Ezra 8:15–23

Introduction

Ezra 8:15–23: While preparing for the journey to Jerusalem, Ezra discovers that, among the priests, there are no Levites in the group, and he seeks to recruit Levites before continuing the journey. The Levites were descendants from the tribe of Levi who were set apart to serve as the LORD’s priests and their assistants (Joshua 18:7). A Levite, along with his sons and brothers, and 220 Temple workers, join Ezra and the group. Ezra then leads the people in fasting and prayer.

Today’s Key Verse: Ezra 8:22b GNT

Our God blesses everyone who trusts him, but … he is displeased with and punishes anyone who turns away from him.

Read

¹⁵ I assembled the entire group by the canal that runs to the town of Ahava, and we camped there three days. I found that there were priests in the group, but no Levites. ¹⁶ I sent for nine of the leaders: Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, and for two teachers, Joiarib and Elnathan. ¹⁷ I sent them to Iddo, head of the community at Casiphia, to ask him and his associates, the Temple workers, to send us people to serve God in the Temple. ¹⁸ Through God’s grace they sent us Sherebiah, an able man, a Levite from the clan of Mahli; and eighteen of his sons and brothers came with him. ¹⁹ They also sent Hashabiah and Jeshaiah of the clan of Merari, with twenty of their relatives. ²⁰ In addition there were 220 Temple workers whose ancestors had been designated by King David and his officials to assist the Levites. They were all listed by name.

²¹ There by the Ahava Canal I gave orders for us all to fast and humble ourselves before our God and to ask him to lead us on our journey and protect us and our children and all our possessions. ²² I would have been ashamed to ask the emperor for a troop of cavalry to guard us from any enemies during our journey, because I had told him that our God blesses everyone who trusts him, but that he is displeased with and punishes anyone who turns away from him. ²³ So we fasted and prayed for God to protect us, and he answered our prayers.

Reflect

For what does Ezra pray (verse 21)? What is the indication of Ezra’s trust in God (verse 22)? In what ways do you demonstrate your faith and trust in God?

Pray

Lord God, you are our protector and you hear our prayers. I place my faith and trust in you each day, and thank and praise you for your steadfast love and care. Guide my steps this day. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Psalm 9: A prayer of thanksgiving for God’s justice.