CONTENTS We have here a further relation of Ezra's journey to Jerusalem. He begins it with prayer; the Lord conducts him and those who accompanied him in safety. An account of his arrival, and his entrance on business. Ezra 8:1 It is to the honor of Ezra's company that the Holy Ghost hath caused... [ Continue Reading ]
The whole number is fourteen hundred ninety and six, beside the heads of the houses themselves. A goodly company! How sweet is the gospel proclamation, when made successful to win souls unto Christ. Was it not in allusion to this, both in the Jewish and gospel church, that the prophet cried out, The... [ Continue Reading ]
The pause that Ezra made before his departure, no doubt, was with a view to begin his journey in prayer. Carry us not up hence, is, or should be, the language of every truly regenerated believer, when like Moses we are about to set forth on any expedition; unless thy presence goeth with us. Exodus 3... [ Continue Reading ]
I admire the promptness of the Levites in coming forward at the call. And I equally admire the piety of Ezra in ascribing this readiness of the sons of Levi to the good hand of God.... [ Continue Reading ]
The prophet Jeremiah had predicted of the manner in which the people should return, both the dispersed of Judah and Jerusalem; going and weeping. Jeremiah 50:4. Ezra therefore, in a most pious manner, proclaims a fast to seek the Lord's presence, like the pillar to Israel, to go before them. And tho... [ Continue Reading ]
Is there not a sweet spiritual instruction here? Doth not the apostle, in allusion to gospel treasures for himself and his faithful companions, observe, we have this treasure in earthen vessels. 2 Corinthians 4:7. Indeed, are not all the precious truths of God considered as the treasures of his grac... [ Continue Reading ]
Was not this journey a type of the gospel pilgrimage - long, and dangerous, exposed to the dens of lions, and the mountains of leopards? And is not the hand of our God upon us, to deliver us from every foe? Precious Jesus! how art thou going before thy people, and protecting them continually!... [ Continue Reading ]
I admire the continual observance of the offerings, and the sacrifices; not for the multitudes of beasts slaughtered, but for the evident reference the whole had to the person of the Lamb of God. Oh! how impossible must it have been for all the art and contrivance of man, in such a succession of age... [ Continue Reading ]
REFLECTIONS My soul! doth not this view of Ezra's return from Babylon, with the number of the people here named and recorded, suggest to thee the ransomed of Zion, which shall one day return with everlasting joy upon their heads; when Jesus shall again be seen on the holy mount, and with him, not on... [ Continue Reading ]