3 Book of Ezra
1 – Josiah Great Passover
3 Ezra 1:1-58 Josiah kept the Passover to his Lord in Jerusalem; he killed the Passover lamb on the fourteenth day of the first month, 2 having placed the priests according to their divisions, arrayed in their garments, in the temple of the Lord. 3 And he told the Levites, the temple servants of Israel, that they should sanctify themselves to the Lord and put the holy ark of the Lord in the house which Solomon the king, the son of David, had built; 4 and he said, “You need no longer carry it upon your shoulders. Now worship the Lord your God and serve his people Israel; and prepare yourselves by your families and kindred, 5 in accordance with the directions of David king of Israel and the magnificence of Solomon his son. Stand in order in the temple according to the groupings of the fathers’ houses of you Levites, who minister before your brethren the people of Israel, 6 and kill the Passover lamb and prepare the sacrifices for your brethren, and keep the Passover according to the commandment of the Lord which was given to Moses.” 7 And Josiah gave to the people who were present thirty thousand lambs and kids, and three thousand calves; these were given from the king’s possessions, as he promised, to the people and the priests and Levites. 8 And Hilkiah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, the chief officers of the temple, gave to the priests for the Passover two thousand six hundred sheep and three hundred calves. 9 And Jeconiah and Shemaiah and Nethanel his brother, and Hashabiah and Ochiel and Joram, captains over thousands, gave the Levites for the Passover five thousand sheep and seven hundred calves. 10 And this is what took place. The priests and the Levites, properly arrayed and having the unleavened bread, stood according to kindred 11 and the grouping of the fathers’ houses, before the people, to make the offering to the Lord as it is written in the book of Moses; this they did in the morning. 12 They roasted the Passover lamb with fire, as required; and they boiled the sacrifices in brass pots and caldrons, with a pleasing odor, 13 and carried them to all the people. Afterward they prepared the Passover for themselves and for their brethren the priests, the sons of Aaron, 14 because the priests were offering the fat until night; so the Levites prepared it for themselves and for their brethren the priests, the sons of Aaron. 15 And the temple singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their place according to the arrangement made by David, and also Asaph, Zechariah, and Eddinus, who represented the king. 16 The gatekeepers were at each gate; no one needed to depart from his duties, for their brethren the Levites prepared the Passover for them. 17 So the things that had to do with the sacrifices to the Lord were accomplished that day: the Passover was kept 18 and the sacrifices were offered on the altar of the Lord, according to the command of King Josiah. 19 And the people of Israel who were present at that time kept the Passover and the feast of unleavened bread seven days. 20 No Passover like it had been kept in Israel since the times of Samuel the prophet; 21 none of the kings of Israel had kept such a Passover as was kept by Josiah and the priests and Levites and the men of Judah and all of Israel who were dwelling in Jerusalem. 22 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah (612 BC) this Passover was kept. 23 And the deeds of Josiah were upright in the sight of the Lord, for his heart was full of godliness. 24 The events of his reign have been recorded in the past, concerning those who sinned and acted wickedly toward the Lord beyond any other people or kingdom, and how they grieved the Lord deeply, so that the words of the Lord rose up against Israel. 25 After all these acts of Josiah, it happened that Pharaoh, king of Egypt, went to make war at Carchemish on the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him (599 BC).
Pride Kills the King
26 And the king of Egypt sent word to him saying, “What have we to do with each other, king of Judea? 27 I was not sent against you by the Lord God, for my war is at the Euphrates. And now the Lord is with me! The Lord is with me, urging me on! Stand aside, and do not oppose the Lord.” 28 But Josiah did not turn back to his chariot, but tried to fight with him, and did not heed the words of Jeremiah the prophet from the mouth of the Lord. 29 He joined battle with him in the plain of Megiddo, and the commanders came down against King Josiah. 30 And the king said to his servants, “Take me away from the battle, for I am very weak.” And immediately his servants took him out of the line of battle. 31 And he got into his second chariot; and after he was brought back to Jerusalem he died and was buried in the tomb of his fathers. 32 And in all Judea they mourned for Josiah. Jeremiah the prophet lamented for Josiah, and the principal men, with the women, have made lamentation for him to this day; it was ordained that this should always be done throughout the whole nation of Israel. 33 These things are written in the book of the histories of the kings of Judea; and every one of the acts of Josiah, and his splendor, and his understanding of the law of the Lord, and the things that he had done before and these that are now told, are recorded in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah.
The Rebellion of Jerusalem
34 And the men of the nation took Jeconiah the son of Josiah, who was twenty-three years old, and made him king in succession to Josiah his father. 35 And he reigned three months in Judah and Jerusalem. Then the king of Egypt deposed him from reigning in Jerusalem, 36 and fined the nation a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. 37 And the king of Egypt made Jehoiakim his brother king of Judea and Jerusalem. 38 Jehoiakim put the nobles in prison, and seized his brother Zarius and brought him up out of Egypt. 39 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign in Judea and Jerusalem, and he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 40 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against him and bound him with a chain of brass and took him away to Babylon. 41 Nebuchadnezzar also took some holy vessels of the Lord, and carried them away, and stored them in his temple in Babylon (588 BC). 42 But the things that are reported about Jehoiakim and his uncleanness and impiety are written in the chronicles of the kings. 43 Jehoiachin his son became king in his stead; when he was made king he was eighteen years old, 44 and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 45 So after a year Nebuchadnezzar sent and removed him to Babylon, with the holy vessels of the Lord, 46 and made Zedekiah king of Judea and Jerusalem. Zedekiah was twenty-one years old, and he reigned eleven years. 47 He also did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not heed the words that were spoken by Jeremiah the prophet from the mouth of the Lord. 48 And though King Nebuchadnezzar had made him swear by the name of the Lord, he broke his oath and rebelled; and he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart and transgressed the laws of the Lord, the God of Israel. 49 Even the leaders of the people and of the priests committed many acts of sacrilege and lawlessness beyond all the unclean deeds of all the nations and polluted the temple of the Lord which had been hallowed in Jerusalem. 50 So the God of their fathers sent by his messenger to call them back, because he would have spared them and his dwelling place. 51 But they mocked his messengers, and whenever the Lord spoke, they scoffed at his prophets, 52 until in his anger against his people because of their ungodly acts he gave command to bring against them the kings of the Chaldeans. 53 These slew their young men with the sword around their holy temple, and did not spare young man or virgin, old man or child, for he gave them all into their hands. 54 And all the holy vessels of the Lord, great and small, and the treasure chests of the Lord, and the royal stores, they took and carried away to Babylon. 55 And they burned the house of the Lord and broke down the walls of Jerusalem and burned their towers with fire, 56 and utterly destroyed all its glorious things. The survivors he led away to Babylon with the sword, 57 and they were servants to him and to his sons until the Persians began to reign, in fulfilment of the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah: 58 “Until the land has enjoyed its sabbaths, it shall keep sabbath all the time of its desolation until the completion of seventy years.” Jeremiah 25:8-13
Commentary on Chapter 1
Josiah ruled from 630 BC to 599 BC, and he was a good king and honored God. It takes more than a good king for a kingdom to be called good. It takes the priests and the Levites to teach the people what is right what is wrong, what is acceptable and not acceptable to the Lord. God had determined the nation of Israel had to pay back its sabbaths according to the prophecy of Jeremiah thus ending the
rule of Jerusalem over Israel.
King Josiah died and untimely death, his prideful attitude got in the way, and he was accidentally struck down during the battle against Egypt that he should not have fought.
2 – Cyrus Decree to Rebuild the Temple
3 Ezra 2:1-30 In the first year of Cyrus as king of the Persians (539 BC), that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, 2 the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of the Persians, and he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: 3 “Thus says Cyrus king of the Persians: The Lord of Israel, the Lord Most High, has made me king of the world, 4 and he has commanded me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judea. 5 If any one of you, therefore, is of his people, may his Lord be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judea, and build the house of the Lord of Israel — he is the Lord who dwells in Jerusalem, 6 and let each man, wherever he may live, be helped by the men of his place with gold and silver, 7 with gifts and with horses and cattle, besides the other things added as votive offerings for the temple of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.” 8 Then arose the heads of families of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, and all whose spirit the Lord had stirred to go up to build the house in Jerusalem for the Lord; 9 and their neighbors helped them with everything, with silver and gold, with horses and cattle, and with a very great number of votive offerings from many whose hearts were stirred. 10 Cyrus the king also brought out the holy vessels of the Lord which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and stored in his temple of idols. 11 When Cyrus king of the Persians brought these out, he gave them to Mithridates his treasurer, 12 and by him they were given to Sheshbazzar the governor of Judea. 13 The number of these was: a thousand gold cups, a thousand silver cups, twenty-nine silver censers, thirty gold bowls, two thousand four hundred and ten silver bowls, and a thousand other vessels. 14 All the vessels were handed over, gold and silver, five thousand four hundred and sixty-nine, 15 and they were carried back by Sheshbazzar with the returning exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. 16 But in the time of Artaxerxes king of the Persians, Bishlam, Mithridates, Tabeel, Rehum, Beltethmus, Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their associates, living in Samaria and other places, wrote him the following letter, against those who were living in Judea and Jerusalem:
Remember the Rebellion of the City
17 “To King Artaxerxes our lord, Your servants Rehum the recorder and Shimshai the scribe and the other judges of their council in Coelesyria and Phoenicia: 18 Now be it known to our lord the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have gone to Jerusalem and are building that rebellious and wicked city, repairing its market places and walls and laying the foundations for a temple. 19 Now if this city is built and the walls finished, they will not only refuse to pay tribute but will even resist kings. 20 And since the building of the temple is now going on, we think it best not to neglect such a matter, 21 but to speak to our lord the king, in order that, if it seems good to you, search may be made in the records of your fathers. 22 You will find in the chronicles what has been written about them, and will learn that this city was rebellious, troubling both kings and other cities, 23 and that the Jews were rebels and kept setting up blockades in it from of old. That is why this city was laid waste. 24 Therefore we now make known to you, O lord and king, that if this city is built and its walls finished, you will no longer have access to Coelesyria and Phoenicia.” 25 Then the king, in reply to Rehum the recorder and Beltethmus and Shimshai the scribe and the others associated with them and living in Samaria and Syria and Phoenicia, wrote as follows:
Stop the Work
26 “I have read the letter which you sent me. So, I ordered search to be made, and it has been found that this city from of old has fought against kings, 27 and that the men in it were given to rebellion and war, and that mighty and cruel kings ruled in Jerusalem and exacted tribute from Coelesyria and Phoenicia. 28 Therefore I have now issued orders to prevent these men from building the city and to take care that nothing more be done 29 and that such wicked proceedings go no further to the annoyance of kings.” 30 Then, when the letter from King Artaxerxes was read, Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their associates went in haste to Jerusalem, with horsemen and a multitude in battle array, and began to hinder the builders. And the building of the temple in Jerusalem ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of the Persians.
Commentary on Chapter 2
Though Cyrus gave the word to rebuild the Temple of God the Sabbath had not been fully paid off yet. But the most important thing that happened was God’s people could see that a movement toward the fulfillment of God’s word was occurring. Also, that a decree had gone forth in writing establishing the will of God and of Cyrus for rebuilding the temple. The enemies of God were able to implore the king of Persia to stop work on the Temple of God.
3 – The Strongest Thing That Rules Over Man
3 Ezra 3:1-24 Now King Darius gave a great banquet for all that were under him and all that were born in his house and all the nobles of Media and Persia 2 and all the satraps and generals and governors that were under him in the hundred and twenty-seven satrapies from India to Ethiopia. 3 They ate and drank, and when they were satisfied they departed; and Darius the king went to his bedroom, and went to sleep, and then awoke. 4 Then the three young men of the bodyguard, who kept guard over the person of the king, said to one another, 5 “Let each of us state what one thing is strongest; and to him whose statement seems wisest, Darius the king will give rich gifts and great honors of victory. 6 He shall be clothed in purple, and drink from gold cups, and sleep on a gold bed, and have a chariot with gold bridles, and a turban of fine linen, and a necklace about his neck; 7 and because of his wisdom he shall sit next to Darius and shall be called kinsman of Darius.” 8 Then each wrote his own statement, and they sealed them and put them under the pillow of Darius the king, 9 and said, “When the king wakes, they will give him the writing; and to the one whose statement the king and the three nobles of Persia judge to be wisest the victory shall be given according to what is written.” 10 The first wrote, “Wine is strongest.”11 The second wrote, “The king is strongest.” 12 The third wrote, “Women are strongest, but truth is victor over all things.” 13 When the king awoke, they took the writing and gave it to him, and he read it. 14 Then he sent and summoned all the nobles of Persia and Media and the satraps and generals and governors and prefects, 15 and he took his seat in the council chamber, and the writing was read in their presence. 16 And he said, “Call the young men, and they shall explain their statements.” So they were summoned and came in. 17 And they said to them, “Explain to us what you have written.” Then the first, who had spoken of the strength of wine, began and said:
Wine is the Strongest
18 “Gentlemen, how is wine the strongest? It leads astray the minds of all who drink it. 19 It makes equal the mind of the king and the orphan, of the slave and the free, of the poor and the rich. 20 It turns every thought to feasting and mirth and forgets all sorrow and debt. 21 It makes all hearts feel rich, forgets kings and satraps, and makes everyone talk by talents. 22 When men drink they forget to be friendly with friends and brothers, and before long they draw their swords. 23 And when they recover from the wine, they do not remember what they have done. 24 Gentlemen, is not wine the strongest, since it forces men to do these things?” When he had said this, he stopped speaking.
4 – The King Is the Strongest
3 Ezra 4:1-63 Then the second, who had spoken of the strength of the king, began to speak: 2 “Gentlemen, are not men strongest, who rule over land and sea and all that is in them? 3 But the king is stronger; he is their lord and master, and whatever he says to them they obey. 4 If he tells them to make war on one another, they do it; and if he sends them out against the enemy, they go, and conquer mountains, walls, and towers. 5 They kill and are killed, and do not disobey the king’s command; if they win the victory, they bring everything to the king — whatever spoil they take and everything else. 6 Likewise those who do not serve in the army or make war but till the soil, whenever they sow, reap the harvest and bring some to the king; and they compel one another to pay taxes to the king. 7 And yet he is only one man! If he tells them to kill, they kill; if he tells them to release, they release; 8 if he tells them to attack, they attack; if he tells them to lay waste, they lay waste; if he tells them to build, they build; 9 if he tells them to cut down, they cut down; if he tells them to plant, they plant. 10 All his people and his armies obey him. Moreover, he reclines, he eats and drinks and sleeps, 11 but they keep watch around him and no one may go away to attend to his own affairs, nor do they disobey him. 12 Gentlemen, why is not the king the strongest, since he is to be obeyed in this fashion?” And he stopped speaking.
13 Then the third, that is Zerubbabel, who had spoken of women and truth, began to speak:
Women are the Strongest
14 Gentlemen, is not the king great, and are not men many, and is not wine strong? Who then is their master, or who is their lord? Is it not women? 15 Women gave birth to the king and to every people that rules over sea and land. 16 From women they came; and women brought up the very men who plant the vineyards from which comes wine. 17 Women make men’s clothes; they bring men glory; men cannot exist without women. 18 If men gather gold and silver or any other beautiful thing, and then see a woman lovely in appearance and beauty, 19 they let all those things go, and gape at her, and with open mouths stare at her, and all prefer her to gold or silver or any other beautiful thing. 20 A man leaves his own father, who brought him up, and his own country, and cleaves to his wife. 21 With his wife he ends his days, with no thought of his father or his mother or his country. 22 Hence you must realize that women rule over you! “Do you not labor and toil, and bring everything and give it to women? 23 A man takes his sword and goes out to travel and rob and steal and to sail the sea and rivers;
24 he faces lions, and he walks in darkness, and when he steals and robs and plunders, he brings it back to the woman he loves. 25 A man loves his wife more than his father or his mother. 26 Many men have lost their minds because of women and have become slaves because of them. 27 Many have perished, or stumbled, or sinned, because of women. 28 And now do you not believe me? “Is not the king great in his power? Do not all lands fear to touch him? 29 Yet I have seen him with Apame, the king’s concubine, the daughter of the illustrious Bartacus; she would sit at the king’s right hand 30 and take the crown from the king’s head and put it on her own and slap the king with her left hand. 31 At this the king would gaze at her with mouth agape. If she smiles at him, he laughs; if she loses her temper with him, he flatters her, that she may be reconciled to him. 32 Gentlemen, why are not women strong, since they do such things?” 33 Then the king and the nobles looked at one another; and he began to speak about truth:
Truth is the Strongest
34 “Gentlemen, are not women strong? The earth is vast, and heaven is high, and the sun is swift in its course, for it makes the circuit of the heavens and returns to its place in one day. 35 Is he not great who does these things? But truth is great, and stronger than all things. 36 The whole earth calls upon truth, and heaven blesses her. All God’s works quake and tremble, and with him there is nothing unrighteous. 37 Wine is unrighteous, the king is unrighteous, women are unrighteous, all the sons of men are unrighteous, all their works are unrighteous, and all such things. There is no truth in them and in their unrighteousness they will perish. 38 But truth endures and is strong forever, and lives and prevails for ever and ever. 39 With her there is no partiality or preference, but she does what is righteous instead of anything that is unrighteous or wicked. All men approve her deeds, 40 and there is nothing unrighteous in her judgment. To her belongs the strength and the kingship and the power and the majesty of all the ages. Blessed be the God of truth!” 41 He ceased speaking; then all the people shouted, and said, “Great is truth, and strongest of all!”
The Reward of the King
42 Then the king said to him, “Ask what you wish, even beyond what is written, and we will give it to you, for you have been found to be the wisest. And you shall sit next to me and be called my kinsman.” 43 Then he said to the king, “Remember the vow which you made to build Jerusalem, in the day when you became king, 44 and to send back all the vessels that were taken from Jerusalem, which Cyrus set apart when he began to destroy Babylon and vowed to send them back there. 45 You also vowed to build the temple, which the Edomites burned when Judea was laid waste by the Chaldeans. 46 And now, O lord the king, this is what I ask and request of you, and this befits your greatness. I pray therefore that you fulfil the vow whose fulfilment you vowed to the King of heaven with your own lips.” 47 Then Darius the king rose, and kissed him, and wrote letters for him to all the treasurers and governors and generals and satraps, that they should give escort to him and all who were going up with him to build Jerusalem.
