Ezra 8:31-36 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Progress.

When the treasure was disposed in custody of priests sanctified to watch over it, and the caravan was otherwise ordered, the pilgrims started from the camp of the Ahava en route for Jerusalem. As we might expect from the piety which influenced them in their preparations—

I. THEY WERE PROSPERED IN THEIR JOURNEY .

1. They enjoyed the blessing of their God. "The hand of our God was upon us."

2. The Divine protection was respected by the enemy.

II. THEY ENTERED INTO JERUSALEM WITH JOY .

1. It was the end of a toilsome march.

2. It was the satisfaction of a cherished hope.

III. THEY ABODE IN JERUSALEM IN PEACE .

1. They had peace in themselves.

2. They had peace with God.

3. They had peace from their neighbours.