Seventy verses of names, numbers, and roles tell the story of preservation, provision, and a people eager to worship God. From the guarding of the priesthood to the generosity of freewill offerings, and from the smallest servant to the high priest, every part of the community has a place. This chapter, though reminiscent of an ancient phone book, points to the greater fulfillment in Christ, the true Temple and High Priest, in whom every believer’s name is known and kept forever.

The Rev. Tim Barkett, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Kingman, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ezra 2.

To learn more about Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, visit goodshepherdlckingman.org.

The Persian king Cyrus issues an astonishing decree: the exiles may go home. Among them are the Jews—God’s chosen people—whom this pagan ruler not only repatriates, but commands to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Ezra 1–4 tells of their return, the joy of restored worship, and the crushing opposition that brings construction to a standstill. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak with God’s authority, calling His people to courage, repentance, and hope. In Ezra 5–8 the temple is completed, worship flourishes, and hearts are renewed in God’s Word. This series on Thy Strong Word follows the events in the order they happened, revealing how the Lord moves kings and prophets, overcomes opposition, and restores His people.