Darius Give Letter to Rebuild Jerusalem
48 And he wrote letters to all the governors in Coelesyria and Phoenicia and to those in Lebanon, to bring cedar timber from Lebanon to Jerusalem, and to help him build the city. 49 And he wrote for all the Jews who were going up from his kingdom to Judea, in the interest of their freedom, that no officer or satrap or governor or treasurer should forcibly enter their doors; 50 that all the country which they would occupy should be theirs without tribute; that the Idumeans should give up the villages of the Jews which they held; 51 that twenty talents a year should be given for the building of the temple until it was completed,
52 and an additional ten talents a year for burnt offerings to be offered on the altar every day, in accordance with the commandment to make seventeen offerings; 53 and that all who came from Babylonia to build the city should have their freedom, they and their children and all the priests who came. 54 He wrote also concerning their support and the priests’ garments in which they were to minister. 55 He wrote that the support for the Levites should be provided until the day when the temple should be finished and Jerusalem built. 56 He wrote that land and wages should be provided for all who guarded the city. 57 And he sent back from Babylon all the vessels which Cyrus had set apart; everything that Cyrus had ordered to be done, he also commanded to be done and to be sent to Jerusalem. 58 When the young man went out, he lifted up his face to heaven toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven, saying, 59 “From thee is the victory; from thee is wisdom, and thine is the glory. I am thy servant. 60 Blessed art thou, who hast given me wisdom; I give thee thanks, O Lord of our fathers.” 61 So he took the letters and went to Babylon and told this to all his brethren. 62 And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had given them release and permission 63 to go up and build Jerusalem and the temple which is called by his name; and they feasted, with music and rejoicing, for seven days.
5 – The Chosen Head Back
3 Ezra 5:1-73 After this the heads of fathers’ houses were chosen to go up, according to their tribes, with their wives and sons and daughters, and their menservants and maidservants, and their cattle. 2 And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen to take them back to Jerusalem in safety, with the music of drums and flutes; 3 and all their brethren were making merry. And he made them go up with them. 4 These are the names of the men who went up, according to their fathers’ houses in the tribes, over their groups: 5 the priests, the sons of Phinehas, son of Aaron; Jeshua the son of Jozadak, son of Seraiah, and Joakim the son of Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, of the house of David, of the lineage of Phares, of the tribe of Judah, 6 who spoke wise words before Darius the king of the Persians, in the second year of his reign, in the month of Nisan, the first month. 7 These are the men of Judea who came up out of their sojourn in captivity, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon 8 and who returned to Jerusalem and the rest of Judea, each to his own town. They came with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Resaiah, Bigvai, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Reeliah, Rehum, and Baanah, their leaders. 9 The number of the men of the nation and their leaders: the sons of Parosh, two thousand one hundred and seventy-two. The sons of Shephatiah, four hundred and seventy-two. 10 The sons of Arah, seven hundred and fifty-six. 11 The sons of Pahathmoab, of the sons of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve. 12 The sons of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four. The sons of Zattu, nine hundred and forty-five. The sons of Chorbe, seven hundred and five. The sons of Bani, six hundred and forty-eight. 13 The sons of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-three. The sons of Azgad, one thousand three hundred and twenty-two. 14 The sons of Adonikam, six hundred and sixty-seven. The sons of Bigvai, two thousand and sixty-six. The sons of Adin, four hundred and fifty-four. 15 The sons of Ater, namely of Hezekiah, ninety-two. The sons of Kilan and Azetas, sixty-seven. The sons of Azaru, four hundred and thirty-two. 16 The sons of Annias, one hundred and one. The sons of Arom. The sons of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-three. The sons of Jorah, one hundred and twelve. 17 The sons of Baiterus, three thousand and five. The sons of Bethlehem, one hundred and twenty-three. 18 The men of Netophah, fifty-five. The men of Anathoth, one hundred and fifty-eight. The men of Bethasmoth, forty-two. 19 The men of Kiriatharim, twenty-five. The men of Chephirah and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three. 20 The Chadiasans and Ammidians, four hundred and twenty-two. The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one. 21 The men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two. The men of Bethel, fifty-two. The sons of Magbish, one hundred and fifty-six.
22 The sons of the other Elam and Ono, seven hundred and twenty-five. The sons of Jericho, three hundred and forty-five. 23 The sons of Senaah, three thousand three hundred and thirty. 24 The priests: the sons of Jedaiah the son of Jeshua, of the sons of Anasib, nine hundred and seventy-two. The sons of Immer, one thousand and fifty-two. 25 The sons of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty-seven. The sons of Harim, one thousand and seventeen. 26 The Levites: the sons of Jeshua and Kadmiel and Bannas and Sudias, seventy-four. 27 The temple singers: the sons of Asaph, one hundred and twenty-eight. 28 The gatekeepers: the sons of Shallum, the sons of Ater, the sons of Talmon, the sons of Akkub, the sons of Hatita, the sons of Shobai, in all one hundred and thirty-nine. 29 The temple servants: the sons of Ziha, the sons of Hasupha, the sons of Tabbaoth, the sons of Keros, the sons of Siaha, the sons of Padon, the sons of Lebanah, the sons of Hagabah, 30 the sons of Akkub, the sons of Uthai, the sons of Ketab, the sons of Hagab, the sons of Shamlai, the sons of Hana, the sons of Cathua, the sons of Gahar, 31 The sons of Reaiah, the sons of Rezin, the sons of Nekoda, the sons of Chezib, the sons of Gazzam, the sons of Uzza, the sons of Paseah, the sons of Hasrah, the sons of Besai, the sons of Asnah, the sons of the Meunites, the sons of Nephisim, the sons of Bakbuk, the sons of Hakupha, the sons of Asur, the sons of Pharakim, the sons of Bazluth, 32 the sons of Mehida, the sons of Cutha, the sons of Charea, the sons of Barkos, the sons of Sisera, the sons of Temah, the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha. 33 The sons of Solomon’s servants: the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda, the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Lozon, the sons of Giddel, the sons of Shephatiah, 34 the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Sarothie, the sons of Masiah, the sons of Gas, the sons of Addus, the sons of Subas, the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, the sons of Shaphat, the sons of Ami. 35 All the temple servants and the sons of Solomon’s servants were three hundred and seventy-two.
Judgment of the Urim & Thummim
36 The following are those who came up from Telmelah and Telharsha, under the leadership of Cherub, Addan, and Immer, 37 though they could not prove by their fathers’ houses or lineage that they belonged to Israel: the sons of Delaiah the son of Tobiah, the sons of Nekoda, six hundred and fifty-two. 38 Of the priests the following had assumed the priesthood but were not found registered: the sons of Habaiah, the sons of Hakkoz, the sons of Jaddus who had married Agia, one of the daughters of Barzillai, and was called by his name. 39 And when the genealogy of these men was sought in the register and was not found, they were excluded from serving as priests. 40 And Nehemiah and Attharias told them not to share in the holy things until a high priest should appear wearing Urim and Thummim. 41 All those of Israel, twelve or more years of age, besides menservants and maidservants, were forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty; 42 their menservants and maidservants were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven; there were two hundred and forty-five musicians and singers. 43 There were four hundred and thirty-five camels, and seven thousand and thirty-six horses, two hundred and forty-five mules, and five thousand five hundred and twenty-five asses. 44 Some of the heads of families, when they came to the temple of God which is in Jerusalem, vowed that they would erect the house on its site, to the best of their ability, 45 and that they would give to the sacred treasury for the work a thousand minas of gold, five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments. 46 The priests, the Levites, and some of the people settled in Jerusalem and its vicinity, and the temple singers, the gatekeepers, and all Israel in their towns.
The Appointed Time for the Fall Festival
47 When the seventh month came, and the sons of Israel were each in his own home, they gathered as one man in the square before the first gate toward the east (Ezekiel 46:1-3). 48 Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak, with his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, with his kinsmen, took their places and prepared the altar of the God of Israel, 49 to offer burnt offerings upon it, in accordance with the directions in the book of Moses the man of God. 50 And some joined them from the other peoples of the land. And they erected the altar in its place, for all the peoples of the land were hostile to them and were stronger than they; and they offered sacrifices at the proper times and burnt offerings to the Lord morning and evening. 51 They kept the feast of booths, as it is commanded in the law, and offered the proper sacrifices every day, 52 and thereafter the continual offerings and sacrifices on sabbaths and at new moons and at all the consecrated feasts. 53 And all who had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices to God, from the new moon of the seventh month, though the temple of God was not yet built. 54 And they gave money to the masons and the carpenters, and food and drink 55 and carts to the Sidonians and the Tyrians, to bring cedar logs from Lebanon and convey them in rafts to the harbor of Joppa, according to the decree which they had in writing from Cyrus king of the Persians. 56 In the second year after their coming to the temple of God in Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak made a beginning, together with their brethren and the Levitical priests and all who had come to Jerusalem from the captivity;
Temple Foundation Laid
57 and they laid the foundation of the temple of God on the new moon of the second month in the second year after they came to Judea and Jerusalem.58 And they appointed the Levites who were twenty or more years of age to have charge of the work of the Lord. And Jeshua arose, and his sons and brethren and Kadmiel his brother and the sons of Jeshua Emadabun and the sons of Joda son of Iliadun, with their sons and brethren, all the Levites, as one man pressing forward the work on the house of God. So the builders built the temple of the Lord. 59 And the priests stood arrayed in their garments, with musical instruments and trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, 60 praising the Lord and blessing him, according to the directions of David king of Israel; 61 and they sang hymns, giving thanks to the Lord, because his goodness and his glory are forever upon all Israel. 62 And all the people sounded trumpets and shouted with a great shout, praising the Lord for the erection of the house of the Lord. 63 Some of the Levitical priests and heads of fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the former house, came to the building of this one with outcries and loud weeping, 64 while many came with trumpets and a joyful noise, 65 so that the people could not hear the trumpets because of the weeping of the people. For the multitude sounded the trumpets loudly, so that the sound was heard afar; 66 and when the enemies of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin heard it, they came to find out what the sound of the trumpets meant. 67 And they learned that those who had returned from captivity were building the temple for the Lord God of Israel. 68 So they approached Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the heads of the fathers’ houses and said to them, “We will build with you. 69 For we obey your Lord just as you do and we have been sacrificing to him ever since the days of Esarhaddon king of the Assyrians, who brought us here.” 70 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the heads of the fathers’ houses in Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us in building the house for the Lord our God, 71 for we alone will build it for the Lord of Israel, as Cyrus the king of the Persians has commanded us.” 72 But the peoples of the land pressed hard upon those in Judea, cut off their supplies, and hindered their building; 73 and by plots and demagoguery and uprisings they prevented the completion of the building as long as King Cyrus lived. And they were kept from building for two years, until the reign of Darius.
6 – Zerubbabel Starts to Rebuild the Temple
3 Ezra 6:1-34 Now in the second year of the reign of Darius, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah the son of Iddo prophesied to the Jews who were in Judea and Jerusalem, they prophesied to them in the name of the Lord God of Israel. 2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak arose and began to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, with the help of the prophets of the Lord who were with them. 3 At the same time Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia and Sathrabuzanes and their associates came to them and said, 4 “By whose order are you building this house and this roof and finishing all the other things? And who are the builders that are finishing these things?” 5 Yet the elders of the Jews were dealt with kindly, for the providence of the Lord was over the captives; 6 and they were not prevented from building until word could be sent to Darius concerning them and a report made. 7 A copy of the letter which Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, and their associates the local rulers in Syria and Phoenicia, wrote and sent to Darius:
Letter Asking to Search the Royal Archives
8 “To King Darius, greeting. Let it be fully known to our lord the king that, when we went to the country of Judea and entered the city of Jerusalem, we found the elders of the Jews, who had been in captivity, 9 building in the city of Jerusalem a great new house for the Lord, of hewn stone, with costly timber laid in the walls.
10 These operations are going on rapidly, and the work is prospering in their hands and being completed with all splendor and care. 11 Then we asked these elders, `At whose command are you building this house and laying the foundations of this structure?’ 12 And in order that we might inform you in writing who the leaders are, we questioned them and asked them for a list of the names of those who are at their head. 13 They answered us, `We are the servants of the Lord who created the heaven and the earth. 14 And the house was built many years ago by a king of Israel who was great and strong, and it was finished. 15 But when our fathers sinned against the Lord of Israel who is in heaven, and provoked him, he gave them over into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, king of the Chaldeans; 16 and they pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried the people away captive to Babylon. 17 But in the first year that Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylonia, King Cyrus wrote that this house should be rebuilt. 18 And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the house in Jerusalem and stored in his own temple, these Cyrus the king took out again from the temple in Babylon, and they were delivered to Zerubbabel and Sheshbazzar the governor 19 with the command that he should take all these vessels back and put them in the temple at Jerusalem, and that this temple of the Lord should be rebuilt on its site. 20 Then this Sheshbazzar, after coming here, laid the foundations of the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem, and although it has been in process of construction from that time until now, it has not yet reached completion.’ 21 Now therefore, if it seems wise, O king, let search be made in the royal archives of our lord the king that are in Babylon; 22 and if it is found that the building of the house of the Lord in Jerusalem was done with the consent of King Cyrus, and if it is approved by our lord the king, let him send us directions concerning these things.” 23 Then Darius commanded that search be made in the royal archives that were deposited in Babylon. And in Ecbatana, the fortress, which is in the country of Media, a scroll was found in which this was recorded:
Cyrus Scroll Found
24 “In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, King Cyrus ordered the building of the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, where they sacrifice with perpetual fire; 25 its height to be sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits, with three courses of hewn stone and one course of new native timber; the cost to be paid from the treasury of Cyrus the king; 26 and that the holy vessels of the house of the Lord, both of gold and of silver, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the house in Jerusalem and carried away to Babylon, should be restored to the house in Jerusalem, to be placed where they had been.” 27 So Darius commanded Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, and their associates, and those who were appointed as local rulers in Syria and Phoenicia, to keep away from the place, and to permit Zerubbabel, the servant of the Lord and governor of Judea, and the elders of the Jews to build this house of the Lord on its site.
Darius Commands Supplies be Given to Zerubbabel
28 “And I command that it be built completely, and that full effort be made to help the men who have returned from the captivity of Judea, until the house of the Lord is finished; 29 and that out of the tribute of Coelesyria and Phoenicia a portion be scrupulously given to these men, that is, to Zerubbabel the governor, for sacrifices to the Lord, for bulls and rams and lambs, 30 and likewise wheat and salt and wine and oil, regularly every year, without quibbling, for daily use as the priests in Jerusalem may indicate, 31 in order that libations may be made to the Most High God for the king and his children, and prayers be offered for their life.” 32 And he commanded that if any should transgress or nullify any of the things herein written, a beam should be taken out of his house and he should be hanged upon it, and his property should be forfeited to the king. 33 “Therefore may the Lord, whose name is there called upon, destroy every king and nation that shall stretch out their hands to hinder or damage that house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 34 “I, King Darius, have decreed that it be done with all diligence as here prescribed.”
7 – The House of God was Completed
3 Ezra 7:1-15 Then Sisinnes the governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and Sathrabuzanes, and their associates, following the orders of King Darius, 2 supervised the holy work with very great care, assisting the elders of the Jews and the chief officers of the temple. 3 And the holy work prospered, while the prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied; 4 and they completed it by the command of the Lord God of Israel. So with the consent of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes, kings of the Persians, 5 the holy house was finished by the twenty-third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of King Darius. (516 BC) 6 And the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of those from the captivity who joined them, did according to what was written in the book of Moses. 7 They offered at the dedication of the temple of the Lord one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, 8 and twelve he-goats for the sin of all Israel, according to the number of the twelve leaders of the tribes of Israel; 9 and the priests and the Levites stood arrayed in their garments, according to kindred, for the services of the Lord God of Israel in accordance with the book of Moses; and the gatekeepers were at each gate. 10 The people of Israel who came from the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, after the priests and the Levites were purified together. 11 Not all of the returned captives were purified, but the Levites were all purified together, 12 and they sacrificed the Passover lamb for all the returned captives and for their brethren the priests and for themselves. 13 And the people of Israel who came from the captivity ate it, all those who had separated themselves from the abominations of the peoples of the land and sought the Lord. 14 And they kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days, rejoicing before the Lord, 15 Because he had changed the will of the king of the Assyrians concerning them, to strengthen their hands for the service of the Lord God of Israel.
8 – Word to Restore Jerusalem
3 Ezra 8:1-96 After these things, when Artaxerxes the king of the Persians was reigning, Ezra came, the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah, son of Shallum, 2 son of Zadok, son of Ahitub, son of Amariah, son of Uzzi, son of Bukki, son of Abishua, son of Phineas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the chief priest.
3 This Ezra came up from Babylon as a scribe skilled in the law of Moses, which was given by the God of Israel; 4 and the king showed him honor, for he found favor before the king in all his requests. 5 There came up with him to Jerusalem some of the people of Israel and some of the priests and Levites and temple singers and gatekeepers and temple servants, 6 in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes, in the fifth month (this was the king’s seventh year 458 BC); for they left Babylon on the new moon of the first month and arrived in Jerusalem on the new moon of the fifth month, by the prosperous journey which the Lord gave them. 7 For Ezra possessed great knowledge, so that he omitted nothing from the law of the Lord or the commandments but taught all Israel all the ordinances and judgments. 8 The following is a copy of the written commission from Artaxerxes the king which was delivered to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Lord:
Artaxerxes Decree
9 “King Artaxerxes to Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Lord, greeting. 10 In accordance with my gracious decision, I have given orders that those of the Jewish nation and of the priests and Levites and others in our realm, who freely choose to do so, may go with you to Jerusalem. 11 Let as many as are so disposed, therefore, depart with you as I and the seven friends who are my counselors have decided, 12 in order to look into matters in Judea and Jerusalem, in accordance with what is in the law of the Lord, 13 and to carry to Jerusalem the gifts for the Lord of Israel which I and my friends have vowed, and to collect for the Lord in Jerusalem all the gold and silver that may be found in the country of Babylonia, 14 together with what is given by the nation for the temple of their Lord which is in Jerusalem, both gold and silver for bulls and rams and lambs and what goes with them, 15 so as to offer sacrifices upon the altar of their Lord which is in Jerusalem. 16 And whatever you and your brethren are minded to do with the gold and silver, perform it in accordance with the will of your God; 17 and deliver the holy vessels of the Lord which are given you for the use of the temple of your God which is in Jerusalem. 18 And whatever else occurs to you as necessary for the temple of your God, you may provide out of the royal treasury. 19 “And I, Artaxerxes the king, have commanded the treasurers of Syria and Phoenicia that whatever Ezra the priest and reader of the law of the Most High God sends for, they shall take care to give him, 20 up to a hundred talents of silver, and likewise up to a hundred cores of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, and salt in abundance. 21 Let all things prescribed in the law of God be scrupulously fulfilled for the Most High God, so that wrath may not come upon the kingdom of the king and his sons. 22 You are also informed that no tribute or any other tax is to be laid on any of the priests or Levites or temple singers or gatekeepers or temple servants or persons employed in this temple, and that no one has authority to impose any tax upon them. 23 “And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of God, appoint judges and justices to judge all those who know the law of your God, throughout all Syria and Phoenicia; and those who do not know it you shall teach. 24 And all who transgress the law of your God or the law of the kingdom shall be strictly punished, whether by death or some other punishment, either fine or imprisonment.”
