Ezra

1. Write one paragraph explaining the historical background and purpose of the prophet.
   We do not actually know who wrote Ezra, but it was most likely Ezra himself. In Chapter 7 we are given a glimpse into who Ezra is. He was a descendant of Aaron, the high priest. He was “well versed in the laws of Moses” (7:6) and “had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel” (7:10)

The book was written after King Cyrus sent the people back to Jersualem to rebuild the temple as Jeremiah had prophesied. Upon their arrival in Jerusalem they found that other people groups had inhabited the land and despite being fearful of them they rebuilt the altar and began offering sacrifices on it. Before they even had the temple built! This goes to show that priorities were right as they came back. As they began to build the temple the received a lot of opposition from the people in the surrounding villages. Ezra tells about the hardships they faced and how their enemies continually sent messages to King Artaxerxes telling him to check the archives of texts to try to get some leverage against them so they wouldn't be allowed to build any longer. But, in the end, Artaxerxes finds the letter from King Cyrus telling the people to go back to Jersualm and rebuild the temple so he tells the enemies to leave the Jews alone. (6:6)

During this time, because they are surrounded by the people of other villages, the men begin taking wives of these pagan people and fell to the practices of them. The leaders and officials being the ring leaders (9:2). They abandoned the command and warning of the Lord and did it anyway (9:10-12). By doing this they increased Israel's guilt (10:11) and Ezra demanded that they separate themselves from the people and from the women they had married.

2. What does this book show you about the character and nature of God?

God doesn't speak in this book, but we see people clinging to His commands. No longer is He speaking directly to them or walking alongside them; they have the rules, they know what they're supposed to do. And He upholds His promises. Through Jeremiah He prophesied that the people would be released back to their land by King Cyrus and it happened! He granted them relief from slavery, they've been released and allowed back in their land to rebuild their temple and worship again. (9:9) He gives them security in that place and even though opposition comes against them He, through past Kings, as provided for them the means that allow them to continue doing the work He prepared for them to do. God is bigger than the powers of earth and all things that seem to hinder humans. He moves Kings in and out of reign, awakening hearts and minds to Him so that people are moved according to His will (1:1; 6:22; 7:6, 27)

3. What does this book show about God's redemptive plan for mankind?

He's faithful to complete what He started and though the people continue to move against His commands He still shows them favor and provides them protection. He has followed His word and plan of redemption for the people. He's used King Cyrus, as propheised, to released His people back to their land so that they can begin rebuilding the temple and see His faithful hand throughout their whole journey. He's giving them a brand new start, a new opportunity to lay the right foundations as they lay the foundations of the new temple.

4. Personal Application
The people made God their top priority!  The first thing they do when they get back is build an altar and begin offering sacrifices without even having the temple in place! After so many years they seem to be getting it! I want my life to be one that makes God the top priority. That nothing is set above worshipping, praising and doing His service amongst the people I live with and the lives I'm capable of touching. I pray that my life is lived in simple obedience to the desires of His heart and glorifies Him in all that I say and do. Though I won't do everything right I pray that He would get the glory anyway. I pray that He is always the center of my focus, that in all things, good and bad, on the mountaintops and the low valleys He would be pleased with how I've responded and stayed steadfast in Him.