
hastened back with the plea, “Bring unto us ministers for the house
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of our God.”
Ezra 8:17
. The appeal was heeded; some who had been
halting, made final decision to return. In all, about forty priests and
two hundred and twenty Nethinim—men upon whom Ezra could rely
as wise ministers and good teachers and helpers—were brought to the
camp.
All were now ready to set forth. Before them was a journey that
would occupy several months. The men were taking with them their
wives and children, and their substance, besides large treasure for
the temple and its service. Ezra was aware that enemies lay in wait
by the way, ready to plunder and destroy him and his company; yet
he had asked from the king no armed force for protection. “I was