The Lord Support’s Ezra
25 Blessed be the Lord alone, who put this into the heart of the king, to glorify his house which is in Jerusalem, 26 and who honored me in the sight of the king and his counselors and all his friends and nobles. 27 I was encouraged by the help of the Lord my God, and I gathered men from Israel to go up with me. 28 These are the principal men, according to their fathers’ houses and their groups, who went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king: 29 Of the sons of Phineas, Gershom. Of the sons of Ithamar, Gamael. Of the sons of David, Hattush the son of Shecaniah. 30 Of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him a hundred and fifty men enrolled. 31 Of the sons of Pahathmoab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred men. 32 Of the sons of Zattu, Shecaniah the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred men. Of the sons of Adin, Obed the son of Jonathan, and with him two hundred and fifty men. 33 Of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Gotholiah, and with him seventy men. 34 Of the sons of Shephatiah, Zeraiah the son of Michael, and with him seventy men, 35 Of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and twelve men. 36 Of the sons of Bani, Shelomith the son of Josiphiah, and with him a hundred and sixty men. 37 Of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty-eight men. 38 Of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him a hundred and ten men. 39 Of the sons of Adonikam, the last ones, their names being Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah, and with them seventy men. 40 Of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai the son of Istalcurus, and with him seventy men.
41 I assembled them at the river called Theras, and we encamped there three days, and I inspected them. 42 When I found there none of the sons of the priests or of the Levites, 43 I sent word to Eliezar, Iduel, Maasmas, 44 Elnathan, Shemaiah, Jarib, Nathan, Elnathan, Zechariah, and Meshullam, who were leaders and men of understanding; 45 and I told them to go to Iddo, who was the leading man at the place of the treasury, 46 and ordered them to tell Iddo and his brethren and the treasurers at that place to send us men to serve as priests in the house of our Lord. 47 And by the mighty hand of our Lord they brought us competent men of the sons of Mahli the son of Levi, son of Israel, namely Sherebiah with his sons and kinsmen, eighteen; 48 also Hashabiah and Annunus and Jeshaiah his brother, of the sons of Hananiah, and their sons, twenty men; 49 and of the temple servants, whom David and the leaders had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty temple servants; the list of all their names was reported. 50 There I proclaimed a fast for the young men before our Lord, to seek from him a prosperous journey for ourselves and for our children and the cattle that were with us. 51 For I was ashamed to ask the king for foot soldiers and horsemen and an escort to keep us safe from our adversaries; 52 for we had said to the king, “The power of our Lord will be with those who seek him and will support them in every way.” 53 And again we prayed to our Lord about these things, and we found him very merciful. 54 Then I set apart twelve of the leaders of the priests, Sherebiah and Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen with them; 55 and I weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the holy vessels of the house of our Lord, which the king himself and his counselors and the nobles and all Israel had given. 56 I weighed and gave to them six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels worth a hundred talents, and a hundred talents of gold, 57 and twenty golden bowls, and twelve bronze vessels of fine bronze that glittered like gold. 58 And I said to them, “You are holy to the Lord, and the vessels are holy, and the silver and the gold are vowed to the Lord, the Lord of our fathers. 59 Be watchful and on guard until you deliver them to the leaders of the priests and the Levites, and to the heads of the fathers’ houses of Israel, in Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of our Lord.” 60 So the priests and the Levites who took the silver and the gold and the vessels which had been in Jerusalem carried them to the temple of the Lord. 61 We departed from the river Theras on the twelfth day of the first month; and we arrived in Jerusalem by the mighty hand of our Lord which was upon us; he delivered us from every enemy on the way, and so we came to Jerusalem. 62 When we had been there three days, the silver and the gold were weighed and delivered in the house of our Lord to Meremoth the priest, son of Uriah; 63 and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them were Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Moeth the son of Binnui, the Levites. 64 The whole was counted and weighed, and the weight of everything was recorded at that very time. 65 And those who had come back from captivity offered sacrifices to the Lord, the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, 66 seventy-two lambs, and as a thank offering twelve he-goats — all as a sacrifice to the Lord.
67 And they delivered the king’s orders to the royal stewards and to the governors of Coelesyria and Phoenicia; and these officials honored the people and the temple of the Lord.
Israel Married Women of the Land
68 After these things had been done, the principal men came to me and said, 69 “The people of Israel and the leaders and the priests and the Levites have not put away from themselves the alien peoples of the land and their pollutions, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Edomites. 70 For they and their sons have married the daughters of these people, and the holy race has been mixed with the alien peoples of the land; and from the beginning of this matter the leaders and the nobles have been sharing in this iniquity.” 71 As soon as I heard these things I rent my garments and my holy mantle, and pulled out hair from my head and beard, and sat down in anxiety and grief. 72 And all who were ever moved at the word of the Lord of Israel gathered round me, as I mourned over this iniquity, and I sat grief-stricken until the evening sacrifice. 73 Then I rose from my fast, with my garments and my holy mantle rent, and kneeling down and stretching forth my hands to the Lord 74 I said, “O Lord, I am ashamed and confounded before thy face.
Prayer About the Sins
75 For our sins have risen higher than our heads, and our mistakes have mounted up to heaven 76 from the times of our fathers, and we are in great sin to this day. 77 And because of our sins and the sins of our fathers we with our brethren and our kings and our priests were given over to the kings of the earth, to the sword and captivity and plundering, in shame until this day. 78 And now in some measure mercy has come to us from thee, O Lord, to leave to us a root and a name in thy holy place, 79 and to uncover a light for us in the house of the Lord our God, and to give us food in the time of our servitude. 80 Even in our bondage we were not forsaken by our Lord, but he brought us into favor with the kings of the Persians, so that they have given us food 81 and glorified the temple of our Lord, and raised Zion from desolation, to give us a stronghold in Judea and Jerusalem. 82 “And now, O Lord, what shall we say, when we have these things? For we have transgressed thy commandments, which thou didst give by thy servants the prophets, saying, 83 `The land which you are entering to take possession of it is a land polluted with the pollution of the aliens of the land, and they have filled it with their uncleanness. 84 Therefore do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons, and do not take their daughters for your sons; 85 and do not seek ever to have peace with them, in order that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.’ 86 And all that has happened to us has come about because of our evil deeds and our great sins. For thou, O Lord, didst lift the burden of our sins 87 and give us such a root as this; but we turned back again to transgress thy law by mixing with the uncleanness of the peoples of the land. 88 Wast thou not angry enough with us to destroy us without leaving a root or seed or name? 89 O Lord of Israel, thou art true; for we are left as a root to this day. 90 Behold, we are now before thee in our iniquities; for we can no longer stand in thy presence because of these things.” 91 While Ezra was praying and making his confession, weeping and lying upon the ground before the temple, there gathered about him a very great throng from Jerusalem, men and women and youths; for there was great weeping among the multitude.
There is Hope
92 Then Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the men of Israel, called out, and said to Ezra, “We have sinned against the Lord, and have married foreign women from the peoples of the land; but even now there is hope for Israel. 93 Let us take an oath to the Lord about this, that we will put away all our foreign wives, with their children, 94 as seems good to you and to all who obey the law of the Lord. 95 Arise and take action, for it is your task, and we are with you to take strong measures.” 96 Then Ezra arose and had the leaders of the priests and Levites of all Israel take oath that they would do this. And they took the oath.
9 – Israel Confesses its Sin
3 Ezra 9:1-51 Then Ezra rose and went from the court of the temple to the chamber of Jehohanan the son of Eliashib, 2 and spent the night there; and he did not eat bread or drink water, for he was mourning over the great iniquities of the multitude. 3 And a proclamation was made throughout Judea and Jerusalem to all who had returned from the captivity that they should assemble at Jerusalem, 4 and that if any did not meet there within two or three days, in accordance with the decision of the ruling elders, their cattle should be seized for sacrifice and the men themselves expelled from the multitude of those who had returned from the captivity. 5 Then the men of the tribe of Judah and Benjamin assembled at Jerusalem within three days; this was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. 6 And all the multitude sat in the open square before the temple, shivering because of the bad weather that prevailed. 17 Then Ezra rose and said to them, “You have broken the law and married foreign women, and so have increased the sin of Israel. 8 Now then make confession and give glory to the Lord the God of our fathers, 9 and do his will; separate yourselves from the peoples of the land and from your foreign wives.” 10 Then all the multitude shouted and said with a loud voice, “We will do as you have said. 11 But the multitude is great and it is winter, and we are not able to stand in the open air. This is not a work we can do in one day or two, for we have sinned too much in these things. 12 so let the leaders of the multitude stay and let all those in our settlements who have foreign wives come at the time appointed, 13 with the elders and judges of each place, until we are freed from the wrath of the Lord over this matter.” 14 Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah undertook the matter on these terms, and Meshullam and Levi and Shabbethai served with them as judges. 15 And those who had returned from the captivity acted in accordance with all this. 16 Ezra the priest chose for himself the leading men of their fathers’ houses, all of them by name; and on the new moon of the tenth month they began their sessions to investigate the matter. 17 And the cases of the men who had foreign wives were brought to an end by the new moon of the first month. 18 Of the priests those who were brought in and found to have foreign wives were: 19 of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brethren, Maaseiah, Eliezar, Jarib, and Jodan. 20 They pledged themselves to put away their wives, and to give rams in expiation of their error. 21 Of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah and Maaseiah and Shemaiah and Jehiel and Azariah. 22 Of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, and Nathanael, and Gedaliah, and Elasah. 23 And of the Levites: Jozabad and Shimei and Kelaiah, who was Kelita, and Pethahiah and Judah and Jonah. 24 Of the temple singers: Eliashib and Zaccur. 25 Of the gatekeepers: Shallum and Telem. 26 Of Israel: of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah, Izziah, Malchijah, Mijamin, and Eleazar, and Asibias, and Benaiah. 27 Of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah and Zechariah, Jehiel and Abdi, and Jeremoth and Elijah. 28 Of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Othoniah, Jeremoth, and Zabad and Zerdaiah. 29 Of the sons of Bebai: Jehohanan and Hananiah and Zabbai and Emathis. 30 Of the sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal and Jeremoth. 31 Of the sons of Addi: Naathus and Moossias, Laccunus and Naidus, and Bescaspasmys and Sesthel, and Belnuus and Manasseas. 32 Of the sons of Annan, Elionas and Asaias and Melchias and Sabbaias and Simon Chosamaeus. 33 Of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai and Mattattah and Zabad and Eliphelet and Manasseh and Shimei. 34 Of the sons of Bani: Jeremai, Maadai, Amram, Joel, Mamdai and Bedeiah and Vaniah, Carabasion and Eliashib and Machnadebai, Eliasis, Binnui, Elialis, Shimei, Shelemiah, Nethaniah. Of the sons of Ezora: Shashai, Azarel, Azael, Shemaiah, Amariah, Joseph. 35 Of the sons of Nebo: Mattithiah, Zabad, Iddo, Joel, Benaiah.
36 All these had married foreign women, and they put them away with their children. 37 The priests and the Levites and the men of Israel settled in Jerusalem and in the country. On the new moon of the seventh month, when the sons of Israel were in their settlements, 38 the whole multitude gathered with one accord into the open square before the east gate of the temple; 39 and they told Ezra the chief priest and reader to bring the law of Moses which had been given by the Lord God of Israel. 40 So Ezra the chief priest brought the law, for all the multitude, men and women, and all the priests to hear the law, on the new moon of the seventh month. 41 And he read aloud in the open square before the gate of the temple from early morning until midday, in the presence of both men and women; and all the multitude gave attention to the law. 42 Ezra the priest and reader of the law stood on the wooden platform which had been prepared; 43 and beside him stood Mattathiah, Shema, Anaiah, Azariah, Uriah, Hezekiah, and Baalsamus on his right hand, 44 and on his left Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Lothasubus, Nabariah, and Zechariah. 45 Then Ezra took up the book of the law in the sight of the multitude, for he had the place of honor in the presence of all. 46 And when he opened the law, they all stood erect. And Ezra blessed the Lord God Most High, the God of hosts, the Almighty; 47 and all the multitude answered, “Amen.” And they lifted up their hands and fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. 48 Jeshua and Anniuth and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah and Kelita, Azariah and Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, taught the law of the Lord, at the same time explaining what was read. 49 Then Attharates said to Ezra the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites who were teaching the multitude, and to all, 50 “This day is holy to the Lord” — now they were all weeping as they heard the law — 51 “so go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to those who have none; 52 for the day is holy to the Lord; and do not be sorrowful, for the Lord will exalt you.” 53 And the Levites commanded all the people, saying, “This day is holy; do not be sorrowful.” 54 Then they all went their way, to eat and drink and enjoy themselves, and to give portions to those who had none, and to make great rejoicing; 55 because they were inspired by the words which they had been taught. And they came together.
4 Book of Ezra
1 – My people’s Sinful Deeds
4 Ezra 1:1-40… This is the second book of the prophet Ezra, descended from Seraiah, Azariah, Hilkiah, Shallum, Zadok, Ahitub, 2 Amariah, Azariah, Meraioth, Zerahiah, Uzzi, Bukki, Abishua, Phinehas, has, Eleazar, and 3 Aaron, of the tribe of Levi, which was held captive in the land of the Medes, in the reign of the Persian king Artexerxes. (Ezra 7:1-5) 4 The Word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 5 Arise, and show My people their sinful deeds, so they can tell their children’s children about their wickedness which they have done against Me, 6 because they even went beyond the sins of their fathers and have forgotten Me, and have worshiped strange gods. 7 I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; but they angered Me and despised My counsels. 8 Pull your hair off of your head, and cast (hurl) all evil on them, because this rebellious people has disobeyed My law. 9 I have done them so much good, but how long can I tolerate this? 10 I have destroyed many kings for their sakes, Pharaoh and all his servants. 11 I have destroyed all the nations that came against them, and in the east, I have scattered the people of Tyre and Sidon, and have slain all their enemies. 12 Therefore tell them, thus says the Lord, 13 I led you through the sea in the beginning and gave you a large and safe passage. I gave you Moses for a leader, and Aaron for a priest. 14 I gave you light in a pillar of fire and great wonders have I done among you; yet you forgot Me,’ says the Lord. 15 Thus says the Almighty Lord, ‘the quails were as a token (sign) to you; I gave you tents (camps) for your safeguard: nevertheless, you murmured there, 16 and you did not triumph (exulted) in My name for the destruction of your enemies, and even to this day you still murmur (complain). 17 Where are the benefits that I have done for you? When you were hungry and thirsty in the wilderness, didn’t you cry unto Me, 18 saying, “Why have you brought us into this wilderness to kill us? It would have been better for us to have served the Egyptians, than to die in this wilderness.” 19 Then had I pity upon you, and gave you manna to eat; so, you ate angels’ bread (John 6:32-58). 20 When you were thirsty, didn’t I cleave the rock, and waters flowed out to quench your thirst? Because of the heat, I covered you with the leaves of the trees. 21 I divided among you a fruitful land, I cast out the Canaanites, the Pherezites, and the Philistines before you.” 22 Thus says the Almighty Lord, ‘when you were in the wilderness, in the river of the Amorites, (at the bitter stream) thirsty, and blaspheming My name, 23 I did not give you fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree in the water, and made the river sweet. What more do you want Me to do for you?’ says the Lord.
God Turns to the Nations
24 What will I do to you, O Jacob? To you, Judah, since you will not obey Me, I will turn to other nations, and unto those I will give My name, that they may keep My statutes. 25 Seeing you have forsaken Me; I will forsake you also. When you desire Me to be gracious unto you, I will have no mercy (Hosea 1:6-10) upon you. 26 Whenever you call upon Me, I will not hear you, for you have defiled your hands with blood, and your feet are swift to commit murder. 27 You have not really forsaken Me, but you have forsaken yourselves,” says the Lord. (1 Corinthians 14:21) 28 Thus says the Almighty Lord, “I have entreated you as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters, and a nurse her young babes, 29 that you would be My people, and I should be your God; that you would be My children, and I should be your father. 30 I gathered you together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but now, (Matthew 23:37-39) what will I do with you? I will cast you out from My face. 31 When you make offerings unto Me, I will turn My face from you, for your solemn feast days, your new moons, and your circumcisions, have I forsaken. (Amos 5:21-27) 32 I sent unto you My servants the prophets, whom you have taken and slain, and torn their bodies into pieces, whose blood I will require of your hands,” says the Lord. (Luke 11:51) 33 Thus says the Almighty Lord, “your house is desolate, I will cast you out as the wind does stubble. 34 Your children will not be fruitful, for they have despised My commandment, and done the thing that is an evil before Me. 35 Your houses will I give to a people that will come, whom having not heard of Me yet will believe Me; to whom I have not shown any signs; yet they will do that which I have commanded them. 36 They have seen no prophets; yet they will remember their sins and repent of them. (Romans 2:13-16) 37 I witness the grace of the people to come, whose little ones rejoice in gladness. Though they have not seen Me with physical eyes, yet in spirit they believe the things that I say. (John 4:23-24) 38 Now, brother (Father), behold what glory, and see the people that come from the east, (Matthew 8:11) 39 unto whom I will give for leaders, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Hosea, Amos, and Micah, Joel, Obadiah, and Jonah, 40 Nahum, and Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zachariah, and Malachi, who is called also a messenger of the Lord. (Malachi 1:1)
Commentary of First Chapter
The true God reminds his people why he is angry with them as so does a parent with their child, because the parents seek a better outcome for the child and so it goes with God, he is reminding his people why he is angry with them because he is seeking for them to have a better outcome in life. God will turn to the nations, and they will repent, accept, and believe in the words of the living God. Will you be invited to eat at the table with Abraham, Jacob, and Isaac?
2 – Israel’s Dispersion
4 Ezra 2:1-48… Thus, says the Lord, “I brought this people out of bondage, and I gave them My commandments by My servants the prophets, whom they would not hear, but despised My counsels. (Hoses 2:2) 2 The mother that bare them says unto them, ‘Go your way, children, for I am a widow and forsaken. 3 I brought you up with gladness, but with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you: for you have sinned before the Lord your God and done that thing that is evil before Him. 4 But what will I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken. (Isaiah 50:1) Go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of the Lord.’ 5 As for me, O Father, I call upon You for a witness over the mother of these children, which would not keep my covenant, 6 that You bring them to confusion, and their mother to a spoil, that there may be no offspring of them. 7 Let them be scattered abroad among the heathen (nations). Let their names be put (blotted) out of the earth, for they have despised Your covenant. 8 Woe unto you, Asshur (Assyria), you hide your unrighteousness in yourself! O you wicked people, remember what I did unto Sodom and Gomorrah, 9 whose land lies in clods of pitch and heaps of ashes. Even so also will I do unto them that do not hear Me,” says the Almighty Lord. 10 Thus says the Lord unto Ezra, “tell My people that I will give them the kingdom of Jerusalem, which I would have given unto Israel. 11 Their glory also will I take unto Me, and give these the everlasting tabernacles (habitation), (Acts 15:16, Amos 9:11) which I had prepared for them (Israel). 12 They will have the tree of life for an ointment of sweet savor (fragrant perfume). They will neither labor (toil), nor be weary. 13 Go (Ask), and you will receive. Pray that the days be few and that they may be shortened. The kingdom is already prepared for you: watch. 14 Take (call) heaven and earth to witness; for I have broken the evil in pieces, and created the good: for I live,” says the Lord. 15 Mother embrace your children, and bring them up with gladness, make their feet as fast as a pillar (as does the dove establish their feet): for I have chosen you,” (Galatians 4:22-31) says the Lord.
