Ezra 7-8

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    11                                                     Passage:    Ezra 7-8

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Head ’em Up - King sends and enables (Ezra 7) 1. Ezra, the lineage (1-5) 2. Ezra, the reputation (6) 3. Ezra’s, Jerusalem return outlined (7-9) 4. Ezra’s devotion, observance, teaching law its commands and decrees (10-11) 5. Decree for Jerusalem return (12-26) a. All Israelites who volunteer may go to Jerusalem (12-14) b. Take gold and silver that has been freely given and freewill offerings (15-16) c. With money given by bulls, rams, lambs, grain and drink offerings to be sacrificed in Jerusalem (17) d. Deliver silver, gold and articles entrusted for worship and anything else needed from royal treasury (18-20) e. Tax free diligence to be from treasures (21-24) f. Ezra given authority to appoint leaders and to teach 6. Ezra’s praise to God for provision and king’s heart and Head’s up Israel’s leaders (27-28)

Move ‘em Out – Families Registered and Levites added (Ezra 8:1-20) 1. Family heads recorded, descendants counted (8:1-14) 2. Ezra assembles and checks for Levites; none found (15) 3. Ezra summons leaders and men of learning telling them to go to Iddo requesting capable men (16-17) 4. Capable men found and temple servants; each were registered by name (18-20)

Dusty Trails – Journey Fasting and Prayer with accounting and praise (Ezra 8:21-36) 1. A Fast proclaimed to humble before Lord with request for safe journey (21) 2. Reason for fasting due to brag and not wanting to ask for protection from him. (22-23) 3. Setting apart 12 priest and separating out silver, gold and articles donated to house of God (24-27) 4. Instructions given to guard responsibility until we account for them in Israel (28-30) 5. The journey (dusty trails) to Jerusalem (31-32) 6. Weighed out gold, silver and articles; all was accounted for in Jerusalem (33-34) 7. Offering to the Lord and delivered orders to king’s satraps and governors (35-36)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Head ’em  Up  - King sends and enables	Ezra 7
Move ‘em Out – Families Registered and Levites added	Ezra 8:1-20
Dusty Trails – Journey Fasting and Prayer with accounting and praise	Ezra 8:21-36

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

King’s directions enable return with precious articles accounted and offerings.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God enables our journey with provisions for our way and is worthy of worship.

Application Questions

What have you been given authority to accomplish?

How have you prepared to journey with God?

How are you being faithful to what God has provided for you?

Principles to Remember           

God provides

God’s family is recognized and counted

Our faithfulness is an offering to God

Characteristic of God

Opens the Way

Theme

Our life journey is with God; He provides and counts us faithful as we travel with Him.

Ezra 3-6

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    10                                                     Passage:    Ezra 3-6

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Altar Built; Praise Rings Out (Ezra 3) 1. Seventh month Joshua and Zerubbabel with associates begin building altar to God (1-2) 2. Altar built despite fear of peoples around them; sacrificing to Lord burnt offerings (3-6) 3. Second month/Second year House of God rebuilding began by paying Tyre and Sidon for cedar logs (7) 4. Zerubbabel and Joshua with priests and Levites and family joined in supervising work on house of God (8-9) 5. Praise rang out with trumpets and cymbals as the foundations were laid, singing “He is good; His love toward Israel endures forever” (10-13)

Opposition Experienced; Support Edict Provided (Ezra 4:1-6:12a) 1. Enemies come asking to help build temple and are rejected (4:1-3) 2. The rejected set out to discourage, bribing officials to discourage (4:4-5) 3. Accusations lodged against Judah and Jerusalem in letter to Artaxerxes (4:6-16) 4. King sends reply indicating history of revolt and rebellion and compelled by force to stop (4:17-24) 5. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied to build house of God (5:1-2) 6. Governor challenged authorization to rebuild temple asking for names with letter to king (5:3-10) 7. King responds with letter citing Cyrus’ decree to rebuild God’s house (5:11-16) 8. A search of the royal archives retrieved a copy of decree and contents (5:17-6:5) 9. Governor instructed to stay away from there and don’t interfere. (6:6-7) 10. Governor instructed to enable paying expenses and supplying sacrifices (6:8-10) 11. Anyone who defies edict or acts to destroy temple will be killed and their house destroyed. (6:11-12)

Temple Rebuild Completed; Joyous Worship Results (Ezra 6:12b-22) 1. Darius decree carried out with diligence (6:12b-13) 2. Elders of Jews built and prospered under teach of prophets Haggai and Zechariah completing the rebuilding of temple (6:14-15) 3. People celebrated the dedication of the Temple with joy with offerings, and installing priests in service of God (6:16-18) 4. Passover and Festival of Unleavened Bread celebration in joy. (6:19-22)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Altar Built; Praise Rings Out	Ezra 3
Opposition Experienced; Support Edict Provided	Ezra 4-6:12a
Temple Rebuild Completed; Joyous Worship Results	Ezra 6:12b-22

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Ezra describes Altar and Temple rebuilt, opposition, substantiation and celebration.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God works in the tasks He places before us. Joy comes through our faithful service to Him.

Application Questions

Where do you get sidetracked; what changes need to happen?

How have challenges impacted your kingdom service?

How does your worship bring God glory?

Principles to Remember           

Praise recognizes God’s work

Challenges are present

God’s handiwork brings joy.

Characteristic of God

Our Joy

Theme

Priests and Levites rebuild the altar and the temple; opposition hinders, while the king's edict brings completion and joy.

