May 17
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EZRA ARRIVES IN JERUSALEM
A poem by ILMA
Many years later, during Artaxerxes reign, there was a man named Ezra
He was the son or Seraiah from the lineage of Aaron, the high priest
Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses
God has given to the people of Israel this scribe from Babylon.
King Artaxerxes of Persia gave everything Ezra asked for
Because Ezra had the blessing and the hand of God on him
Some of the people of Israel including some priests and Levites
The singers, gatekeepers, and Temple Servants came with Ezra.
It was the seventh years of King Artaxerxes when Ezra and company came
He arrived in Jerusalem in August of that year and left Babylon in April
Ezra was determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord
He came to Jerusalem to ensure those decrees are taught and followed.
The king wrote a decree to allow Ezra and others to come to Jerusalem
Ezra was given silver and gold from Babylon to use as offering and donations
He instructed Ezra to use his wisdom to appoint magistrates and judges
Anyone who refuses to obey the law will be punished immediately.
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MEMORY VERSE
This Ezra was a scribe who was well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given to the people of Israel. – Ezra 7:6
Read: Ezra 7
What a man Ezra was. Because of how the Lord’s hand was on him, he had a decree written by the king honoring his wisdom. His counsel was sought by the king himself to choose the magistrates and judges who know God’s laws to govern all the people of the province. What an honor given to this man of God.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the King of Persia chose Ezra to ensure that the people who governed his province be knowledgeable of God’s laws?