The Resurrection
16 Those, who are dead, will I raise up again from their places and bring them out of the graves (tombs): for (I recognize my name in them) they have known My name in Israel. 17 Fear not, mother of the children (sons): for I have chosen you,” says the Lord. 18 For your help I will send My servants Isaiah and Jeremiah, after whose counsel I have sanctified and prepared for you twelve trees laden with various fruits, 19 and as many fountains flowing with milk and honey, and seven mighty mountains, whereupon there grow roses and lilies, whereby I will fill your children with joy.” 20 “Do right to the widow. Judge for the fatherless. Give to the poor. Defend the orphan. Clothe the naked. 21 Heal the broken and the weak. Laugh not a lame man to scorn. Defend the maimed, and let the blind man come into the sight of My clearness. 22 Keep the old and young within your walls. 23 Wherever you find the dead, take them and bury them, and I will give you the first place in My resurrection.” 24 Abide still, O My people, and take your rest, for your quietness will come. 25 Nourish your children, O good nurse; establish (strengthen) their feet. 26 As for the servants whom I have given you, there will not one of them perish; for I will require them from among your number. 27 Be not weary, for when the day of trouble and heaviness comes, others will weep and be sorrowful, but you will be merry and have abundance. 28 The heathen (nations) will envy you, but they will not be able to do anything against you,” says the Lord. 29 My hands will cover you, so that your children will not see hell (Gehenna). 30 Be joyful, O mother, with your children, for I will deliver you,” says the Lord. 31 Remember your children that sleep, for I will bring them out of the sides of the earth, and show mercy unto them, for I am merciful,” says the Lord Almighty. 32 Embrace your children until I come and show mercy unto them, for My wells (springs) run over, and My grace will not fail.”
Israel Rejected Gods Word
33 I, Ezra, received a charge (command) from the Lord upon Mount Horeb, that I should go unto Israel; but when I came unto them, they rejected me, and despised the Lord’s commandment. 34 Therefore I say unto you, O you heathen (nations), that hear and understand, “Look for your Shepherd. He will give you everlasting rest, for He is near at hand, that will come in the end of the age. 35 Be ready for the rewards of the kingdom, for the everlasting light will shine upon you eternally. 36 Flee the shadow of this world (age), receive the joyfulness of your glory: I testify of my Savior openly. 37 O receive the gift that is given you, and be glad, giving thanks unto Him that has led you to the heavenly kingdom. 38 Arise and stand. Behold the number of those that are sealed in the feast of the Lord, 39 which are departed from the shadow of the world and have received glorious garments of the Lord. 40 Take your number, O Zion, and shut up those of yours that are clothed in white, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord. 41 The number of your children, whom you long for, is fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that your people, which have been called from the beginning, may be hallowed. (Revelation 7:2-8)
The Son of Man
42 I, Ezra, saw upon Mount Zion a great people, whom I could not number, and they all praised the Lord with songs. (Revelation 14:1-3) 43 In the midst of them there was a young man of a high stature, taller than all the rest, and upon every one of their heads He set crowns, but He was more exalted than all of them, which I marveled at greatly (spellbound). 44 So I asked the angel, and said, “Sir, what (who) are these?” 45 He answered and said unto me, “These be they who have put off the mortal clothing, and put on the immortal, (1 Corinthians 15:51-54) and have confessed the name of God. Now are they crowned and receive palms.” (Revelation 7:9-10) 46 Then said I unto the angel, “What young person is it that crowns them, and gives them palms in their hands?” 47 So he answered and said unto me, “It is the Son of God, whom they have confessed in the world.” (Philippians 2:9-10) Then began I greatly to commend them who stood so firmly (valiantly) for the name of the Lord. 48 Then the angel said unto me, “Go your way, and tell my people the wondrous things you have seen from the Lord your God.”
Commentary of Second Chapter
God has offered the kingdom of Jerusalem for those who will hear and obey his word. Here God also offers the tree of life and the ability to never grow weary again. Our Lord and God has promised the resurrection from the dead. Has given a reminder to keep the ways of God, that we are to look after orphans and widows. But the people of God have not accepted his message, so now to the nations this promise goes forth. Blessings will come those who are sealed in the feast of the Lord. These who are resurrected first put on white robes and stand before the Lord sealed up in heaven, these have been numbered from the beginning of time. They will be crowned by the Son of Man who is God Son. This indeed is a wondrous and wonderful message. Will you wash your robe in the blood of the Lamb?
3 – Ezra Prayer Before God
4 Ezra 3:1-36… Thirty years after the fall of our city (547 BCE), I (Salathiel, who am also called Ezra) was in Babylon, laying on my bed, and my mind was troubled 2 because I saw the desolation of Zion and the wealth of those who dwelt in Babylon. 3 And my spirit was grieved (agitated), and I began to fearfully pray to the Most High (speaking anxious words) and said, 4 O Lord, who rules all, You spoke at the beginning, when You, and Yourself alone, formed the earth by commanding the dust, 5 and You gave a body unto Adam without a soul, which was the workmanship of Your hands, and breathed into him the breath of life, and he became a living soul before You. 6 You led him into Paradise, which Your right hand had planted, before the earth ever came forward. 7 You gave him the commandment to love Your way; but he transgressed it, and You immediately appointed death for him, and for his descendants. From him were born all the nations, tribes, peoples, and clans. 8 The nations all devised their own corrupt ideas and despised Your commandments. 9 But in the process of time, You brought the Flood upon the inhabitants of the earth and destroyed them. 10 In the same way that Adam received death, they also received the Flood. 11 Nevertheless, You spared one of them, namely Noah with his household, from whom all the righteous are descended. 12 When the inhabitants of the earth began to multiply, and had many children, and were a great people, they became more ungodly than the former generations (ancestors). 13 When they lived so wickedly before You, You chose a man from among them, whose name was Abraham. 14 You loved him, and You showed Your will only to him. 15 You made an everlasting covenant with him, promising him that You would never forsake his seed (descendants). 16 You gave him Isaac; and to Isaac, You gave Jacob and Esau; and You chose Jacob for a heritage. Esau You hated and Jacob became a great multitude. 17 When You led his seed out of Egypt, You brought them up to Mount Sinai. 18 You rolled back (bend) the heavens, shook the earth, made the world to quake, caused the depths to tremble, and alarmed the men of that age. 19 Your glory shone forth in the fire, earthquake, wind, and cold, and You gave the Law to Jacob’s seed, and the commandments to that generation of Israel. 20 Yet You did not remove their evil heart, that Your Law might produce fruit in them. 21 For the first Adam clothed himself with an evil heart and transgressed, and was overcome; and also, all those who were descended from him received an evil heart as well. 22 That infirmity remained (disease became permanent) in them, and the Law, together with the evil root, caused what was good to depart and the evil remain. 23 So the times passed away, the seasons ended, and You raised up for Yourself a servant named David, 24 whom You commanded to build a city for Your name and cause Your people to offer incense and oblations therein. 25 This was done for many years; but after a time, the inhabitants of the city sinned against You. 26 They did nothing new beyond what Adam and all his generations had done, for they also clothed themselves with an evil heart. 27 So You delivered Your city into the hand of Your enemies.
Who Serves God Better?
28 Are the deeds of the Babylonians any better, that they should have dominion over Zion? 29 Since I have been here, my soul has seen so many ungodly deeds. So much evil has been done in these past thirty years that I am sick of heart. 30 For I have seen how You suffer the sinners, and spare the ungodly, and have destroyed Your people, and preserved Your enemies. 31 You have not revealed to anyone how Your way may be truly followed. Has Babylon behaved better than Zion? 32 Is there any other people who know You better than Israel? Or what tribe has believed Your covenant as Jacob has? 33 Yet they have no reward, and their labor has born no fruit! For I see that the heathen (nations) are wealthy; but are unmindful of Your commandments. 34 Now weigh our iniquities and those of the heathen in the balance and it will manifest that Your name is found nowhere except in Israel. 35 When have the men of the earth not sinned before You? Or what people have so kept Your commandments more than Israel? 36 You will find that only Israel has kept Your commandments; none of the heathen have even tried.”
Commentary of Third Chapter
Ezra’ focuses on the physical condition of the nation of Israel and properly identifies the problem, it lies with an evil heart. Ezra asks God what is he going to do to resolve the problem with the heart of men? Ezra also points out the fact that God has not revealed the proper way to follow him. Then he makes the case that Israel should be allowed to learn God’s way. Will you learn the way of the Lord and follow it?
4 – The Secrets of the Kingdom
4 Ezra 4:1-52… Then the LORD sent the angel Uriel unto me. He said, 2 Why is your heart so confused by this world that you think you can comprehend the way of the Most High? 3 Then I said, Yes my lord.” He replied to me, “I have been sent to show you three ways and give you three similitudes (problems). 4 If you can explain one of these to me, I will show you the way which you long to see, and I will teach you where the evil heart comes from.” 5 I answered and said, “Please go on, speak my lord.” And he answered and said to me, “Can you weigh the fire, or measure the wind, or recall the day that is past?” 6 I said to him, “No man is able to do any of these things. Why would you even ask me such a thing?” 7 He said to me, “If I had asked you how many chambers are in the midst of the sea? Or how many springs are in the beginnings of the deep? Or how much water is above the firmament? Or what are the outlets of Sheol? Or what are the paths into Paradise? 8 you would have said to me, ‘I have never been to the deep, Sheol, nor heaven.’ 9 But now I have not asked you concerning these things, but only concerning the fire, and the wind and the day, things which you know about and see daily (and cannot exist without), yet you cannot tell me anything about them.” 10 He said to me, “If you are incapable of understanding the things that you grow up with, 11 how, then, can your mind comprehend the way of the Most High? It is not possible that one who is corruptible in a corruptible world could completely understand the way of Him who is incorruptible.” (When I heard this I fell on my face.) 12 Then I said to him, “I just meant it would have been better for us if we had not existed, than to live in sin and suffer, and not know why we suffer.” 13 He answered me saying, “Once the trees of the forest took council and said, 14 Come, let us make war with the sea that it may recede before us, and we will make us more woods.’ 15 The waves of the sea likewise deliberated together, and said, ‘Come let us wage war with the forest so we can make us another sea there.’ 16 The council of the wood (forest) was in vain, for the fire came and consumed it; 17 and likewise also, the deliberation of the waves of the sea, for the sand stood up and stopped them. 18 If you were to judge between these two, which of them would you justify, and which would you condemn?” 19 I answered saying, “Both were foolish, for the land has been given to the trees, and the sea has its place to bear its waves.” 20 He answered and said to me, “You have judged well! So why do you not judge yourself in the same way? 21 Just as the land was given to the wood, and the sea for its waves, those who dwell upon the earth are able to understand only what is upon the earth, and only He who is above in heaven can understand the things of heaven.” 22 And I answered, (I beseech you my Lord why have I been endowed with powers of understanding?) “I pray you, my Lord, grant me understanding. 23 For I have not thought about the way of what is above (I did not wish to inquire about the ways above), but only about those things which pass over us daily, for Israel is given up to the heathen (Gentiles), and the people You loved are given up to godless nations; and the holy Law of our fathers is no more, and the written covenants are made of none effect. 24 We pass from the world as locusts. Our life is full of fear. We are not worthy to obtain Your mercy. 25 What will He do for His great name by which we are called? About these things, I have asked.” 26 He answered me and said, “The more you search, the more you will marvel, because the world is quickly passing away. 27 It cannot bear what has been promised to the righteous in the time to come, because this world is full of unrighteousness and infirmities. (Isaiah 66:22, 65:17, 2 Peter 3:13) 28 Concerning what you have asked me, the evil is sown but its harvest is not yet come. 29 If the evil that is sown cannot be reversed, and if the place where the evil is sown does not pass away, then the good cannot be sown. 30 For one grain of evil seed was sown in the heart of Adam from the beginning, and how much fruit of ungodliness has it caused up to now, and how much more will it cause up to the harvest to come? 31 Think about how much fruit of ungodliness that one grain of evil seed has produced, 32 and when the ears of the good will be cut down, which are without number, what a harvest they will produce!” 33 I answered and said, “How long? And when will these things come to pass? For our years are few and evil.” 34 Uriel answered, “Do not try to hurry the Most High, for your haste is vain if you try to influence the Most High. 35 Did not the souls of the righteous ask about these things in their chambers, saying, ‘How long will we be here? (Enoch 22:5, Revelation 6:10) When does the harvest of our reward come?’ 36 It was told them, ‘Until the number of you is complete!’ For He has weighed the world in a balance. 37 He measured and numbered the times and the seasons. (Isaiah 40:12) He will not change them until the number appointed is fulfilled.” 38 Then I said, “O Lord, my Lord, who rules all, we are all ungodly! 39 Is it possible that because of us (that the time of threshing is delayed) the reward of the righteous is withheld, because of the sins of the inhabitants of the earth?” 40 He answered saying, “Go and ask a pregnant woman if her womb can withhold the birth after nine months?” 41 I said, “It cannot, my lord.” And he said, “In Sheol (Hades) the chambers of souls are like the womb. 42 Just as the womb of a woman in childbirth (travail) hastens to deliver the child, so do these places hasten to give up what has been put in them (from the beginning). (John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:42) 43 Look at time from the beginning of Creation and what you long to see will be revealed to you.”
How Long Before the Resurrection?
44 I answered saying, “If I have found favor in Your sight, and if it be permissible, and I am worthy, 45 explain (show) one thing to me, is the amount of time from Creation to the present longer than the amount of time from the present to the Resurrection which is to come? 46 I know how long it has been since creation, but I do not know how much time is left.” 47 He answered, “Stand on my right side, watch this vision and I will interpret it to you (the parable).” 48 And I stood and watched as a blazing fiery torch passed before me. When the torch was gone only the smoke remained. 49 After this a water cloud passed before me. It caused a storm with violent rain, but when it was over only the drops of water remained. 50 He then said to me, “Consider this, the rain is more than the drops, and the fire is more than the smoke, but the drops and the smoke remain behind. So that which is passed is more than that which remains.” 51 I besought him and said, “Will I live to see those days? What will happen in those days?” 52 He answered saying, “Concerning the signs that you asked me about, I can tell you some of them; but I have not been sent to tell you anything of your future life, and I do not know anything about it.”
Commentary of Fourth Chapter
The angel of God said that man cannot understand the ways of God. He also identified that the world cannot bear what is been promised to the righteous in the future time. The secret to that time that is coming has to do with the resurrection of the righteous when the whole number is fulfilled. This is the key for understanding when the timing for the kingdom of God will be revealed. Ezra’s next big questions have to do with the events of those end time days.
5 – The Sign of the Last Days Revealed
4 Ezra 5:1-56… Concerning the signs, however, behold, in the last days the inhabitants of the world will be taken in great number (seized with great terror), and the way of truth hidden, and the land will be barren of faith. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, Luke 18:8) 2 Iniquity will be worse than you see now, or what you heard of long ago. (Pre-flood world) 3 This land (Persia) which bears rule now, will be laid waste (untrodden, man will see it desolate). 4 If the Most High grants you life, you will see (it thrown into confusion) that after the third day (period) (Hosea 6:1-3) the sun will suddenly shine again in the night, and the moon in the day. 5 Blood will drip from wood, (Isaiah 34:1-7) the stone will utter its voice, and the nations will be troubled, (and the stars shall fall.) (and the air will be changed). 6 The one whom the many do not set their hopes on (expect) will rule, and the birds will fly away together (migrate). 7 The sea of Sodom (Dead Sea) will produce many fish and make noise in the night, which none have heard before; but all will hear it. 8 Confusion will abound in many places, and fire will often rain down, and the desert beasts will migrate from their places, and menstruous women will bring forth monsters. 9 Salt water will be found in fresh water and friends will suddenly wage war on their friends. (Then it shall be the reason to hide yourself.)
Light is Removed.
10 Then wisdom will hide itself, and understanding will withdraw to its secret chamber. They will be sought by many, but not found; then (Amos 8:11-13) unrighteousness and self-indulgence will multiply upon the earth. 11 One nation will ask another, ‘Have any righteous men travelled through you?’ (Isaiah 57:1) and they will answer, ‘No.’ (Genesis 18:32) 12 At that same time men will hope, but not obtain, and will labor, but not prosper. (Luke 11:52) 13 I have been allowed to tell you these signs; but if you will pray, cry, and fast again for seven days you will hear greater things than these.” 14 I awoke, and great fear went through my body, and my mind was troubled, so that it fainted. 15 The angel who came to speak with me took hold of me, and strengthened me, and set me up upon my feet. 16 In the second night, Salathial (Phaltiel), one of the captives of my people, came to me saying, “Where have you been, and why is your countenance so sad? 17 Do you not know that you are entrusted with Israel in the place of their captivity? 18 Stand up, then, and eat bread, and do not hand us over to those destructive wolves!” 19 I said to him, “Leave me alone for seven days, then you may come back and I will explain matters to you.” When he heard this, he left me. 20 I fasted seven days, mourning and weeping, as Uriel the angel commanded me. 21 After seven days the thoughts of my heart were again troubling me greatly, 22 and my soul received the spirit of understanding. I began to speak with the Most High again.
Ezra Prayer for Understanding Heard
23 I said, “O Lord, from all the trees in the woods of the earth You have chosen only one vine. 24 From all the lands of the whole world You have chosen one place, and from all the flowers of the world You have chosen one flower. 25 From all the depths of the sea You have filled one stream, and from all the cities that have been built You have sanctified only Zion for Yourself. 26 From all birds that have been created You have named for Yourself one dove, and from all cattle that have been created You have selected one sheep. 27 From the multitude of the nations You have chosen one people, and unto this people, whom You love, You gave the Law which was approved among all. 28 Now, O Lord, why have You delivered up the one people unto many, and added others to the one nation bearing rule, and why have You scattered Your only people among the many? 29 Those who resist Your commandments and not believed in Your covenant have trodden them under foot. 30 If You hated Your people so much, You should have punished them with Your own hands.”
Why So Upset for Israel’s Sake?
31 After I had spoken these words, the angel who came to me the night before was sent unto me. 32 He said, “Listen to me, and I will inform you, accept what I say, and I will tell you more.” 33 And I answered, “Speak on, my lord.” And he said to me, “Are you upset for Israel’s sake? Do you love them more than God who made them?” 34 And I said, “No, my lord! I have spoken out of grief because my reins pain me every hour. I seek to comprehend the way of the Most High and search out part of His judgment.” 35 And he said to me, “You cannot.” And I said, “Why, my Lord? Why was I born then? Why did I not die in my mother’s womb, so I would not see Jacob’s travail, and the toil of Israel’s seed?”
