Ezra 7-10

“God has not forsaken us in our bondage ... He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God” (9:9). From Babylon, Ezra the priest arrived in Jerusalem along with many other exiles, as well as riches and blessings from the Persian king (ch 6-8). Ezra, “a teacher well-versed in the Law” (7:6), was horrified to find that the Jews were marrying foreigners who didn’t follow the Lord (ch 9). God had miraculously rescued them from bondage, but they risked losing their inheritance.

“He has granted us new life ...” (9:9). God’s rescue has purpose. He has given us new life in Christ so that we can live faithfully as his people in the world (Ephesians 2).