EZRA/NEHEMIAH: A BIBLE STUDY

LESSON 8: Ezra 9

1.  (Read Ezra 8:1-2)  Why did God forbid the Israelites from marrying women from the other cultures? (Read Ex. 34:15-16; Deu. 7:1-6, 25-26; 1Kgs. 11:1-6; 2Cor. 6:14-16)

            a.  What effect does it have on the people when their leaders, in this case the Levites, the priests and the rulers, openly sin?  Unlike the Israelites, who did not choose their leaders, what responsibility dos this put on us?

            b. How does this apply to us today in marrying?

2. (Read Ezra 9:3-7) Ezra was a scribe, not a priest or a ruler.  He belonged to God just as we belong to God.  When he became aware of the sin of his people, he took it personally.  How do you react when you hear of our American people turning away from God?  When you hear of a known Christian being caught in sin?  Do you take it personally and include yourself when you pray for our people, Americans, our family, Christians? What are some of the events within your past that has caused you to pray for our lost people, including yourself?

3. (Read Ezra 9:8-9) It is important to remember that God does not abandon us, even in our sin.  He is ever ready to bless us, for His name’s sake, for we are called by His name.  Looking back, what has God done for you, to lift you up, when you knew you didn’t deserve it?

4. (Read Ezra 9:10-15) Ezra reviews the commandment that the disregarded and comes back to God’s unbelievable grace. What is there about Ezra that would lead people to say that he sounds like a Christian?  What is his attitude that should be ours too?