Everything in its Own Due Time!
36 And he said to me, “Give me the number of those who are not yet come. Gather the scattered drops of water. Make the flowers that are withered bloom for me. 37 Open the chambers that are closed and bring forth the winds held captive in them. Show me the image of a voice, and then I will show you (the travail) what you wish to know.” 38 And I said, “O Lord, who is there who could know these things except Him who dwells not with men? 39 I am not wise. How can I speak concerning these things?” 40 He said to me, “Just as you are unable to do one of the things, you are also unable to find out My judgment or the extent of the love which I have promised to My people at the end.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) 41 And I said, “My Lord, behold You have made the promise to those who are in the end; but what will they do who were before us, or we ourselves, or those who follow us?” 42 And He said to me, “Compare My judgment to the motion of the sun. Just as there is no slackness to its setting, there is also no swiftness to its rising.” 43 I said, “Could You not have made those who have been, who are, and who will be all at once, so You could show your judgment sooner?” 44 Then He answered me, saying, “Creation cannot be faster than its Creator; neither can the world hold all of them at once.” 45 I said, “If the world cannot contain all those to be born at once, how can they all be resurrected at once?” 46 And He said to me, “Ask the womb of a woman, ‘If you are going to bear ten children why don’t you do it all at once instead of one after another?’” 47 I said, “It cannot, my Lord. Each must be in its own time.” 48 And He said to me, “This is the way I have made the earth, for each to be born in his time. 49 For just as the child does not bring forth things that belong to the aged, so also have I ordered the world that I have created.” 50 And I asked and said, “Now that You have given me the way, I would ask, is our mother, of whom You spoke, really still young or approaching old age?” 51 He answered me and said, “Ask a woman who bears children, and let her tell you. 52 Say to her, ‘Why are those whom you bear now not like the former ones, but inferior in size?’ 53 She will answer, ‘Those born in the vigor of youth are of one fashion, and those born in old age, when the womb is diminished, are of another.’ 54 Consider what is before you. You are lesser in stature that those who came before you. 55 Those who come after you will be inferior to you, because the creation has begun to grow old, and no longer has the vigor of youth.” 56 Then I said, “I beseech You, my Lord, if I have found favor in Your sight, show Your servant by whom You will visit Your creation.”
Commentary of Fifth Chapter
The angel of God has given very specific signs that would signal the time of the last days. But Ezra shows himself more concern for the nation of Israel by his prayer. He seems to be focused on the present and the past and not on the future. Gods’ angel tries to refocus the concern that Ezra has back for what is righteous and what is coming in the future. Would you too like to know more about the first resurrection?
6 – From the Beginning God is in Control
4 Ezra 6:1-59… And He said to me, “In the beginning, before the land of the world existed, and before the winds ever blew, 2 before thunder or lightening existed, or Paradise was founded, 3 before the beauty of the flowers was seen, and before the powers were established, or the numberless armies of angels were gathered, 4 before the height of the air was uplifted, before the measures of the firmaments were named, before the chimneys of Mount Zion were hot, 5 before the present years were sought out, and before the deeds of present-day sinners were conceived, and before those who have gathered for themselves the treasures of faith were sealed, 6 it was I alone who considered and made these things and through no one else but Me will they be ended.”
The Dividing of the Ages
7 Then I answered and said, “What is the dividing apart of the times? Or when is the end of the first age, and what the beginning of the second age that follows?” 8 He said to me, “From Abraham until Isaac, when Jacob and Esau were born of him and Jacob’s hand caught Esau’s heel 9 for Esau is the end of the world and Jacob is the beginning of it that follows, 10 the hand of man is betwixt the heel and hand. Ask no further questions about this.”11 I answered then and said, “O Lord, my Lord, if I have found favor in Your sight, 12 show Your servant the rest of the signs, which You started showing me last night.” 13 He answered me, “Stand up on your feet, and you will hear a loud voice. 14 There will be a great shaking, but the place where you stand will not be moved. 15 When you hear the voice, do not be afraid, because it concerns the end, and the foundations of the earth will understand. 16 The speech is concerning them, and they will tremble and quake for they desperately wish to change the outcome. 17 When I heard it, I stood on my feet, and behold, I heard a Voice of one speaking, and His Voice was as the sound of many waters. 18 The Voice said, “Behold the days to come, when I begin to draw nigh to visit those who dwell upon the earth, 19 when I am about to judge the unjust and unrighteous (when I require from the doers of iniquity the penalty of their iniquity), and when the affliction of Zion will be fulfilled, (and when the humiliation of Zion is complete) 20 when this world is about to be sealed (when the seal is placed upon the age), which is about to pass away, these signs I will do. The books will be opened before the firmament (heavens), and everyone will see, all together. 21 One-year-old children will speak and utter their voices, pregnant women will give birth prematurely at three and four months, and their babies will live and be raised up. 22 Suddenly sown fields will be found unsown, and full storehouses will suddenly be found empty. 23 The trumpet will sound scaring everyone who hears it. 24 At that time friends will war with their friends as enemies, and the earth will stand in fear of them. Springs and fountains will stand still for three hours. 25 Everyone who survives all these things of which I have told you, will escape and see My deliverance and the end of the world. 26 Then the men who have been taken up, who have not tasted death since their birth, will see it. Then the heart of the inhabitants of the earth will be transformed and changed into a different mind (spirit), 27 for evil will be blotted out and deceit extinguished. 28 Faith will flourish, corruption will be overcome, and the truth that has been unfruitful so long will be declared (revealed).” 29 While He spoke with me, behold, little by little, the place on which I was standing shook. 30 And he said to me, “I came to show you the time this night that what is to come. 31 If you will again fast and pray seven more days, I will reveal greater things to you. 32 Your voice is heard before the Most High, for the Mighty One has seen your purity and holiness which you have had since your youth, 33 which is why He sent me to reveal to you all these things. Take heart, and do not fear! 34 Do not worry about the past; it is vanity. Concentrate on the last (end) times!” 35 After this I wept and fasted seven days that I might fulfill the three weeks which he had told me.
Ezra Prayer for the Inheritance
36 In the eighth night my heart was grieved again, and I began to speak before the Most High, 37 because my spirit was very agitated. 38 I said, “O Lord, You spoke at the beginning of Creation, on the first day. You commanded that heaven and earth be made, and Your Word was a perfect work. 39 The Spirit was hovering, darkness, and silence were everywhere; the sound of man’s voice was not yet heard. (Genesis 1:1-2) 40 Then You commanded a ray of light to come forth out of Your treasures, so that Your work might appear. 41 On the second day You created the firmament and commanded it to make a division between the waters above and the waters below. 42 On the third day You commanded the waters to be gathered together to one of the seven parts of the earth; but six of the seven parts You dried up and reserved that some of them might serve You, being both planted and tilled. 43 As soon as Your Word went forth, the work was done. 44 Immediately there sprang forth innumerable fruits, with every sort of sweet taste, and flowers of amazing color with wonderful scents. All this was done on the third day. 45 On the fourth day You commanded the sun to shine, the moon to give her light, and the stars to be in order. 46 You created them for the service of man whom You were about to form. 47 On the fifth day You commanded the seventh part, where the waters were, to bring forth living creatures, fowls, and fish, and it was so. 48 The dumb and lifeless waters produced life so that all people might praise Your wonderful works. 49 Then You reserved two creatures, the one You called Behemoth (Enoch 60:7-8) and the other You called Leviathan (2 Baruch 29:4). 50 You separated them, one from the other, for the seventh part of water was unable to contain them. 51 You gave to Behemoth one of the parts which had been dried up on the third day that he might dwell there, where there are a thousand mountains. 52 But unto Leviathan You gave the watery seventh part, and You have reserved them to be food for whom You will and when You will. 53 On the sixth day You commanded the earth to bring forth before You beasts, cattle, and creeping things. 54 After these You made Adam lord of all Your creatures, from whom we all are descended, including the people You have chosen. 55 All this I have spoken before You, O Lord, because You made the world for our sakes. 56 As for the rest of the peoples who are descended from Adam, You said they are nothing, and are like spittle, and like a drop from a bucket. 57 Now, O Lord, behold, these heathens which are reputed as nothing lord it over us and crush us! 58 We, Your people, whom You have called Your first-born, only begotten, and fervent lover, are given into their hands. 59 If the world was created for our sakes, why do we not possess an inheritance in our world? How long will this be?
Commentary of Sixth Chapter
God created the world and the things that are found in it, it will be him alone that will bring an end to it. Once again Ezra asks the question about the timing of the events to come, the answer has to do with Jacob’s birth. Then he heard more about the signs of the times of our Lord’s coming. The world as we know it will change, sin will cease to exist, but righteousness will begin to flourish. The angel of God tells Ezra to stop worrying about the past look to the future. Ezra prays and asks a good question about why we do not possess the inheritance now? Will you enter into the thousand-year reign of Christ?
7 – This is the Way Walk in it.
4 Ezra 7:1-140… After I finished praying, the angel who had been sent unto me on former nights came to me. 2 He said to me, “Stand up, Ezra, and hear what I have come to tell you.” 3 I said to him, “Yes, my lord.” Uriel said, “If there is a very wide and deep sea 4 but its only entrance is through a very narrow river, 5 how can a man go to sea and master it, unless he goes through that small river?” 6 Hear another example. Suppose there was a great city in a large valley, 7 but the only entrance to it was a very narrow passage through the mountains with fire on the right side and a jagged cliff over deep waters on the left side, 8 and this single path between these two is only wide enough for one man at a time. 9 Now if a man was given this city for an inheritance, the only way for the heir to possess it is to go through the danger, right?” 10 I said to him, “Yes, my lord!” He answered and said to me, “So also is Israel’s portion. 11 Because for their sakes God made the world, and when Adam transgressed My commandments, that which had been made was condemned (judged). 12 Because of this, the entrances of this future age are narrow and full of sorrow and travail. They are very few and filled with many perils and pain, 13 but the future world is broad and sure, and abundant with eternal fruit. 14 Unless the living pass through the tribulations and evils, they will not receive what has been stored up for them. 15 Now why trouble yourself, seeing you are corruptible and mortal? 16 Why have you not focused on the future, instead of just the present?” 17 I answered and said, “O Lord, You ordained in Your Law that the righteous are to inherit these things, but the ungodly perish. 18 The righteous, therefore, endure well the tribulations because they hope to inherit eternal life; but the ungodly bear the tribulations and do not see the eternal things!” 19 He said to me, “No one understands and judges more righteously than God. 20 There are many who perish in this life because they despise the law that God gave them. 21 For God gave a commandment to those born, as to what they should do to live, and what they should observe to not be punished. 22 But they were not obedient to Him. They spoke against Him and imagined vain things. 23 They deceived themselves into thinking that the Most High did not exist and they ignored His ways! 24 They despised His law, denied His covenants, did not believe His commandments, and spurned His works.” 25 That is why the saying exists, O Ezra, ‘empty things for the empty, and full things for those who are full!’
The Messianic Kingdom
26 For behold the days to come, when the signs that I have foretold come to pass, the bride will be revealed (the city which now is not seen shall appear), and what has now been withdrawn from the earth will be brought back. 27 Whoever is delivered from these predicted evils, will see My wonders. 28 For My Son, the Messiah, will be revealed together with those who are with him, and will rejoice with those who remain one thousand years.” (Revelation 20:1-6) 29 After the years of My Son the Messiah, all men who [fight against Him] will die, 30 and the world will return to its first (primeval) silence seven days, as it was in the former judgment, so that no man is left.
New Heavens and Earth
31 After seven days that world will be awakened, which now is not awake, and corruption will perish. 32 The earth will give up those who sleep in her and the dust will give up those who dwell in silence, and the secret chambers will give up the souls who were committed to them. 33 The Most High will appear upon the judgment seat. Misery and longsuffering will pass away. 34 But My judgment alone will remain, truth will stand, and faith flourish. 35 The work will come, and the reward be made known, and acts of righteousness will awake, and acts of wickedness will no more rule.
Great White Throne of Judgment
36 The spirit of torment and rest will appear when the furnace of Gehenna and the paradise of delights will be revealed. 37 Then will the Most High say to those nations who have been raised from death, ‘Behold whom you have denied, whom you have not served, and whose commandments you have despised! 38 Behold the future: here the rest and enjoyments (for My servants), and there the fire and torment (for you)!’ This is what He will speak to them on that Day of Judgment. 39 (Zechariah 14:1-7) For on the Day of Judgment there will be 40 no sun, moon, nor stars; neither clouds, lightning, nor thunder; neither wind, water, nor air; neither darkness, evening, nor morning; 41 neither summer, winter, nor autumn; neither heat, frost, nor cold; neither hail, dew, nor rain; 42 neither noon, night, nor day; neither light, radiance, nor brightness. There will be only the splendor of the glory of the Most High from which they are destined to see what has been ordained. 43 But there will be an interval, as it were, a week of years. 44 This is the order of My judgment I made known only to you.” 45 I said, “O my Lord, I have always believed, and still do, that blessed are all they who have kept Your commandments. 46 But concerning those about whom I made my petition—there is no one who has not sinned and there is no one who has ever been born, who has not transgressed Your commandment. 47 Now I see that few inherit that coming world of delight; but instead, many inherit torment. 48 We all have in us the evil heart which has caused us to err and has corrupted us (alienated us from God), bringing death, taken us down the paths of perdition, and removed life far from us. This not just a few of us, but everyone who has ever been born!” 49 He answered me, “Listen to me, Ezra, and I will once again explain this to you. 50 The Most High has made two worlds, not one. 51 You said there are not very many righteous, only a few. Understand this: 52 if you have a few precious stones; will you mix them in with lead and clay?” 53 I said, “How, O Lord, is that possible?” 54 He answered me, “Not only that, but look at the earth. 55 She has gold, silver, copper, iron, lead, and clay; 56 but there is more silver than gold, more copper than silver, more iron than copper, more lead than iron, and more clay than lead. 57 Can you understand that which is rare is precious and greatly desired?” 58 I answered, “Yes, my Lord. Abundant things are worthless, rare things are precious.” 59 He said to me, “Can your mind understand this parable? Just as everyone who has something rare rejoices over it more than that one who has what is abundant, 60 so also is the promise of My judgement. I rejoice over the few who are saved because they now declare My glory, and for their sake My name is now extolled. 61 I am not pained over the multitude of those who are perishing, for these are they who now are made like a vapor. (James 4:14) They are counted as smoke, like that which is thrown into the flame.” 62 I answered and said, “Adam, what have you done? Your descendants are going to perdition! If the [tree of] knowledge is from the earth, like the rest of creation is, 63 it would have been better if the earth had not been, in order that the knowledge might not have come into being from it. 64 Now, however, that knowledge grows within us; and on this account, we are tormented, because while we know it, we are perishing. 65 Let the race of men mourn, but the beasts of the field rejoice! Let all who are born lament, but the cattle and the flock exult! 66 For it is far better for them than for us, because they do not expect the judgment. Neither do they know torture, nor has life after death been promised to them. 67 For what do we profit if we are to only suffer torment? 68 For all who are born are defiled with sins, and are full of iniquities, and upon them their offences weigh heavily! 69 It would be better for us to not suffer judgment after death!” 70 And he said to me, “When the Most High made the world, and Adam and all that came from him, He first prepared the judgment, and the things which pertain to the judgment. 71 and now I understand from your own words, for you have said the mind grows with us. 72 For this reason, therefore, those who dwell on the earth shall be tormented, because though they had understanding they committed iniquity, and though they received the commandments they did not keep them, and though they obtained the law they dealt unfaithfully with what they received. 73 What then, will they have to say in the judgment, or how will they answer in the last times? 74 For how long the time is that the Most High has been patient with those who inhabit the world, and not for their sake, but because of the times which he foreordained!”
What Happens at Death?
75 I answered and said, “if I have found favor your sight, Oh Lord show this also to your servant whether after death, as soon as everyone of us yields up his soul, we shall be kept in rest until those times come when you renew creation, or whether we shall be tormented at once?” 76 He answered me and said, “I will show you that also, but do not be associated with those who have shown scorn, nor number yourself among those who are tormented. 77 For you have a treasure of works laid up with the Most High; but it will not be shown to you until the last times. 78 Now, concerning death, the teaching is: when the decisive decree is gone forth from the Most High that a man shall die, as the spirit leaves the body to return again to him who gave it, first of all it adores the glory of the Most High.
The Seven Reasons for Grieving
79 And if it is one of those who have shown scorn and have not kept the ways of the Most High, and who have despises his law, and who have hated those who fear God, 80 such spirit shall not enter into habitations, but shall immediately wander about in torments, ever grieving and sad, in seven ways. 81 The first way, because they have scorn the law of the Most High. 82 The second way, because they cannot now make a good repentance that they may live. 83 The third way, they shall see the reward laid up for those who have trusted the covenants of the Most High. 84 The fourth way, they shall consider the torment laid up for themselves in the last days. 85 The fifth way, they shall see how the habitations of others are guarded by angels in profound quiet. 86 The sixth way, they still see how some of them will pass over into torments. 87 The seventh way, which is worse in all the ways that have been mentioned, because they share utterly waste away in confusion and be consumed with shame and shall wither with their fear at seeing the glory of the Most High before whom they is sinned while they were alive, and before whom they are now to be judged in the last times.
The Seven Reasons for Rejoicing
88 Now this is the order for those who have kept the ways of the most high, when they shall be separated from their mortal body. 89 During the time that they have lived in it, the laboriously served the Most High, and withstood danger every hour, that they might keep the law of the lawgiver perfectly. 90 Therefore this is the teaching concerning them. 91 First of all, they shall see with great joy the glory of him who receives them: for they shall have rest in seven ways. 92 The first way, because I have striven with great effort to overcome the evil thought which was formed with them, that it might not lead them astray from life into death. 93 The second way, because I see the perplexity in which the souls of ungodly wander, and the punishment that awaits them. 94 The third way, they see the witness which he who formed them bears concerning them, that while they were alive, they kept the law which was given them in trust. 95 The fourth way, they understand the rest which they now enjoy, being gathered into their chambers, and guarded by the Angels in profound quiet, and the glory which awaits them in the last days. (Revelation 6:12, Enoch 22:3) 96 The fifth way, they rejoice that they have now escaped what is corruptible and shall inherit what is to come; and besides, they see the straits and the toil from which they have been delivered, and the spacious liberty which they are to receive and enjoy in immortality. 97 The six way, when it is shown to them how their faces is to shine like the sun, and how they are to be made like the light of the stars, being incorruptible from then on. 98 The seventh way, which is greater than all that have been mentioned, because they shall rejoice with boldness, and shall be confident without confusion, and shall be glad without fear, for they have hastened to behold the face of him whom they are served in life and from whom they are to be receiving their reward when glorified. 99 This is the order of the souls of the righteous, as henceforth as announce and the aforesaid are the ways of torment to which those who would not give heed shall suffer however after. 100 I answered and said, “will time therefore be given to the souls, after they have been separated from their bodies, to see what you have described to me? 101 He said to me, “they shall have freedom for seven days, so that during the seven days they may see the things of which you have been told, and afterwards they shall be gathered into their habitations. 102 I answered and said, “if I found favor in your sight, show me further your servant whether on the day of judgment the righteous will be able to intercede for the ungodly or to entreat the Most High for them. 103 fathers for sons or son for parents, brothers for brothers, relatives for the Kinsman, or friend for those who are most dear.”
