Chapter Summary

The returning remnant.

Discussion Questions for Ezra, Chapter 2

1. Why was it important that the names and numbers of the exiles returning to Jerusalem were recorded? What significance or relation might this have to the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament? How does this contribute to the reliability of Scripture?
2. Can you locate the name "Mordecai" (HCSB) in this chapter? What role does he play in future books of the Bible? How does documenting his name in Ezra serve to validate his story later on? What might this teach you about the historical accuracy of Scripture, and how the narrative of Scripture continues to prove itself?
3. What are the different lists of people that are mentioned in this chapter? Why is it significant to document these different types of people? How does the listing of the exiles contribute to the rest of the book of Ezra? What can you learn from something as simple as a list of people in a nation?
4. The "Urim and Thummim" (HCSB) in verse 63 are quite mysterious. Can you find any other references to them in research? How do you think people determined right decisions based on these, and was that the right thing to do? What is your process for effectively making wise decisions?
5. Why is it significant that certain people were "disqualified" (HCSB) from the priesthood in verse 62? What does this say about God's standards for the priesthood, and the leadership of worship in the temple? What might this say about standards of spiritual leadership in our churches today?
6. What was the difference between the "priests" (HCSB) and the "Levites" (HCSB)? If the Levites were priests, why do you think God separated their documentation? What role do the Levites play throughout Scripture? And what connection do the Levites eventually have to Jesus? How does understanding the role of the priests and Levites help you appreciate the seamless narrative of the whole Bible?
7. What was the response of the people when they finally returned to their homeland? How does this joy and generosity reflect the work of God in their community? How do you respond when God works powerfully in your life and circumstances?
8. How do you think the Israelites would have felt "settled in their towns" (HCSB)? What kind of spiritual metaphor do you see in the concept of coming from "exile" to settling in a homeland? What are you most looking forward to leaving the "captivity" of sin and this life to life with God for eternity?
9. Why is it important that it is known as "the Lord's House" (HCSB) in verse 68? What is the main subject of this whole chapter? In what ways does God want you to center your life around worshipping Him?
10. What other significant names stick out to you in the list of the returning exiles? Are there important characters that you have seen before, or will see again? What does this teach you about how to study the details of the Bible, even those that might seem unimportant or mundane?

Key Words/Phrase

Remnant's return, v. 1.

Characters

God, Zerubbabel.

Strong Verse(s)

68, 69.