Ezra 1

The heart of the King & the people

Potential Icebreaker: In what ways has God spoken to you which surprised you?

The period of exile foretold through Jeremiah is now coming to an end. So how will God move his people to return?  Here we are seeing God move through the Pagan King Cyrus – who decided a Temple needs to be built for the people of Yahweh – and what is more he will free them up to do that!  We get used to God moving in particular ways– as if He has to move through us to achieve anything.  Its just not true – this was his time and He could do it how he liked.  What is even more remarkable is that a significant number of the Jews (the head of the families) were ready to go back and rebuild the temple.  Add on that Cyrus and the people returned the important vessels to the Jews– and you realise that when God decides to do something – he does it. 

Questions to think about:

1.    How does the book of Ezra begin — what special proclamation is made? What does the way this happens tell us about God?  (v.1)

2.    What is the primary purpose for this proclamation? Why is this so important? Who is this proclamation especially addressed to? (v.2)

3.    Where are these people (to whom it is especially addressed) when this proclamation is given? What are they invited or exhorted to do? (v.3)

4.     Is there anything in vs 1 that gives a sense of the timing of this proclamation? Why do you think the Jewish prophet Jeremiah would be mentioned?

5.    Who is stirred and moved to go up to Jerusalem?   Why would it be these people in particular? (v.5)

6.    What are they given to take with them?  Who gives them these things and why? (v.6)

7.    How does this chapter speak to us today about responding to God’s call?

In your group issues to think about:

What different means does God use to speak to us as individuals and as a church?  Could He use a secular leader like our Prime Minister?

In a time of rebuilding who are the people God calls upon to start the process? Hint: the family heads.

What would the giving back of the temple goods do to encourage the Jews to return? Hint: a sign that God is in it.