The Day of Judgment
104 And he answered me, “since you have found favor in my sight, I will show you this also. The day of judgment is decisive and displays all the seal of truth. Just as now a father does not send his son, or his son his father, or a master or his servant, or his friend or his dearest friend, to be ill or to sleep or to eat or to be healed in his stead, 105 so no one shall ever pray for another on that day, either shall anyone lay a burden on another; for then everyone shall bear his own righteousness and unrighteousness.” 106 I answered and said, “how then do we find that first Abraham prayed for the people of Sodom, and Moses for forefathers who sinned in the desert, 107 and Joshua after him for Israel in the days of Achan, 108 and Samuel in the days of Saul, and David for the plague, and Solomon for those in the sanctuary, 109 and Elijah for those who received the rain, and for the one who was dead, that he might live, 110 and Hezekiah for the people of days of Scnnacherib, and many others prayed for the many? 111 if therefore the righteous of prayed for the ungodly now, when corruption has increased and unrighteousness is multiplied, why will it not be so then as well? 112 He answered me and said, “this present world is not the end; the full glory does not abide in it therefore those who are strong prayed for the week. 113 But the day of judgement will be the end of this age and the beginning of the immortal age to come, in which corruption has passed away, 114 sinful indulgences have come to an end, unbelief has been cut off, and righteousness has increased, and truth has appeared. 115 Therefore no one will then be able to have mercy on him who has been condemned in the judgment, or to harm him who is victorious. 116 I answered and said, “This is my first and last word, that it would have been better if Earth had not produced Adam, or else, when it had produced him, it had restrained him from sinning. 117 For what good is it to all that they live in sorrow now and expect punishment after death? 118 Oh Adam, what have you done? For through it was you who sinned, the fall was not yours alone, but ours also who are your descendants. 119 For what good is it to us, if immortal age has been promised us, but we have done deeds to bring about death? 120 and what good is it that an everlasting hope has been promised us, but we have miserably failed? 121 And that there are reserved habitations of health and safety, whereas we have lived wickedly? 122 Or the glory of the Most High will defend those who have led a pure life, but we have walked in the most wicked ways? 123 Or that paradise shall be revealed, whose fruit remains unspoiled and in which our abundance and healing, but we shall not enter it, 124 because we have lived in unseemly places? 125 Or that the faces of those who practice self-control shall shine more than the stars, but our faces shall be blacker than darkness? 126 For while we lived and committed iniquity, we do not consider what we should suffer after death.” 127 He answered and said, “this is the meaning of the contests which every man was born on earth shall wage, 128 that if he is defeated, he shall suffer you have said, but if he is victorious, he shall receive what I have said. 129 For this is the way of which Moses, while he was alive, spoke to the people saying choose for yourself life that you may live! (Deuteronomy 30:19-20) 130 But they did not believe him, or the prophets after him, or even myself who have spoken to them. 131 Therefore there shall not be grief at their destruction, so much as joy over those whom salvation is assured.”(Luke 15:7) 132 I answered and said, “I know, O Lord, that the Most High is now called merciful, because he has mercy on those who have not yet come into the world; 133 and gracious, because he is gracious to those who turn in repentance to his Law; 134 and patient, because he shows patience toward those who have sinned, since they are his own works; 135 and bountiful, because he would rather give than take away; 136 and abundant in compassion, because he makes his compassion abound more and more to those now living and to those who are gone and to those yet to come, 137 for if he did not make them abound, the world with those who inhabit it would not have life; 138 and he is called giver, because he did not give out of his goodness so that those who have committed in equities might be relieved of them, not one ten-thousandth of mankind could have life; 139 and judge, because he did not pardon those who are created by his word and blot out the multitude of their sins, 140 there would probably be left only a few of the innumerable multitude.”
Commentary of Seventh Chapter
The angel of God explains why path that leads to the inheritance is full of suffering and tribulation. He also explained and said God made two worlds the one with the abundant wickedness it. And that which is righteous to come, that what is precious. For those who inherit the inheritance we need to have endurance, faith that requires action, a determination and perseverance to overcome the evil heart. Ezra is greatly distressed because there is no way around it, the of way to everlasting life lies down this narrow road with much tribulation and persecution. And the wicked know it, they see it but are not allowed to be upon it, so they harass the children of light, trying to drag them off this path and into everlasting destruction. What will you do now that you know these secrets? Will you muster up the courage? Will you set your sight with the determination upon this path of life? Are you taking your enjoyment now or later? The reading of verses 75-140 flies hard in the face of what we think we know or does it? You philosophers and learned men is there a better way to deal with sin and the reward for mankind? How would you reward faith, righteousness, determination and good works yet deal with the wicked? How would you filter out what is desirable from what is undesirable in mankind? Thank God we have a perfect judge the ability to ask for forgiveness now before we stand before the judgment seat of God. Blessed is he who is righteous, he that is coming for us he that loves us from the beginning. Yes, you are the Most High God Creator of heaven and earth, and you are to be loved and feared even forever.
8 – Many Created but Few Live
4 Ezra 8:1-63… He answered me, saying, “The Most High made this world for the sake of many, but the world to come for the sake of few. 2 I will tell you a parable, Ezra. If you asked the earth, ‘What exists more in abundance: clay or gold?’ It would say to you, (the earth provides much more clay for which earthenware is made, but only a little dust from which gold comes from.) ‘Clay is far more abundant than gold.’ The world is made in the same way. 3 Many have been created, but few live (be saved).” 4 I said, “O that I had understanding and discernment! (Then drink your fill of understanding, oh my soul and drink wisdom oh my heart.) 5 You listen and prophesy to us, for man can only repent while he still lives. (For not own your own will did you come into the world, and against your will depart, for you have been given only a short time to live.) 6 O Lord, (who are over us) if You would command (grant) Your servant, I would pray before You. You give us the seed of a new heart which may bear fruit, (cultivation of our understanding so that fruit might be produced.) so that everyone who is corruptible (mortal) may be able to live, who is clothed with the form of man. 7 For You are One (who exist), and we are of a different fashion, the work of Your hands, as You have said. 8 You do indeed bring our bodies to life in the womb, where You fashion and compose its members. Your creature is kept in fire and water for nine months; then it is manifest what kind of creature it is. 9 Both the one who bears and the one who is born are kept by Your keeping. When the womb giveth again what has been planted therein, 10 You have commanded that out of the members should come milk, the fruit of the full breasts, 11 that what has been fashioned may grow for a short time. 12 Afterwards, You guide it in Your mercy, nourish it in Your righteousness, discipline it in Your law, and admonish it in Your wisdom. 13 You kill and make alive Your creatures. 14 If then, You suddenly and quickly destroy this one who has been fashioned with all this great labor, according to Your command, for what purpose, then, did he come into being? 15 Now, I am speaking about all men, but more specifically, 16 about Your people. I mourn and suffer about Israel, Jacob’s seed, which is Your heritage, and of which I am a part. 17 This is why I will begin to pray to You for myself and for them, because I see the trespasses of us who inhabit the world, 18 and have heard the decree of judgment that is to come. 19 Therefore, listen to the words of my prayer, and I will speak before You, O Lord my God.”
The Prayer for Forgiveness
20 Ezra began his prayer with these words, before he was taken up: “O Lord that dwells forever, whose heights are exalted, and whose chambers are in the air, 21 whose throne is infinite and whose glory is inconceivable; before whom the hosts stand in fear, at whose word they change to fire and wind; 22 whose word is trustworthy, and whose speech abides (whose utterances are certain); whose commandment is strong, and whose utterances are terrible; 23 whose look dries up the deep, and whose rebuke melts the mountains, and whose truth bears witness. 24 Listen to Your creature’s petition and regard my words! 25 For while I live, I will speak, and while I have understanding will I answer. 26 O forgive the trespasses of Your people that have served You in truth; 27 and forgive the follies of the ungodly, for the sake of those who were martyred for Your covenants. 28 Do not focus upon those who have behaved badly before You, but rather on those who in good faith have reverenced You! 29 Do not destroy those who have become like animals, but reward those who received the splendor of Your law; 30 Do not be, not angry against those who have behaved worse than the beasts, but love those who have always put their trust in Your glory, 31 because we and those before us have practiced works of corruption and behaved madly; but You are called ‘the Compassionate’ because of we sinners. 32 Because You are compassionate toward those who are not righteous, You are named ‘Gracious One.’ 33 For the righteous who have their works laid up with You can receive out of their own works. 34 For what is man that You should be so angry with him, or a corruptible race that You should be so hot against it? 35 Truthfully there is no one born who has not acted wickedly. None of those who exist are without sin! 36 For in this, O Lord, if You are compassionate towards those who have no power to be completely righteous, then Your goodness will be known.”
It Shall Be
37 He answered me, “Some things you have spoken aright and according to your words, so will it be. 38 For in truth I take no thought about the manner of the evil doers, their death, judgment, or destruction, 39 but I delight over the manner of the righteous, their life, salvation, their reward. 40 As I have spoken, so will it be.”
Mankind is Like Seed
41 The husbandman sows many seeds and plants many plants, but not all the seeds live in due season, nor do all the plants strike root. It is the same with those who come into the world; some do not live.” 42 I answered and said, “If I have found favor in Your sight, I would ask You this. 43 If the husbandman’s seed does not receive Your rain, at its proper time, will it live? If there is too much rain, will it not be destroyed? 44 But man, who has been fashioned by Your own hands and is made like Your own image for whose sake You have created all, have You likened him to the seed of the husbandman? 45 No! I beseech You, my Lord, spare Your people, and be compassionate with Your heritage, Your creature, for Your sake!”
The Reward of the Humble
46 He answered me, “The things in the present are for those in the present, and things in the future are for those who are yet future! 47 For you came far short of being able to love My creation more than I love it. You, however, have many times compared yourself to the ungodly. It must not be so! 48 But in this also you shall be honored before the Most High, 49 because you have humbled yourself, as is proper, and you have not compared yourself with the righteous. Therefore, you shall be the more honored. 50 With much affliction will the inhabitants of the world be afflicted at the last because of the great pride that they have displayed. 51 But you ask for mercy for yourself and those who are like you. 52 For you will share in paradise, the tree of life, the future world (is ready), delight, a city built, a rest ordained, good perfected, and wisdom completed. (Hebrews 11:10) 53 The (evil) root will be sealed up from you, infirmity extinguished, and health will be given. Sheol will flee, corruption will be forgotten, and pains will depart from you. 54 In the consummation (G4930) the treasures of life will be manifested. 55 Do not ask again concerning the many who perish, 56 because they have received liberty and they have despised the Most High and His law. They do nothing but scoff and have ignored Him. 57 They have trampled upon His saints, and 58 they have said in their hearts that there is no God, all the while knowing that they will surely die. 59 Therefore, as the reward awaits you, so thirst and torment await them. The Most High willed that no men should perish, 60 but these ungrateful creatures dishonored the name of their Maker who gave them life. 61 Therefore My judgment has drawn nigh (near), 62 of which I have not made known to many, but only to you and to the few like you.” 63 “Behold, O Lord, now You have showed me a great number of signs that You will do in the last days, but You have not told me when You will do these things.”
Commentary of Eighth Chapter
So, it shall be that is just a matter of fact that the more rare something is the more precious it is. God is searching the hearts of men to see who will worship him in spirit and in truth. And who will pursue the path of righteousness and who has the determination to see it through. Faith is indeed not the possession of all men, and to act on faith is even more rare to find. If we would look back at the people whom God favored and list out their characteristics what do you think will find? Are you the kind of person that can sacrifice now to receive later? We have all been given godly qualities which ones have you nurtured? What are works that you been doing?
9 – Escape By Works of Faith
4 Ezra 9:1-47… He answered me, saying, measure carefully in your mind, and when you see that a part of the aforesaid signs are past, 2 then understand it is time wherein the Most High will begin the visit world which he made. 3 but there will be earthquakes in an uproar of the nations of the earth, 4 then know that it is of these things at the Most High is spoken from the beginning. 5 For everything in the world has a beginning and end, and it is the end is manifesting. 6 The times of the Most High begin with powerful signs, and they end with powerful signs. 7 Everyone who will be saved will be able to escape by his works and faith which he has believed. 8 He will be kept safe aforesaid peril and will see my salvation in my land in my borders which I sanctified for myself eternally. 9 Then they who abused, ignored, and despised my ways will dwell in torment. 10 for all did not recognize me in their lifetime, when I blessed them, 11 and all who had content for my law while liberty under it, and while repentance was open to them, they refused and despised it. 12 it is necessary for them to know it after death. 13 Do not continue to be curious how the ungodly will be tormented but inquire how the righteous will acquire life – those who are in the world, and for whom this world exists! 14 I answered, 15 “As I have said before, there are more who perish then those who live, 16 just as the waves are more than the small drop.” 17 And he answered, “As the plant creates its seeds, the flowers create the colors, the world creates its odors, and the husbandman creates by using a threshing floor, 18 there was a time when nothing existed, and I prepared this world to those who now are. No man withstood me because no one existed yet. 19 Now even though they had been created in the world that stands firm, and upon a law that is unsearchable, their works corrupted them. I regarded my world is lost in my entire order was in peril on account of their manners. 21 I saw and I spared a small few, like grapes out of a cluster, or a plant out of the great forest. 22 Let the vain multiply, perish if they wish, but I will preserve my grape and my plant, which I have greatly toiled to produce. 23 Separate yourselves seven more days, but do not fast anymore. 24 Go to a field of flowers, where no houses been built, and eat only the flowers of the field, not meat, or wine, but flowers only, 25 and petition the Most High zealously, and I will come unto you and speak with you. 26 I went, as he commanded me, into the field, which was called Arpad (Ardat), and sat there by the flowers of land, and did eat of the herbs of the pasture, and I was satisfied.
Ezra’s Prayer
27 after seven days, as I lay on the grass my heart began to move as before. 28 My mouth was, and I began to speak before the Most High. 29 I said, oh Lord, you revealed yourself to your forefathers in the wilderness of Sinai when they left Egypt, and when they went through the wilderness, where there was no food or people. 30 you said to them, Israel, seed of Jacob, listen to my instruction! 31 For Behold, I sow my law and you, it will produce the fruits of righteousness, and you will be glorified in it forever. 32 but our fathers refused to keep the law and the Commandments, and they would not perform them. They had the fruits of your law which never perishes. 33 however, they perish, because a pursuit what that was sown in them. 34 This is the rule. When seed is sown on the earth, or in the sea 35 the seed may be destroyed, but the earth and the sea remain, but it is different with us. 36 We received the law within our hearts, but sin caused even our hearts which excepted it to perish. 37 Your law, however, never perishes, but abides in its glory
Commentary of Ninth Chapter
The angel of God disclosed that it is by works of faith that a person will be saved. The wicked will do what the wicked do and we need to leave them alone. We need to focus on righteousness and those who will pursue it. Pray now for repentance for understanding and for mercy. Console those who need comfort, be willing to help those in need. Can you list out one good or righteous work that you have done and if not, are you willing to do something about it now?
Grieving Woman
38 While I spoke these things in my heart, I look back I saw a woman on the right-side morning in a loud voice, greatly grieved in heart. Her clothes were torn, and she had ashes on her head. 39 I turned to focus on her, 40 and I asked her, why are you crying, and grieving so? 41 She said to me, sir let me alone so that I may mourn, for my mind is greatly upset (embittered in spirit) and I am much humbled (deeply afflicted),” 42 I said to her, tell me what is happened. 43 She said to me, I your handmaiden, was barren. 36 30 years my husband and I try to conceive. 44 I did nothing but, every day and every hour, petitioned the Most High. 45 after 30 years God heard me, your handmaiden, and look upon my distress, and gave me a son. My husband and I rejoiced. We can all our neighbors praise the Almighty. 46 I nourished him with the great travail. 47 When he grew up and the time to take a wife, I made a marriage feast.”
10 – Zion’s Grief
4 Ezra 10:1- … And it came to pass that when my son entered into his wedding chamber he fell down and died. 2 Then we all overturned (put out) the lights, and all my neighbors rose to comfort me, so I rested until the second night. 3 After they were asleep and they believe that I was also, I rose by night, and fled and came here to this field, as you see. 4 I am resolved that I will not return to the city, but stay here, and neither eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and fast till I die.”
Ezra Viewpoint
5 I thought for a moment, then I said in anger, 6 “you foolish woman, don’t you see our grief and what is happened to us? 7 Zion the mother of us all, is in great affliction, and humiliated with great mourning? 8 Saying we all have mourned and are sad, for we all are in heaviness, are you grieved for just one son? 9 Asked the earth, and she will tell you. It is she who should mourn for all those who have fallen. 10 From the beginning, everyone who is existed has come into being upon her, and the others who are to come, will come upon her. Behold almost all of them go into destruction, and their multitude is utterly rooted out. 11 Who then should mourn more, she was lost many, or you will lost one? 12 But if you say to me, my morning is not like the earths, because I have lost the fruit of my womb which I bore in pain, and reared in sorrows, 13 realize that it is the way of the earth, all those who have been born have come and gone. 14 Then I will tell you again, just as you have given birth and lost him, so the earth has also given her fruit to God from the beginning. 15 Therefore keep your pain to yourself, and the brave and the evil that have befallen you! 16 For if you will acknowledge the Most High justly decreed this, then you will receive your son back in due time, and you will be praised among women. 17 Therefore go back to your city and with your husband.” 18 Then she said to me: “I will not do so, nor will I go back to the city, nor into my husband! I will die here.” 19 so I spoke further, saying: “No! Do not do this! 20 Realize this is part of science misfortune, and to be consoled because of Jerusalem sorrow! (Do not say that but let yourself be persuaded because the troubles of Zion and be consoled because of the sorrows of Jerusalem.) 21 For you see that the sanctuary is laid waste, our altars overturned, our temple demolished, our service abolished. 22 (Our harps of been laid low, our songs have been silenced, rejoicing his injured lamp of our lampstand has been put out.) Our song in our glory are gone. The light of our lamp is quenched, and the ark of the covenant is carried off. Our Saints are defiled, in his holy name is polluted. Our nobles are dishonored, our priest burnt in the fire, a Levites taken captive, are virgins defiled, and otherwise forcibly dishonored. Our Seers were seized, our watchman scattered, our youth enslaved, and our heroes weakened. 23 worst of all, in regard to science seal, the silver glory has been taken away now, and given up into the hand of them who hate us! 24 So shake off your sorrow, so that the mighty one may be reconciled to you, and the Most High may give you rest from your sorrows of your toil!”
