NextLevel Online: Going Home: A Study on the Book of Ezra

When Pagans Help God's People Go Home

The Babylonians have been defeated by the Persians, and in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy, it is time for God’s people to go home—back to the land of Israel. God will use a pagan king to accomplish this task. This session covers the Proclamation for Going Home (Ezra 1) and The People Who Are Going Home (Ezra 2).
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When Pagans Help God's People Go Home

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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.

Classroom Instructions

Lesson
21:34Session 2 VideoSession 2 Video

The Babylonians have been defeated by the Persians, and in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy, it is time for God’s people to go home—back to the land of Israel. God will use a pagan king to accomplish this task.

  • The Proclamation for Going Home (Ezra 1)

  • The People Who Are Going Home (Ezra 2)

Why does all of this matter?

  • God knows your name
  • Getting the right people in place matters.
  • Numbers may be summaries.
  • Ancient historiography
  • Eph. 4:7

Discussion Questions:

  • Every time Cyrus is mentioned in chapter one (five times), he is called “king of Persia.” God is called “The Lord, the God of heaven.” What is the difference?

  • What is so significant in ensuring that the tribe and people of Judah get first crack at their homeland?

  • What was the value of the resources that the Israelites were bringing back to their homeland (1:9-11; 2:65-67, 69; cf. 1 Kings 10:14-29)? Why was so much needed?

  • The Israelites could check their records and use the Urim and Thummim to discern God’s will. What do believers have today to help discern his will (Acts 16:6-10; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:24; 4:13)?

When Pagans Help God's People Go Home Instructions

Lesson
21:34Session 2 VideoSession 2 Video

The Babylonians have been defeated by the Persians, and in fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy, it is time for God’s people to go home—back to the land of Israel. God will use a pagan king to accomplish this task.

  • The Proclamation for Going Home (Ezra 1)

  • The People Who Are Going Home (Ezra 2)

Why does all of this matter?

  • God knows your name
  • Getting the right people in place matters.
  • Numbers may be summaries.
  • Ancient historiography
  • Eph. 4:7

Discussion Questions:

  • Every time Cyrus is mentioned in chapter one (five times), he is called “king of Persia.” God is called “The Lord, the God of heaven.” What is the difference?

  • What is so significant in ensuring that the tribe and people of Judah get first crack at their homeland?

  • What was the value of the resources that the Israelites were bringing back to their homeland (1:9-11; 2:65-67, 69; cf. 1 Kings 10:14-29)? Why was so much needed?

  • The Israelites could check their records and use the Urim and Thummim to discern God’s will. What do believers have today to help discern his will (Acts 16:6-10; 1 John 2:27-28; 3:24; 4:13)?