Playlist: Ezra, Book of (topic)
Stay in Jerusalem
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The Book of Ezra records the decrees of Gentile kings, with four significant decrees noted, two of which are central: the first by Cyrus the Great and the last by Artaxerxes. Issued by pagan monarchs, both decrees praise the Great God and held mighty influence on God's people during their time. Cyrus' decree explicitly commanded …
Building the Wall (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Book of Ezra provides a historical account of the return of the Jewish remnant from Babylonian captivity and their efforts to rebuild their spiritual and communal life in Jerusalem. Following the decree of Cyrus, the Persian king, in 538 BC, a small group of 42,360 Jews returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel, the …
One Nation Under God (Part One)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Book of Ezra, alongside Nehemiah, provides a profound example of spiritual renewal among the Jews after their return from captivity under the Persian Empire. Following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 539 BC, which allowed the Jews to return to their homeland, Ezra, a priest and teacher, played a crucial role in restoring …
Be Strong and Work
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David C. GrabbeThe Book of Ezra provides a historical account of a pivotal moment for Judah, reflecting circumstances that resonate with challenges faced by the church today. In Ezra 3, the laying of the temple foundation evoked both rejoicing and mourning among the returning Jews. The younger generation found renewed hope, while the older …
Josiah
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Book of Ezra is closely connected to the Book of Chronicles, sharing significant similarities that suggest a common authorship. One clear indication is that the last few verses of Chronicles and the opening verses of Ezra are nearly identical, implying that Ezra may have intended his book to directly follow Chronicles as a …
One Nation Under God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Book of Ezra, in conjunction with Nehemiah, illustrates a profound spiritual renewal among the Jews in Jerusalem. Under the leadership of Ezra, the priest, and Nehemiah, the governor, the people experienced a transformative revival that reshaped their nation and culture. Ezra played a pivotal role in this renewal by leading …
Esther (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Book of Ezra relates to the broader narrative of God's people living in exile and their eventual return to Jerusalem, highlighting their perseverance and divine guidance in foreign lands. After 70 years of exile in Babylon, Persia, and Medea, some Jews returned to Israel as God decreed, rebuilding the Temple, the wall, and …