Zions Glory / New Jerusalem
25 While I was speaking with her, she brightened exceedingly, and her face was as bright as lightning. I was very afraid but also amazed. As I wondered what this might mean, 26 suddenly she cried with a loud and frightening voice, and the whole earth trembled. 27 Then the woman disappeared and in her place I saw a city built, and a place became visible with the huge foundation. I was afraid and cried with a loud voice and said, 28 where is Uriel, the angel who has brought me here and cause me to see this vision which scares me to death help me I pray!” (For it is he who brought me into this overpowering and bewilderment; I and has become corruption, and my prayer a reproach.) 29 While I was speaking the sayings, lying on the ground as though dead, Uriel saw me 30 lying on the ground as though dead, thoroughly confused. He took me by my right hand and lifted me up, and said, 31 what is wrong? Why are you so upset? About what are you so confused?” 32 So I said to him, “because you were gone! I did as you asked that I went out to the field, as seen a vision which I cannot explain.” 33 he answered and said to me, “stand on your feet, and I will make it known to you.” 34 I said to him, “speak on my Lord but do not disappear again unless I die before my time. 35 Because I do not understand what I have seen and heard; I cannot grasp it. 36 or am I deceived? Was it just a dream? 37 please tell me, my Lord, the meaning of this fearful vision.” 38 He answered me, “listen to me and I’ll explain the secrets of the most high has revealed to you. 39 for he has seen how hard you try to understand how much you grieve for your people, and for Zion. 40 This then, is the matter. 41 The woman in morning who appeared to you a little while ago, but we tried to console, 42 and now appears as a city built. 43 And as to the misfortune of her son, this is the explanation. 44 This woman who changed into a built city is Zion. 45 The meaning of her 30 years of barrenness is that Mount Zion existed for 3000 years before there was a temple with offerings. 46 After the 3000 years Solomon built the City / Temple and offered sacrifices, that is when she gave birth to a son. 47 The rearing with great travail is the dwelling of Jerusalem. 48 When the son entered into his wedding chamber and died was the fall of Jerusalem. 49 And are being in morning for her son and you trying to console her for what had happened to her, means this: 50 for now the Most High, seeing that you are extremely grieved on her account, and he has shown you the light of her glory, and the beauty of her loveliness. 51 Therefore I told you to wait for me in the field were no house and had been built. 52 For I knew the most I was about to reveal these things to you. 53 Therefore, I told you to come into a place were no foundation of the building ever existed; 54 because no work of man could remain in the place with the city of the Most High was about to be revealed. 55 Do not be afraid, or troubled, but go in and look at the light of the glory and the vastness of her buildings, as far as you can see, 56 and afterwards listen to all you can hear. 57 For you are blessed above most men in the one a few called before the Most High! 58 Remain here until tomorrow night 59 in the most I will show you a vision revealing what he will do to the people of the earth in the last days. So, I slept that night and the following one as he commanded me.
Commentary of Tenth Chapter
To make the truth your own you have to be able to express it to someone else with conviction. The true God the Most High allowed Ezra to do such a thing. It also allowed the deep thoughts of Ezra to be expressed about what he has been shown thus far. It was allowed so that the revelation about the new Jerusalem could be shown. Zion and the worship that surrounded has been forever changed. Something new is coming, a king priest the son of the Most High God has become king in the kingdom of Jerusalem. Matthew 25:31-34, Revelation 19:11-16
11 – Three-headed Eagle Vision
4 Ezra 11:1-46… And it came to pass the second night that I saw a dream and behold there came up from the sea an eagle, which had twelve feathers on one wing, and three heads. 2 I saw she spread her wings over all the earth, and all the winds of heaven blew on her, and the clouds were gathered around against her. 3 Out of the feathers there grew opposing feathers; and they became little, puny feathers. 4 But her heads were asleep. The middle head was greater than the other heads, but it was asleep also. 5 Then the Eagle flew with her wings and reigned over the earth and all those who dwell within. 6 All things under heaven are made subject to her, and no one spoke against her, not a single creature upon the earth. 7 Then the Eagle rose up upon her talents, and spoke to her feathers, saying 8 “Do not watch all at once; let each sleep in his own place, and watch by course: 9 But let the heads to be preserved for the last”. 10 I beheld, the voice did not come out of her heads, but from the middle of her body. 11 I counted her opposing feathers and there were eight of them. 12 On the right side there arose one feather, and it reigned over all the earth. 13 After a time his reign ended, and he disappeared so that even his place is no longer seen. 14 The next feather stood up and reigned a long time. While he was raining his end came also, they disappeared like the first. 15 Then the voice said to it, 16 listen you have ruled over the earth so long. This I say to you before you disappear. 17 After you, no further will rule as long as you have ruled, not even half as long. 18 Then arose the third feather, and reigned as the others before, and disappeared also. 19 So it went with the rest of the feathers raining one after the other, and never seen again. 20 I beheld in process of time the feathers that followed stood up on the right side, that they might rule also. 21 Some of them ruled, but within a while they also disappeared, for some of them started to reign, but could not hold on to the rule. 22 After this I looked, and the twelve feathers and the two little feathers disappeared. 23 Nothing remained on the eagle’s body except the three heads and the six opposing feathers. 24 Then I saw that too little feathers also separate themselves from the six but remained under the head that was upon the right side, and the four continued in their place. 25 I beheld in the four feathers that were under the wing thought to set themselves up and have the rule. 26 I beheld, there was one set up, but it suddenly disappeared. 27 The second disappeared more quickly than the first. 28 I saw and behold the two that remained thought also in themselves to reign together. 29 While they were making plans behold there awakened one of the heads that were at rest, the one in the middle, that was greater than the other two heads. 30 Then I saw how it joined the other two heads with it. 31 Behold, the third head was turned to those who were with it and did eat up the two puny feathers under the wing that were planning to reign. 32 The middle head frightened the entire earth. It ruled over and greatly impressed all who dwelt in the earth. The kingdom was greater than the kingdom of all the feathers before it. 33 After this I saw and behold the middle head suddenly disappeared, just like the wings had done before it. 34 There were two heads which also in like sort reigned over the earth and over those who dwell in it. 35 I saw and behold the head upon the right side devoured it that was upon the left side. 36 I heard voice which said to me look before you and consider the things that you see. 37 I saw what appeared to be a lion roused out of the forest roaring. I heard how that he sent out a man’s voice to the Eagle and spoke saying. 38 Listen now and I will talk with you and the Most High will say to you. 39 Are you not the one left remaining of the four beast whom I made to reign in my world at the end of my times might come through them? 40 You the fourth beast, overcame all the beasts that came before you, and you have ruled the world with terror and oppression. 41 For so long you have lived on the earth with deceit. You have not judged the earth with truth. You have afflicted the meek and hurt the peaceable. 42 You love liars and destroyed the homes of those who brought forth fruit, and broke down the walls of those who never harmed you. 43 Therefore your insolence has been judged by the Most High and your pride judged by the Mighty One. 44 The Most High has also seen your proud times, and ended them, the Eagles abominations are complete. 45 Therefore Eagle disappear. You and your horrible wings, wicked feathers and malicious heads, hurtful claws and your entire vein body, 46 so that all the earth they be refreshed, and returned, being delivered from your violence, and that she may hope for judgment and mercy of him that made her.
12 – Three-headed Eagle Interpretation
4 Ezra 12:1-39… While the lion spoke these words unto the Eagle, 2 I saw the remaining head and the four feathers disappear and the two that were under it and set themselves up to reign, whose kingdom was small and full of uproar, also disappeared. 3 The whole body of the Eagle was burned, and the earth was in great fear. Then I woke from the dream, but my mind was troubled. 4 You have wrought all these things unto me because you searched out the ways of the Most High. 5 Oh I am astonished, in shock, and greatly afraid because of what I’ve seen tonight. 6 Then I petitioned the Most High, to strengthen to me saying, 7 my Lord if I have found favor in your sight, and you truly have blessed me above others, if you will hear all my prayers, 8 please strengthened me and reveal to your servant the interpretation of this vision which I have seen, so that my soul may be comforted. 9 For you have counted me worthy to see the end of times and of the periods. 10 He said unto me, this is the interpretation of the vision. 11 The Eagle that you saw came up from the sea is the fourth kingdom which appeared in the vision to your brother Daniel. 12 But it was not explained to him. Therefore, I will declare it to you. 13 The days will come when the kingdom will arise on earth it will be more terrifying than all the kingdoms that were before it. 14 Twelve kings reign in it, one after the other 15 the second that begins to rain will rain longer than any of the other twelve. 16 This is the interpretation of the twelve feathers that you saw in the vision. 17 As for the voice which you heard speaking, and that came not from the heads but in the middle the body this is the interpretation. 18 After the time of the kingdom, there will arise a great struggles. It will be in danger of falling. Nevertheless, it will not fall then that will begin again. 19 As for you seeing the right opposing feathers sticking to her wings, this is the interpretation: 20 eight kings will arise in her. Their reigns will be short and swift. 21 The first two will perish in the middle of her time. The middle four will be kept until the time of her and, but to will be kept unto the end. 22 As for you saying the three sleeping heads resting, this is the interpretation: 23 in her last days the Most High will raise up three kingdoms and renew many things with her, and they will have dominion over the earth, 24 and greatly oppress all those who dwell on the earth, much more than all who were before them. This is why they are called the heads of the Eagles. 25 These three will finish all the wickedness and perform the Eagles last actions. 26 As for you seeing the large middle head disappear, this means one of them will die in bed, but in pain. 27 the two that remain will be slain with the sword. 28 For the sword of the one will devour the other but in the last days will he fall by the sword himself. 29 As for you seeing the two puny feathers under the wings passing over to the head that is on the right side, this is the interpretation: 30 these are the ones who the Most High has kept for the Eagle’s end. His kingdom rain was brief and full of trouble as you have seen. 31 The lion whom you saw coming out of the forest, roaring and speaking to the Eagle, and rebuking her for her unrighteousness with all the words which you heard: 32 this is the Messiah, whom the Most High has kept for them and for their wickedness in the end of days. The Messiah will reprove them and will upbraid them for their cruelty. 33 First they would be placed before his judgment seat. They will be rebuked and then destroyed. 34 Because of his mercy, he will deliver the remnant of my people those who been saved throughout my borders, he will make them joyful until the coming of day of judgment, of which I have spoken unto you from the beginning. 35 this is the dream that you saw, and these are the interpretations. 36 you alone have been found worthy to have knowledge of the mystery of the Most High. 37 right therefore, in a book all the things that you have seen and put them in a hidden place. 38 teach them to your wise of your people whose heart you know are able, comprehending, to keep my mysteries. 39 but you endure here yet seven days more, that there may be revealed to you what the Most High will reveal to you.
Commentary of Twelve Chapter
For proper review for chapter 11 and 12 please purchase the book by Ken Johnson Ancient Apocalypse of Ezra, in which he does extensive commentary on the research that is presented in his publication about this.
13 – The Messiah from the Sea
4 Ezra 13:1-57… After seven days, I saw a vision in the night. 2 I saw great wind arise in the sea, so that it should stir up its waves. 3 Then the men brought from the midst of the sea as it were the form of a man. And I watched as the man flew with the clouds of heaven, and whatever he turned his face to look, everything before his face trembled, 4 and whenever his voice went out all who heard his voice melted away as wax melts in a furnace. 5 After this, I saw there were gathered together innumerable multitude of men from the four winds of heaven to fight with the man who came up from the sea. 6 I saw that he had cut out for himself the lofty mountain and fluid stood upon it. 7 But I sought to see the region or place where the mountain had been cut out but could not. 8 After this, I saw all who were gathered together to fight with him were in great fear, yet they dared to fight. 9 When he saw the violet multitude that came, he did not lift up his hand, neither did he hold a spear or any of all the weapons of war. 10 But I saw how he sent out from his mouth only as it were waves of fire, and out of his lips the breath of flame, and he was shooting forth glowing coals of storm. 11 These were all mingled together waves of fire, the breath of the flame, and the mass of the storm and they fell upon the violet multitude that was prepared to fight, and burn them all up, so that suddenly nothing was left of the multitude of men without number, only the dust and ashes and the smell of smoke. I saw and was amazed. 12 After this I saw the man come down from the mountain, he called a peaceful multitude of men. 13 Many men drew close to him. Some of them were glad, some sad, and some were bound, and some brought those who were to be offered. But then I was so agitated that I woke myself up, and a petition the Most High saying.
Ezra’s Prayer for Understanding
14 You shown your servant these wonders from the beginning, and while I’m not worthy, if a steam me worthy to receive my petition. 15 Now reveal to me further the interpretation of this vision. 16 For looks like those who survive in these days suffer greatly but those who do not suffer more, 17 because those who do not survive will be grieved 18 over what comes upon those who survive in the last days, who lived to see it. 19 Woe to those who survive, because they must see great perils and distresses that these vision show. 20 But it would be better to stand in peril and see these things come to pass rather than pass away as a cloud for the world and not see what happens at the consumption of the times.
The Meaning of the Vision
21 He answered, saying I will tell you the interpretation of your vision, and I will also reveal answers to your questions. 22 This is the meaning of the people you asked about, those who survive those who do not. 23 In that dangerous time, he will protect those who have works of faith towards the Most High and the Mighty One. 24 Therefore, those who survive or more blessed than those who die. 25 this is the interpretation of your vision. The man coming up from the heart of the sea is 26 he whom the most high has kept from the beginning, through whom he would deliver his creation, he will bring through those who are left. 27 The fire and the storm that came from the breath of his mouth, 28 and that he did not have a spear or any weapon in his hand but stills destroy the masses coming to wage war with him means that 29 in the future, when the Most High is about to deliver those who dwell on the earth. 30 Great horror will come upon the inhabitants of the earth. 31 They will plan to fight with each other, city with city people with people, and kingdom with kingdom. 32 After all the signs I previously told you about to come to pass, then will my son be revealed (Mark 9:2-8) whom you saw is a man coming up. 33 When all the peoples to hear his voice, they will have to leave that battle they were fighting. 34 Those men without number will gather to come in wage war with that man, 35 but he will stand on top of Mount Zion, 36 and signed will come to be revealed to all, prepared and built, as he saw the mountain that was cut out without hands. My son will reprove those ungodly people, like a storm, 37 then will judge their wicked deeds and sentence them to torment wherewith they are destined. (Daniel 2:34,45) 38 As to him being like a flame he will destroy them without effort by the law of him has been likened unto fire. (Habakkuk 3:3-6)
Nine and a Half Tribes
39 The peaceful multitude of men that he gathered together to himself, 40 these are the nine and half tribes which were led captive out of the land in the days of Josiah the King, which was Salmanazar the king of Assyria took captive, and brought them to the other side of the Euphrates River. 41 They decided for themselves that they would leave the multitude of the peoples and go into the interior region were no man ever dwelt, 42 so they could freely keep their law which they had not been able to keep in Israel. 43 They entered through the narrow passages of the Euphrates. 44 For the Most High performing miracles for them. He held back the resources of the river until they had all passed over, 45 that they might proceed to dry land. It was a long journey, taking a year and half, And the region was called Arzareth. 46 They dwelt there until the last time. Then when they were about to come again, 47 the Most High will again hold back the sources of the Euphrates River, so they can pass over. Therefore you have seen the peaceful multitude that was gathered together. 48 But these also who survive from your people will live, they who are found within my holy borders. 49 When he destroys the violet multitude of the people, he will protect the people who remain, 50 and will perform many miracles. 51 I then asked him, my Lord, make known to me this, wherefore I have seen the man come up from the heart of the sea. 52 He answered and said to me, just as one does not have the proper power to search out what the depths of the sea, so no one who is on earth can see the Son of Man or those who are with him except in that time in his day. 53 This is interpretation of the vision which you have seen. These things have been revealed to you, to you alone, 54 because you have forsaken your personal things and devoted yourself to searching the holy things, in the law. 55 You have sought wisdom all of your life, you’ve called discernment my mother. 56 That is why have shown you these things as a reward from the Most High. After three days I will speak with you again and explain to you the last marvels. 57 And I did a lot of walking in the field, praising the Most High for his marvels which he had brought at the different times, 58 and because he directs the times and what comes in those times. I sat there three days.
Commentary of 13th Chapter
This vision was not meant as a blow-by-blow description of events to come. It’s not like a prophecy either but is meant to give understanding to the event’s that would be coming in the future as signs. The angel gives meaning to the vision, we need to look at the meaning of the events of the vision. The lofty mountain is not called out as Mount Zion in this vision or in the interpretation, but we do know from other scriptures that this is probably Mount Zion. We also know through other scriptures that the Son of Man will be revealed at the time that he’s to be glorified. God continues to give Revelation and expanding our knowledge based upon what he’s already said in prophecy. Thus, we find the apostle Paul saying that all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for reproving and setting things straight. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Now the commentary about the 9 ½ tribes or the lost tribes of Israel. Many have written about these things so there’s no need for me to really add or try to take away from what’s been written. But an observation the that I like to make is this, It may not necessarily be a physical place but a spiritual condition. If it was physical, then we have to look to Eastern Turkey to headwaters of the Euphrates River. These tribes would had have migrated to the country of Georgia and up into Southwestern Russia and countries around the Black Sea, like Ukraine. At the writing of this commentary 2/5/2022 Russia is poised to enter Ukraine and bring it back underneath its control. There are many Jews who live in Ukraine I believe the president of Ukraine is also Jewish but please do your own research.
14 – The Sacred Books
4 Ezra 14:1-50… After three days past I was sitting under an oak, and a voice came out from the bush opposite of me saying Ezra, Ezra! I said behold, here I am, and I stood on my feet. He said to me, 3 I revealed myself from the bush to Moses when my people were enslaved in Egypt, 4 and I sent him to lead my people out of Egypt and bring them into the wilderness and lead them up to Mount Sinai. I spoke with Moses many days, 5 explaining to him many wonders, revealed to him the secrets of the times and the consumption of the periods, and I said to him, 6 some of these things you must keep secret and some you must reveal. 7 Now I will tell you, Ezra, 8 the signs which I have previously showed you, and the visions you have seen, and their interpretations which you have heard, hide them in your heart. 9 For you shall be taken up from men and shall remain with my son, and others like you, until the times are fulfilled. 10 For the world has lost its youth, the times are near to old age. 11 For the land was divided into twelve parts. Nine and half parts of it are already gone, 12 and only two and half remain. 13 Therefore, set your house in order, warn your people, console the lowly ones, and instruct the wise. Give up the corruptible things of this life. 14 Lay aside all thought of men’s burdens, death, the weak nature, and the things that oppress you. Ready yourselves to leave this age. 15 Worst things will happen for them than the evil that you have seen. 16 As the world ages, evils multiply on the people. 17 Truth gets harder to find, falsehood only grows. Even now that Eagle that you’ve seen in the vision begins its approach.
