The main point I got from the book of Ezra is a new beginning, a fresh start if you will. The people were given a chance to rebuild their nation on godly principles. The Persian King Cyrus issues a decree and frees Babylon’s political prisoners, refugees deported from their conquered homelands…and this includes the Jews. Cyrus even encourages the Jews to rebuild their Jerusalem temple and gives them back furnishings and money to do so. Now this Temple is nothing like what Solomon built during his time but it will do. Ezra comes on the scene and is influenced to order all Jewish men to divorce their non-Jewish wives. I was sad when I read this, and to think that this is still happening today. When will we ever learn?
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