Darius reaffirms the decree of Cyrus and permits Zerubbabel to continue with the rebuilding of the Temple. After the rebuilding is complete the Temple is dedicated and Passover is celebrated.
In chapter seven we are introduced to the book's namesake. Ezra is moved by God to return to Jerusalem to begin teaching the faithful remnant the Law of Moses. King Artexerxes of Persia permits Ezra to go and provides him with security, letters of passage, and supplies for his journey. He brings a contingent of families with him to begin the teaching. After arriving it is determined that intermarriage with pagans has made it nearly impossible to find those who are ceremonially clean. Ezra prays a beautiful and sincere prayer (9:6-15) earnestly asking God to forgive the people. A plan is formulated whereby the pagan wives will be divorced and God will forgive them.
This is a type of the modern believer. We had "married" into creeds and dogmas not consistent with the pure Word of God. Thus, while still wedded to these heretical belief systems we were unfit to worship the Lord and receive His Holy Spirit. Through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross a way was made for us to return to true worship, but we had to agree to "divorce" or put away our beliefs and return to His Word.
May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.
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