Fly Through the Bible

Chapter 5 – Ezra

The period between King David and Ezra was marked by rebellion in both the northern Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. Both kingdoms faced the sieges. The Northern Kingdom faced the Assyrians, and the Southern Kingdom faced the Babylonians.

Ezra is another story of God working through an individual to accomplish his work. Ezra uses the word of God to open the hearts of the people, and they wept. You cannot stand before a holy God and not weep.

We need to use the example of Ezra and return to the Word of God. Let it be our guide, and may it be as was written in the Book of Malachi: “From the days of our fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Returned to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.” (Malachi 3:7)

Let’s return to God, for we have received the promise of Jesus the Christ.

Here are a few questions to help you dive deeper into this chapter:

  1. Exile and Consequences
    • Israel and Judah were both conquered after long periods of rebellion.
    • Why is it important to understand the exile not merely as political defeat, but as the result of covenant unfaithfulness?
    • What does this teach us about the long-term consequences of ignoring God’s Word?
  1. The Power of God’s Word
    • When Ezra reads the Law, the people weep and are deeply convicted.
    • Why does encountering the Word of God produce grief before it produces joy?
    • What does this reveal about the holiness of God and the condition of the human heart?
  1. Revival Begins with Truth, Not Emotion
    • Ezra does not manipulate emotions or offer motivational speeches—he reads and explains Scripture.
    • Why does true spiritual renewal always begin with a return to God’s Word rather than cultural reform or political change?
    • How does this challenge modern approaches to revival and renewal?
  1. Repentance and Restoration
    • God’s promise through the prophets is clear: “Return to Me, and I will return to you.”
    • What does Ezra’s leadership teach us about the relationship between repentance and restoration?
    • Why must repentance be both personal and communal?
  1. From the Law to Christ
    • Ezra leads the people back to the Law, yet the Law itself cannot ultimately save them.
    • How does Ezra’s ministry prepare the people—and us—to recognize the need for something greater than obedience alone?
    • In what ways does this return to the Word point forward to Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of the Law?

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Overview

Fly through the Bible
Purchase Fly Through the Bible
Chpt. 1 – Adam
Chpt. 2 – Abraham
Chpt. 3 – Moses
Chpt. 4 – David
Chpt. 5 – Ezra