Ezra 7:27-28 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The extension of the mercy of the covenant.

After recounting the wonderful success of his enterprise, Ezra breaks out into a rapture of gratitude to God. "Blessed be the Lord God," etc. Here—

I. HE ACKNOWLEDGES GOD IN HIS COVENANT CAPACITY .

1. This is expressed in the terms " God of. "

2. Covenant relationship subsists in Christ.

3. The promise of the Christ was the establishment of the covenant with the " fathers. "

II. HE ASCRIBES HIS SUCCESS TO THE EXTENSION TO HIM OF THE MERCY OF THE COVENANT .

1. The covenant was not established with Ezra.

2. The mercy of the God of his fathers was extended to him.

3. To this extension of the mercy of the God of the covenant to him he attributes his influence.

III. HE RECOGNISES THE INTERESTS OF THE COVENANT AS THE TRUE REASON FOR THE PERSIAN FAVOUR .

1. The covenant God put it into the heart of the king.

2. How the covenant has moulded history.

HOMILIES BY J.s. EXELL