Ezra 1&2

Ezra 1
Alright, so it seems like Ezra picks up where 2 Chronicles leaves off. In fact, the first two paragraphs tell the same story as the last paragraph in 2 Chronicles, so I guess this also means, Ezra is another book on history like 2 Chronicles.

Cyrus, king of Persia, sends the Jews back to Israel to serve the God. I've heard tale that this is what Cyrus did with everyone he conquered in an effort to appease his subjects. Nevertheless, it seems that the Lord intended for the Jews to now return to the promise land.

The Jews were sent back with all that they had brought and all that had been taken from them according to Cyrus's accounting. Those that had their spirit stirred by God to rebuild the temple left to do so with offerings from others who did not go (v5-6). This is a good picture of how today's body of Christ should act when sending others out on mission (they should give them money so that they will not be in need on their mission).

Ezra 2
Man this chapter is boring. It is a list of those returning to the promise land. However, I would still encourage you to read because every word in this bible in inspired of God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness. Truthfully the only profit I see in this text is a practice in diligence in reading (there may be others, but you need to read it to find out for yourself!). Worthy of note is that some priests could not be found and were therefore considered unclean because of the absence (v61-63).

Consider Deuteronomy 17:18-20. If this command was given to the king of Israel, leader of the Jews, and each of us, who believe in Christ, are considered leaders of someone (women of younger women, tts 2:3-5; men of disciples; etc.), then should we not also follow this command to reach the given results?