Ezra 2 Summary - 5 Minute Bible Study
Ezra 2 Short Summary:
After King Cyrus’ decree freeing the people of Judah to return home (Ezra 1), God’s people prepared to leave Mesopotamia and return to the Promised Land. Ezra 2 is an accounting of the people who made the journey back to Judah, 49,897 in all. Several groups of people are highlighted including the priestly families, the Temple servants, the gatekeepers, and the families of the Tribe of Levi.
Ezra 2 Summary
WHEN:
Cyrus of Persia conquered the Babylonian Empire in 539 BC.
Cyrus was directed by God to release the people of Judah to return to the Promised Land and rebuild the Temple (538-537 BC).
The people of Judah assembled and travelled from Mesopotamia to Judah (538-537 BC).
KEY CHARACTERS:
Captives of Judah – The nation of Judah was taken into captivity by the Babylonians beginning in 607 BC. They lived in the lands of the Kingdom of Babylon until they were released by King Cyrus of Persia.
Zerubbabel – One of the leading men of the returning exiles. He led the Temple rebuilding project. Many believe he was also known as Sheshbazzar, and that he was appointed by King Cyrus to be governor of Judah (Ezra 1:8; 5:14).
WHERE:
Jerusalem – The capital of the Kingdom of Judah and the location of God’s Temple.
Babylon – The capital of the Babylonian Empire. It was conquered by Cyrus King of Persia in 539 BC.
A journey from Babylon to Jerusalem would be approximately 900 miles (1450 km). The journey followed the rivers northwest before turning south to Judah.
OUTLINE:
NUMBERING THE EXILES WHO RETURNED TO JUDAH (2:1:70):
Ezra 1 discussed the decree of King Cyrus that allowed the people of Judah to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra 2 is a detailed accounting of all the individuals who chose to return to Judah, numbered by their father’s houses.
The total company consisted of 49,897 people (42,360 Israelites, 7,337 servants, and 200 singers).
The families that descended from the tribe of Levi, specifically the priestly families, are highlighted. They were important because the priests descended from the tribe of Levi, and the priests would be instrumental in the construction and daily administration of the new Temple.
The families that descended from the Tribe of Levi, specifically the priestly families, are highlighted in the text. They were important because the priests would be instrumental in the construction and daily administration of the new Temple.
There were a few hundred people who claimed to be from the tribes of Israel but were unable to prove their linage.
Some claimed to be from priestly families, but the decision was made to exclude them from priestly duties until their linage could be proved. The test of their claims was the Urim and Thummim. The Urim and Thummim were tools the priests used to discern the will of God (Ex 28:30; Lev 8:8; Num 27:21; 1 Sam 14:41; 1 Sam 28:6).
In addition to the humans who made the journey, 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys made the trip.
When they arrived in Jerusalem, many of the men contributed to the rebuilding of the Temple. They contributed 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 garments for the priests.
APPLICATION:
It’s right not to “take someone’s word for it” when it comes to the proper administration of sacred things.
The leaders of returning exiles required proof that the men who claimed to be eligible for the priesthood were legitimately from priestly families.
They weren’t willing to take their word for it because the priesthood was sacred, and it impacted the religious life of the entire nation.
When it comes to sacred things, religious things, and the practices of our spiritual lives, we shouldn’t be content to just “take someone’s word for it.”
We need to be getting our instructions and authority from the Bible.
There are many pastors, preachers, and priests who will tell you, “Take my word for it,” when instructing you in religious matters.
Our relationship with God is too important not require proof for our practices. We want more than the word of a man, we want clarity from the word of God.
