May 21 Readings

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The Back to the Bible Reading Plans

Today's reading Ezra 1-3
King James Version with Web Encyclopedia Links: Ezra 1; Ezra 2; Ezra 3

Ezra 1
Ezra 1-4 deals with the proclamation (v. 1-4) and gifts provided (5-11) Ezra 1.1-3; 2Chronicles 36.22-23
The Lord moved the heart of Cyrus to make a proclamation throughout his empire for any Jew to return to Jerusalem to build the Temple of the Lord. This was a proclamation of Jeremiah's prophecy (Isaiah 44.28-45.3). In addition he returned the articles belongng to the Temple to take back to Jerusalem.



Ezra 2 is the list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem (Ezra 2.1-70; Nehemiah 7.6-73) It should be noted that only 50,000 returned. Where were the rest of the Jewish people in Babylon? They were very comfortable, thank you, and did not want to return to Israel.

Application: Are you comfortable where you are at? Are you willing to leave your conmfort zone and risk everything for the Lord?

Verses to meditate on:
Ezra 1.2 "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
" 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Anyone of his people among you—may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the LORD, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. 4 And the people of any place where survivors may now be living are to provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.' "


Ezra 3 is the rebuilding of the altar (Ezra 3.1-6) and rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 3.7-13).

Ezra 1, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ezra 2, with Commentaries, verse by verse
Ezra 3, with Commentaries, verse by verse

Links to Commentaries and other References - Old Testament

Bible Study Tools
Jesus Saves
How to Become a Christian

Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.