No. 24 of Returning Home (Second Return)
One identifying characteristic of Bible narrative is the succinctness of the accounts. Looking at the compiled Old and New Testament in my lap, it’s easy to think, There’s nothing succinct about this book! It is a heavy volume, but it records thousands and thousands of years’ worth of information. True and proven information. Its choice of words and explanations draws a line for the reader between what is necessary and what is not. Few, if any, non-inspired works can compare with the wise brevity of the Bible. (Brevity does not seem to be my strong point, either!) So, it is mind-boggling to imagine 40 writers–writers of different position, intellect, and style–over this long expanse of time having the same view, purpose, and ability of expediency and precision. We see this with Ezra, who does not go into detail about the journey to Jerusalem. He records the date, acknowledges God’s provision, and gives Him the credit for their arrival.
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way. We came to Jerusalem, and there we remained three days. – Ezra 8:31-32ESV
After three days of rest from the trip, the new arrivals delivered the treasure to the LORD’s house.
On the fourth day, within the house of our God, the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed into the hands of Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them were the Levites, Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui. 34 The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded. – Ezra 8:33-34ESV
There is closure in Ezra’s statement about recording the weight of the treasure. Like handling a business transaction, the goods have been counted and delivered. Ezra has fulfilled this part of his task, so he focuses on the new arrivals in his care.
At that time those who had come from captivity, the returned exiles, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and as a sin offering twelve male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the Lord. – Ezra 8:35ESV
These souls, who have not had the ability to worship according to God’s pattern, participate in the commanded sacrifices to be cleansed from their sins. An abundance of blood must have flowed during this ceremony in order to wash these new arrivals clean in the sight of God. They are counted and recorded as God’s people come home, but there so much they have to learn and do to serve God faithfully.
They also delivered the king’s commissions to the king’s satraps and to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and they aided the people and the house of God. – Ezra 8:36ESV
This band of travelers brings news from the palace, as well as encouragement to their Israelite family. They are settling into a new way of life. They are on their way to becoming a unified nation once more. As we’ll see next time, unity isn’t yet being practiced within Jerusalem’s walls. Ezra will be called on to bring them in harmony under God’s commands and renew them as His chosen people.