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Ezra, the King’s Trusted Friend
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who are in the region beyond the River, all such as know the laws of
your God; and teach those who do not know them.”
Verses 24, 25
.
Thus Ezra had persuaded the king to enable the return of all the
people of Israel and of the priests and Levites in the Medo-Persian
realm, who “volunteer to go up to Jerusalem.”
Verse 13
.
This decree brought great joy to those who, with Ezra, had been
studying God’s plans concerning His people. “Blessed be the Lord
God of our fathers,” Ezra exclaimed, “who has put such a thing as
this in the king’s heart.”
Verse 27
.
God’s Leading Evident in Artaxerxes’ Decree
In this decree by Artaxerxes, God’s leading was evident. Some
saw this and gladly took advantage of the privilege of returning
under such favorable circumstances. At the appointed time those
going to Jerusalem assembled at a designated place of meeting for
the long journey.
But the number who responded was disappointingly small. Many
who had acquired houses and lands were satisfied to remain. Their
example proved to be a wrong influence on others who might have
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chosen to advance by faith.
As Ezra looked over the assembled group, he was surprised
to find none of the Levites, those set apart for the service of the
temple. The Levites should have been the first to respond. During
the captivity, they had enjoyed liberty to minister to the Israelites in
exile. Synagogues had been built; the priests conducted the worship
of God and instructed the people. All were allowed to observe the
Sabbath freely.
But after the captivity ended, conditions changed. The temple
at Jerusalem had been rebuilt and dedicated, and more priests were
needed as teachers of the people. Besides, the Jews in Babylon were
in danger of having their religious liberty restricted. During the
uneasy times of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews in Medo-Persia had
been plainly warned to return to their own land. It was dangerous for
them to live any longer in the midst of heathen influences. In view of
these changed conditions, the priests in Babylon should have been
quick to see in the decree a special call to return to Jerusalem.