Ezra 8 - Requests Through Prayer

It is clear that Ezra is one who recognized "the gracious Hand of our God" providing, protecting, guiding, and blessing him; for in the last couple of chapters, he referred to the "Hand of God" often.   Also, after this second group of returning exiles were all assembled together, he proclaimed a fast and prayer (which likely lasted at least a week, according to the dates mentioned) in preparation for their journey; and God answered their prayer.   They also consecrated priests and sacred articles to the LORD, and the first thing they did after returning to Jerusalem and resting, was to dedicate these to God at the Temple.  They then sacrificed burnt and sin offerings to the LORD (burnt offerings for general sin and sin offerings for specific ones); and provided assistance to the people and the Temple by delivering the King's orders to the satraps and governors of the region.

We do wonder why not many Levites volunteered to return, either in the first group or the second.  There is speculation that they found "better" livelihoods than the relatively "menial" tasks they would be assigned to at the Temple.  Yet, that would definitely be more from the worldly perspective than from God's; for, all service to God, especially in the house of the LORD is important.   And, Ezra also knew the importance of having Levites and temple servants, for he ensured that there would be some among this second group of returning exiles, by finding leaders and men of understanding to talk to Iddo as the leader of the Levites and Temple servants in Kasiphia to send some.  This is a good reminder when we feel like what we are doing for the Lord seems so unimportant or small.

In the larger picture, we also wonder why not more of the Israelites returned in this second group as well.   We can see that much faith would've been needed with the first group, since it wasn't clear what they would find and how they would live when they first returned to Jerusalem.  But, this group is returning at least 80 years later.  And yet, this group was even so much smaller than the first  (~2,000 listed vs ~50,000).   Do we, as the people of God, often just don't hear His calling, don't see His Plan, or decide not to respond?

One of the key parts of this passage, was when they took time to fast and pray.   And the outcome of dilemna that Ezra struggled with showed that he cared more about how God was represented than about his own physical safety; and that He trusted God for protection. In this passage, I was reminded that for prayer, we needed the right attitude (humility before God) and the right motivation (e.g. honoring and trusting God)

The consecration, dedication of sacred articles, burnt and sin offerings - all similar to what the first group did, is a reminder that God is a HOLY God that His people did sin against Him.  When we truly want to be in the presence of the LORD, I think we will see the need to be set apart, cleansed and purified.

This passage also gives some indications of important qualities of leadership - having "understanding" (which is the ability to teach others to understand) and of being consecrated to God.  Also, by example in the passage, it shows how important it is to treat stewardship of all that God has placed into our care with serious responsibility.

Also, just some interesting historical background, the Nethinim or temple servants were actually descendants of Gibeonites (who were descendants from Canaan).  They tricked Joshua into making a covenant with them (Joshua 9), pretending to be from far away, but were actually occupants of the Promised Land when the Israelites arrived.  Despite the deception, the covenant was honored, and they were allowed to be servants to the Levites.  And, it is interesting that more Temple servants decided to return than Levites, for they had the even more "menial" tasks.