Scripture Reading: Ezra 6 Background Reading: Zechariah 1 Discussion Starters 1. What was the response of King Darius to the request he had received from Tattenai and Shethar-Boznai? What did their research uncover? (See Note 6:1.) 2. Compare the text of the decree found in 6:3–5 with that found in 1:2–4. Are they identical? What […]

Scripture Reading: Ezra 1:1–70 Background Reading: John 10:1–6, 22–30; Revelation 20:11–15 Discussion Starters 1. God lists the names of some but not all persons who made the return trip from Babylon. What role is attached to those whose names are given? Of what significance is that for today? (See note 4:1.) 2. In spite of […]

Scripture Reading: Ezra 1 Background reading: Jeremiah 28; 29:1–14 Discussion Starters 1. In the opening verse of Ezra, what is the primary fact or detail that the author wants the reader to acknowledge? What is the significance of that detail? Why is that important? (See note 3:1.a and read Jeremiah 28.) 2. What is the […]

1 God demonstrates His sovereignty sometimes in unexpected ways in order to accomplish His purpose. He demonstrates that by using and directing secular governments and pagan kings as His agents. Second, God is going to show us through this book that His people are personally known to Him and that all of the people are […]

As you and I peruse the pages of Holy Writ, there are four fundamental questions we should always keep in the forefront of our minds: What is God doing in this passage? What is God saying in this passage? How are God’s people responding to God’s actions and words? How should you and I respond […]