Ezra, the Priest and Scribe
Audio:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/XcyLDF4N0lU?list=PL4ByrircmXL4AIWLkRrpeoEq_A6VmA54y
God chose Ezra to be an instrument of good to Israel, that He might put honor upon the priesthood, the glory of which had been greatly eclipsed during the captivity. The decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus for the restoring and building of Jerusalem, is remarkable *for its expressions regarding the God of heaven, *for its recognition of the attainments of Ezra, and *for the liberality of the grants made to the remnant people of God. As Ezra looked over the company assembled, he was surprised to find none of the sons of Levi. Where were the members of the tribe that had been set apart for the sacred service of the temple? Ezra appealed to the Levites, sending them an urgent invitation....trusted messengers hastened back with the plea, Bring unto us ministers for the house of our God. Ezra 8:17. The appeal was heeded....