Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Ezra 8:21-23
The immigrants’ spiritual preparation 8:21-23As is quite clear from these verses, Ezra sensed his great need for God’s help in the dangerous trip that lay before them. This moved him to seek God’s favor in prayer. Ezra 8:21 was the text of John Robinson’s last sermon at Leiden, Netherlands, before the Pilgrims sailed for the New World in 1620. [Note: R. A. Bowman, "The Book of Ezra and the Book of Nehemiah," in The Interpreter’s Bible, 3:632.] Fasting enabled the people to give more time and... read more
Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Ezra 8:1-36
Details of the journey (8:1-36)Leaders of the family groups who returned under Ezra are listed, along with the numbers of people in the various groups (8:1-14). Surprisingly, no Levites were among them, so Ezra sent specially for some. Levites were essential, as religious service was the main purpose of Ezra’s return (15-20).The journey to Jerusalem would take Ezra and his party about four months (see 7:9). During this time they would constantly be open to attacks from robbers. Yet even though... read more