Chapter Summary

List of Ezra's companions and his visit to Jerusalem. Treasure placed in the temple.

Discussion Questions for Ezra, Chapter 8

1. Read through the genealogy at the start of this chapter. Do you recognize any of the names? How did God use these individuals to carry out his will?
2. In verse 15, Ezra discovers that none of the men with him were Levites. Why is this significant? Why would it be important for "sons of Levi" to go with them to Jerusalem (ESV)?
3. According to verse 16, Joiarib and Elnathan were "men of insight" (ESV). What do you think this meant? Do men of insight still exist today? Why or why not?
4. How did the Lord provide Levites when Ezra learned he had none with them? Do you think this implies he was in agreement with the need for Levites? Why or why not?
5. Why did Ezra proclaim a fast? Do you think he was right to do so? Why or why not? Is the fast he declared similar or different from fasting today? How?
6. For believers today, what might it look like to "humble ourselves before our God" (v.21, ESV)? Do you believe humility is a common trait in the church today? If not, why might that be?
7. Why did Ezra avoid asking the king for protection during their journey? Do you believe this was a prideful or a righteous move on his part? Why do you think so?
8. Consider what Ezra told the king about who God is in verse 22. What two qualities does Ezra claim that God possesses? Do these qualities contradict one another? How might a good God be wrathful, or vice versa?
9. Who and what does Ezra declare as "holy" (ESV)? What does it mean to be declared holy? How else have you heard the term used before? How significant do you believe it was to be declared "holy to the LORD" in this time (ESV)? Is it any less significant in the present time? Why or why not?
10. According to verse 31, God did not prevent them from facing danger, but he did deliver them from it. How does it make you feel to know that God acts in this way? Is it a comforting or discomforting thought? Why or why not?

Key Words/Phrase

Furthered, v. 36.

Characters

God, Ezra, Sherebeah, Hashabiah, Meremoth, Eleazar, Jozabad, Noadiah.

Strong Verse(s)

22