Bible in a Year Series - Day 262 - This post is part of a year-long series where we are reading chronologically through the Bible. Click here to learn more. You are most welcome to join along at any time.
Today's text from the ESV Study Bible: Ezra 4-6 & Psalm 137.
I find that I can better understand the political situation of Ezra if I think of it in business terms.
Imagine owning the world's most successful business, and then that business being absorbed into another competing business by a hostile takeover.
Then, to make matters worse, the first owner is now in the employ of the new owner.
This is the situation in the time of Ezra. There is indeed an exodus of Jews from the former Babylon, but they are returning to a Jerusalem that is completely engulfed by Persia and is now considered a state called "Beyond the River".
Israel here must learn to exist as a religious community rather than an independent nation.
Thus, while certain joy existed at the rebuilding of the temple, it must have been overshadowed by the long arm of their Persian king.
Now Israel must learn to play a political game. Further, Ezra must learn how to apply the Torah in these new circumstances.
I'm looking forward to understanding and learning about Israel's history during this period of time.
Tomorrow we will be introduced to Ezra himself. See you then.