Ezra’s Request to Write
18 I asked, my Lord, 19 I will go as you have commanded me, and I will warn the people who exist. Those however who are not yet born who will warn them? 20 For the world is in darkness and the people without light. 21 For the law is burnt and no one remembers the works that you have done, or what you’re about to do. 22 If there I have found favor before you empower me by the Holy Spirit and all write all that has happened in the world from the beginning, including what has been written in your law, that men may be enabled to find the path, and that they who wish to live at the last may know the way. 23 He answered me, go, and gather together your people and tell them not to seek you for 40 days. 24 Prepare yourself many writing tablets, and take these five men with you Seraia, Daria, Shelemia, Helkans, and Shiel, because they are equipped for writing quickly. 25 When you’re ready, you shall come back here, and I will cause your heart to discern all your thoughts will not fade until you have completed what you’re about to write. 26 When you’re finished some of them you shall make public but some you show conceal and deliver them to the wise. Tomorrow at this time you shall begin to write.
Ezra Prepares His Heart
27 I went as he commanded me, and gathered together all the people, and said to them, 28 here Israel these words. 29 Our fathers were formally strangers in the land of Egypt, and we were delivered from there. 30 They received the law of life but did not keep it, in which you also transgressed. 31 A land was given to you for an inheritance in the land of Zion, but you and your forefathers have committed iniquity and have not kept the ways which Moses, the servant Lord commanded you. 32 The Most High who is judge of truth, took from you what for time had been given you. 33 Now you are here in distress, and your brothers and dwell in a distant land. 34 If you will then admonish your soul, and you will discipline your heart, your life’s will be preserved, and mercy will befall you after death. 35 For after death comes judgment, and we will live again. Then the righteous will be revealed, and the works of the ungodly will be manifest. 36 But leave me alone do not inquire after me for 40 days. 37 I took the five men as he commanded me, and went into the field, and we remain there as he had told me. 38 The next day his voice came to me and said Ezra, open your mouth and drink what I give you to drink. 39 I open my mouth and saw. There came to me at a full cup, it was full as if it were of water and its appearance was like fire. 40 I took and drank, and when I drank it my heart overflowed with discernment my breasts poured forth wisdom and my spirit retain memory. 41 My mouth was opened and was not shut. 42 But the Most High gave understanding to the five men, and they wrote the things that were directed in order and write in signs that they knew not. I sat there 40 days, 43 but they wrote by day, and at night did not eat bread alone. I however directed by day, and at night was not silent. 44 And in 40 days ninth 94 books were written. 45 when the 40 days were completed the Most High said to me, the first 24 books that you have written make public that those who are worthy, and those who are not may read them. 46 But keep the 70 separate and only allow the wise men of your people to study them. 47 For they contain the veins of understanding, the fountains of wisdom, the streams of knowledge.
Scribal Note Add
48 And I did so and the seventh year, and the six week, after 5000 years of creation, and three months and 12 days. 49 Then Ezra was caught away and taken to the places such as were like him, after he had written all these things. 50 But he was called the scribe of knowledge of the Most High forever and ever, ended is this first discourse of Ezra.
Commentary of 14th Chapter
The first thing I like to talk about is the fact that God reveals things that are both to be made secret and to be revealed, the prophet Daniel was told to make things secret even though they were to be written down. (Daniel 12:4) Now we have the angel revealing to Ezra that Moses was given more information than what he wrote down. The apostle Paul makes mentioned that the spirit bears witness with us so that we may be convinced or convicted in our belief, that the things that are told in spirit is faithful and true. (Romans 8:16) Reading any of the inspired utterance of God you can see the same pattern given to the recipient of the information. Look at the book of Revelation where the apostle John was shown and told things but was directed not to write them down. (Revelation 10:4) Now this makes perfect sense that someone added to this book a note, acting like this is the last chapter when in fact history has proved out otherwise, there is two more chapters after this book.
Now I would like to talk about the Eagle that the angel mentions in this passage of Scripture. The Eagle has dominated the worlds affairs for the last 2000 years. Who is this Eagle, and can we identify it today?
This Eagle has manifested itself through the Roman Republic. Now look at the world governments today as we ask, who holds the image of the Eagle in prominence? Which one of these governments is a world power now?
Once we have identified who this is, who is the Eagle manifesting itself through today. We know that no other world government or power will come into existence after the Eagle except the kingdom of Christ Jesus. Daniel 7:13-14
15 – The Last Days
4 Ezra 15:1-63… Behold, teach the words of this prophecy, which I will reveal to you, to my people says the Lord 2 Write them on paper, for they are faithful and true. 3 Do not fear the imaginations of unbelievers, do not be troubled by those who speak against you. 4 For all the unfaithful will die in the unfaithfulness. 5 Behold, says the Lord I will bring plagues upon the world the sword, the famine, death, and destruction. 6 For wickedness has thoroughly polluted the entire earth, and their hurtful works are fulfilled. 7 Therefore says the Lord, 8 I will not hold my tongue anymore, as touching their profanity, committed wickedness, neither will I allow them to continue practicing it. Behold, innocent and righteous blood cry unto me, and the souls of the just complain continuously. (Enoch 22:7) 9 therefore, says the Lord, I will surely receive the innocent slain by them and will avenge them. 10 Behold, my people are led as a flock to the slaughter. I no longer allowed them to dwell in the land of Egypt, 11 but I will bring them with a mighty hand stretched out arm, and smite Egypt with plagues, as before, I will destroy all the land of Egypt. 12 Egypt will mourn, and its foundation will be struck with the plagues and punishment that God will bring upon it. 13 They who toil the ground will mourn because their seeds will fall from the blight, hail, and the scorching sun. 14 Woe to the world and those who dwell therein it. 15 For the destruction by the sword draws near. One people will stand up and fight against another, with hand weapons. 16 There will be seditions among men, and invasions. They will not regard their kings nor their rulers and by the course of their actions assert their power. 17 Men will desire to go to a city but will not be able. 18 Because the pride of the usurpers the cities will be troubled, houses will be destroyed, and men will be afraid. 19 A man will have no pity upon his neighbor, but will destroy their homes with the sword, and the soil their goods, because a lack of bread, and the great tribulation.
The Incoming Judgment
20 Behold says God I will call together all the kings of the earth to reverence me which are from the rising of the sun in the South, East, and Lebanon, to turn themselves, one against the other and repay the things they have done to each other. 21 As they still do this day to my chosen, so I will also recompense in their bosom, says the Lord God. 22 My right hand will not spare the sinners, and my sword will not cease over those who shed innocent blood upon the earth. 23 The fire is gone from forth his wrath, and has consumed the foundations of the earth, and the sinners, like straw that is kindled 24 Woe them who sin and do not keep my commandments says the Lord. 25 I will not spare them. Go your way children from the power do not defile my sanctuary. 26 For the Lord knows all those who sin against him and will deliver them into death and destruction. 27 For the reason the plagues will now come upon the whole earth, and you will remain in them, for God will not deliver you because you have sinned against him.
The War of Judgment
28 Behold, horrible visions that appears in the east 29 from where the Dragon nations of Arabia will come with many chariots and then the multitude of them will be carried as the wind upon the earth. All who hear them will fear and tremble. 30 Also the Carmanians (Iranians) raging and wrathful, will attack as wild woodland boars it was great power will come and join in the battle with the Dragon Nations. They will lay waste to portions of the land of Assyria, (Syria) 31 but when the dragons will have the upper hand. They will remember their true nature, and will turn on themselves, conspiring together in great power to persecute each other. 32 Then these, who will be bled dry will keep silent while under their power, until they can flee. 33 from the land of the Assyrians will his enemy to besiege them and consume some of them. All will fear their host, and there will be strife among their kings. 34 But whole clouds from the east and from the north will come into the South and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm. 35 They will smite one upon another and they will smite down a great multitude of the stars (possibly religious factions) upon the earth, even their own star. Blood will be from the sword into the belly, 36 and dung of men unto the camel’s hamstring. 37 There will be a great fearfulness and trembling upon the earth, and they who see the wrath will be afraid, and tremble. 38 Then there will come great storms from the South from the North another part from the West. 39 Strong winds will arise from the east and will open it. The cloud which he raised up in wrath and the star that moved to cause fear toward the East and the West wind, will be destroyed. 40 The great and mighty clouds will be puffed up full of wrath, and the star, that they make all the earth afraid, and them that dwell therein. They will pour out over every high intimate place this horrible star. 41 Fire, inhale, and the flying swords (missiles) and many waters, that all fields may be full and all rivers with the abundance of great water. 42 They will break down the cities and the walls, mountains and hills, trees of woodlands, grass in the meadows and their corn. 43 They will go steadfastly unto Babylon and make her afraid. 44 They will come to her and besiege her the star and all wrath will be poured out upon her. Then they will the dust and smoke go up into heaven in all they who are about her will bewail her. 45 They who remained under her will to service unto them who have put her in fear. 46 You, Asia that are partaker of the hope of Babylon, and are the glory of her person. 47 Woe be unto you wretch because you have made yourself like unto her, you have decked your daughters in whoredom, that they might please in glory in your lovers, which have always desired to commit whoredom with you. 48 You followed her that has hated, and all her works and inventions therefore says God. 49 I will send plagues upon your widowhood, poverty, famine, sword, and pestilence to waste your houses with destruction and death. 50 The glory of your power will be dried up as a flower, the heat will arise that I sent over you. 51 You will be weakened as a poor woman with stripes and as one chastised with wounds, so that that the mighty and the lovers will not be able to receive you. 52 Would I with jealousy have so proceeded against you saith the Lord, 53 if you had not always slain my chosen, exulting the stroke of your hands and saying over their dead when you were drunken. 54 Set forth the beauty of your consonants, 55 the reward of your whoredom will be in your bosom therefore you will receive recompense. 56 Like you have done to my chosen, says the Lord even so will God do unto you, and will deliver you into evil. 57 Your children will die of hunger, and you will fall by the sword. Your cities will be broken down, and all yours will perish with the sword in the field. 58 Those, who are in the mountains, will die of hunger and eat their own flesh and drink their own blood for extreme hunger, bread, and thirst of water 59 you will unhappily come through the sea and receive plagues again. 60 In the passage they will rush on the idle city, and will destroy some portion of your land, and consume part of your glory and will return to Babylon that was destroyed. 61 You will be cast down by them as double, they will be unto you as a fire, 62 and will consume you, your cities, your land, and your mountains. All your woods and your fruit trees will they burn up with fire. 63 Your children will they carry away captive, and look, what you have, they will spoil it and mara the beauty of your face.
Commentary of 15th Chapter
The worker is due his wage! So, I will again encourage you to please purchase the book by Ken Johnson Ancient Apocalypse of Ezra, in which he does extensive commentary and the research that is presented in his publication about this subject matter. As I look at these last two chapters of the book, I can’t help but feeling that Syria and the forces that are in it, the armies and the battles are exactly as described here to Ezra.
16 – The Last Days Continued
4 Ezra 16:1-78… Woe be unto you, Babylon, and Asia. Woe be unto you Egypt, and Syria. 2 Gird up yourselves for sackcloth of hair, bewail your children, be sorry, for your destruction is at hand. 3 A sword is sent upon you, and who may turn it back? 4 A fire is set among you, and who may quench it? 5 Plagues are set unto you, and who is he who can drive them away? 6 Can any man drive away a hungry lion in the woods? 7 Can one turn again the arrow that is shot by strong archer? 8 The mighty Lord sends the plagues and who is he who can drive them away? 9 A fire will go forth from his wrath, and who is he who may quench it? 10 He will cast lightnings, and who will not fear? He will thunder, and who will not be afraid? 11 The Lord will threaten, and who will not be utterly beaten into powder and his presence?
The Time of God’s Wrath Has Come
12 The earthquakes at its foundations. The sea rises up with waves from the deep, and the waves of it are troubled and the fishes thereof also, before the Lord before the glory of his power. 13 For strong is his right hand who bends the bow. His arrows that he shoots are sharp, and will not miss, when they began to shoot unto the ends of the world. 14 Behold, the plagues are sent, and will not return, until they have come upon the earth. 15 The fires kindled, and will not be put out, until it consumes a foundation of the earth. 16 Like as an arrow which is shot by mighty archer does not return, even so the plagues that will be set upon the earth will not return again.
The Beginnings of Sorrows
17 Woe is me! Woe is me! Who will deliver me in these days? 18 They are the beginning of sorrows and great morning, beginning of famine and great death, beginning of wars, and the power will stand in fear, the beginning of the evils. What will I do with these evils will come? 19 Behold, famine and plagues, tribulation, and anguish, are set scourges for amendment. 20 But for all these things they will not turn from their wickedness, nor be always mindful of their scourges. 21 Behold, victuals will be so cheap upon the earth, that they will think themselves to be in good case, and even then, will evils began to grow upon the earth, sword, famine, and great confusion. 22 For many of them who dwell upon the earth will perish by famine, and the other who escape the hunger, will the sword destroy. 23 The dead will be cast out is dung, and there will be no man to comfort them, for the earth will be wasted, and the cities will be cast down. 24 There will be no man left to till the earth, and to sow it. 25 The trees will give fruit, and who will gather them? 26 The grapes will ripen, and who will tread them? For all places will be desolate of men, 27 so that no man will desire to see another, and to hear his voice. 28 for only 10 will be left in a city and two in the field, which will hide themselves in the thick groves and the cliffs of the rocks. 29 as in an orchard of olives, upon every tree there are left three or four olives, 30 or as a vineyard is gathered, there are left some clusters of them that diligently see seek through the vineyard. 31 Even so in those days there will be three or four left by them who search their houses with the sword. 32 The earth will be laid waste, and the fields thereof will grow old, and her ways and all her paths will grow full of thorns, because no man will travel through there. 33 The virgins will mourn, having no bridegrooms. The women will mourn, having no husbands. The daughters will mourn, having no helpers. 34 Their bridegroom’s will be destroyed in the wars, their husbands will perish in the famine.
Listen to the Word of the Lord
35 Here now these things and understand them, you servants of the Lord. 36 behold the word of the Lord and receive it. Believe not the gods whom the Lord spoke. 37 Behold, the plagues draw near, and will not slow down. 38 As when a woman with child in the ninth but brings forth her son, with two or three hours of her birth great pains compress her womb, which pains, when the child cometh fourth, they do not slow down for a moment. 39 Even so the plagues will not slow down after they began to come upon the earth, and the world will mourn, and sorrows will come upon it on every side. 40 Oh my people, hear my word. Make yourself ready to do battle, but in those evils, even be as pilgrims upon the earth. 41 He who sells let him be as he who flees away, and he who buys, as one who will lose 42 he who occupies merchandise, as he who has no profit by it, and he who builds, as he who will not dwell therein, 43 he who sows as if he should not reap, so also, he who plants in the vineyard, as he will not gather the grapes. 44 They who marry, is there who will not get no children, and they will marry not, as the widowers. 45 Therefore they who labor, labor in vain, 46 for strangers will reap their fruits, and spoil of the goods, overthrow their houses and take the children captives, for in captivity in famine will they get children. 47 They who occupies their merchandise with robbery, the more they decked their cities, their houses, their possessions, and their own persons, 48 the more will I be angry with them for their sins says the Lord. 49 Like a whore envies a right, honest and virtuous woman, 50 so will righteousness hate in equity, when she decks herself, and will accuse her to her face, when he comes who would defend him who diligently searches out every sin upon the earth. 51 Therefore do not be like them nor do their works.
The Lord Will Judge All
52 For yet a little, and iniquity will be taken out of the earth, and the righteous will reign among you. 53 Let not the sinner say that he has not sinned, for God will burn coals of fire upon his head who says before the Lord and his glory, I have not sinned. Behold, the Lord knows all the works of men, their imaginations, their thoughts, and their hearts. 55 He spoke the word, Let the earth be made, and it was made, Let the heavens be made, and it was created. 56 By his word were the stars made, and he knows the number of them. 57 He searches the deep and the treasures thereof. He has measured the sea and knows what it contains. 58 He has shut the sea in the midst of the waters, and with his word he has hung the earth upon the waters. 59 He spreads out the heavens like a vault. Upon the waters he has founded it. 60 In the desert he has made springs of water, and pools upon the tops of the mountains, that the floods might pour down from high rocks to water the earth. 61 He made man and put his heart in the midst of his body and gave him the breath, life, and understanding. 62 Yes spirit of Almighty God, which made all things, and searches out at all hidden things in the secrets of the earth, 63 surely, he knows your intentions and what you think in your hearts, even those who sin, and would hide their sin. 64 Therefore has the Lord exactly searched out all your works, and he will put you all to shame. 65 When your sins are brought forth, you will be ashamed before man, and your own sins will be your accusers in that day.
Repent My People
66 What will you do? How will you hide your sins before God and his angels? 67 Behold God himself is the judge. Fear him leave off your sins and forget your iniquities, to meddle no more with them forever. Then God will lead you forth and will deliver you from all trouble. 68 Behold, the burning wrath of the great multitude is kindled over you, and they will take away certain of you and feed you being idle, things offered to idols 69 They who obey them will be held in duration and reproach and trodden underfoot. 70 Therefore will be in every place and in the next cities a great insurrection upon those who fear the Lord. 71 They will be like mad men sparing none but still spalling and destroy those who fear the Lord. 72 They will waste and take away their goods and cast them out of their homes. 73 Then they will be known, who are my chosen and they will be tried as the gold in the fire.
I Will Deliver You
74 Here all my beloved says the Lord. Behold the days of trouble are at hand, but I will deliver you from the same. 75 Be not afraid, either doubt for God is your guide 76 and the guide of those who keep my commandments and precepts says the Lord God. Let not your sins weigh you down and let not your inequities lift up themselves. 77 Woe be unto them who are bound with their sins and covered with their inequities like a field is covered over with bushes, and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travel through. 78 It is left unaddressed and is cast into the fire to be consumed therewith.
Commentary of 16th Chapter
What started the Syrian conflict that the world finds itself in? That is a very complex question especially since God called for it. But most world historians will point back to what is called the Arab Spring as the focal point of what started this conflict. It was a movement of anti-government protests.
The Anarchist
Most people do not realize that the Arab Spring result was a result of a movement referred to as Occupy Wall Street, in which a call for an end to Economic Inequality and the influence of money in politics. One of the many players in these movements was a group called Anonymous and those who support its membership are called Anon. One of the most favorite and well-known is called Q-Anon. This group and those who support it are anarchist whether or not they know it or even like it, they think that they are freedom fighters but are really advocating for a world without a ruler.
Another major player of this conflict in Syria was Isis, basically formed in 1999 and is referred to the Islamic World Government. If you do your research, you will basically see that the wars in Syria have basically become a free-for-all and is a proxy war being fought by many superpowers. With no single objective in mind there will be no clear winners of this war there are famines, death, and misery and the words of God are going to be fulfilled. Soon the Son of Man will stand up to end the conflict has been raging since March 15, 2011.
If you are to ask the people of Syria if they thought this was a Time of Sorrows, I think you’d find no one disagreeing with that statement being true.
So, this last chapter has to do with God’s wrath and people needing to hide themselves in the rocks. We are cautioned not to make use of the world and were promised that in equity will be removed. Yes, come Lord Jesus let God’s kingdom rule!
Writingwithlogos.com – Last updated 7/28/24