 

 

Ezra 1-2

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    09                                                     Passage:    Ezra 1-2

Content (List of Topics or Events)

King Proclaims and Enables Israel’s Return (Ezra 1) 1. Cyrus proclamation for surviving Israel to return build a temple in Jerusalem (1-4) a. Appointed to build a temple b. Any of Israel may go build temple c. Proclaim “May God be with them” d. Living Survivors are to be provided silver, gold, goods, livestock and valuable gifts along with freewill offerings 2. Family head of Judah, Benjamin, Levites and those with prepared hearts prepared to go with neighbors’ assistance of items specified (5-6) 3. Cyrus brought out temple articles which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away (7) 4. Cyrus brought them by Mithredath, the treasurer and inventoried to Sheshbazzar prince of Judah (8-10) 5. Sheshbazzar brought these from Babylon to Jerusalem (11)

Returning Exiles Identified and Counted (Ezra 2:1-58) 1. People returning from captivity each to their own town in company of leaders (1-2) 2. Israel descendants identified and counted (a census) (2b-58) a. Men of Israel (2b-35) b. The priests (36-39) c. The Levites (40) d. The musicians (41) e. The gatekeepers of temple (42) f. The temple servants (43-54) g. The descendants of the servants of Solomon (55-58)

Lineage verified, settled and offerings (Ezra 2:59-70) 1. Returnees that could not show families descended from Israel (59-63) a. Descendants of Delaiah, Tobiah, Nekoda (60) b. Among the priests; Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai and excluded from priesthood as unclean (61-63) 2. Returning company numbered with slaves, and singers along with horses, mules, camels and donkeys (64-67) 3. Arriving in Jerusalem, families gave freewill offerings toward building temple (68-69) 4. Priest, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers and temple servants with others; Israelites settled in their towns (70)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

King Proclaims and Enables Israel’s Return	Ezra 1
Returning Exiles Identified and counted	Ezra 2:1-58
Lineage Verified, Settled and offerings	Ezra 2:59-70

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Ezra describes proclamation, enablement, count in Israel’s exile Jerusalem return.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God is faithful enabling the His people to do His work.

Application Questions

How has God delivered you from harsh circumstances and provided for you? How have you thanked Him?

In what ways have you counted your blessings?  Your blessing could be found in your descendants.

Where have you settled?  It’s not a place; it’s an attitude.

Principles to Remember           

God can use our leaders for His purposes

Blessings are to be counted

Gratitude comes from the heart

Characteristic of God

Promise Keeper

Theme

Ezra describes Cyrus’ proclamation, enabling decree and the details of Israels return from exile.

 

Daniel 10-12

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    08                                                     Passage:    Daniel 10-12

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Vision to Highly Esteemed Daniel (Daniel 10:1-11:1) 1. In Cyrus’ 3rd year, Daniel received a message came in a vision of a great war; he had mourned and obtained from food and wine for 3 weeks (1-2) 2. On the 24th day of the 1st month, Daniel, standing by the Tigris River Daniel sees a man dressed in linen, belt of gold,  body like topaz, shining face, eyes like torches, arms & legs gleam of bronze, voice like multitude listening fell into sleep, face to the ground (3-9) 3. Man touched Daniel, standing describes Daniel’s humbleness before Lord, words were heard, coming in response (10-12) 4. Man explains being detained by Prince of Persia 21 days; now explain what will happen in future to Daniel’s people (13-14) 5. Daniel given strength to speak even in anguish over a vision of man with words “Peace be strong” (15-19) 6. Reason he came to Daniel is to tell what is written in Book of Truth for people (20-21;11:1) a. Soon to fight prince of Persia b. Prince of Greece c. 1st year of Darius support and protection

Vision Prediction: Truth (Daniel 11:2-45) 1. Prediction of kings in Persia before a more powerful Greece overtakes (2-4) 2. Prediction of fruitless attempt to unite these two north and south kingdoms as iron and clay (5-6) 3. War between two kingdoms (7-15) 4. Kingdom of North will overtake kingdom of South have power over Israel (16) 5. King will be defeated with a Tax Collector coming to power (17-20) 6. A Contemptible person and act deceitfully desecrating temple and set up the abomination that causes desolation (21-32) 7. Wise will instruct, in process they’ll die, punished, tormented without support. They will be refined and made spotless (33-35) 8. King will do as he pleases, and honor his successes and those who him. Contempt for all religion (36-37) 9. King will wage war in and will come to an end in his pursuit without help from others (38-45)

Vision Explained: Knowledge and Understanding of Times End (Daniel 12) 1. Great Prince protector of will arise and those in the Book will be delivered (1) 2. Multitudes who sleep will awake some to everlasting life and others to contempt (2) 3. Wise will shine, those who lead to righteousness, like stars forever (3) 4. Daniel roll up and seal words until end; many will go and increase knowledge (4) 5. The question “how long” and man clothed in linen answered “for a time, times half a time”; when power of home people broken all completed (5-7) 6. The question “what is the outcome”; many will be purified, spotless refined, wicked will be wicked. Wicked won’t understand the wise will (8-10) 7. When daily sacrifice abolished, the abomination setup 1290 days; blessed is the one who waits and reaches the end 1335 days (11-12) 8. Daniel told to go your way till the end, he’ll rest and then will receive allotted inheritance (13)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Vision to Highly Esteemed Daniel	Daniel 10:1-11:1
Vision Prediction: Truth (Daniel 11:2-45)	Daniel 11:2-45
Vision Explained: Knowledge and Understanding of Times End	Daniel 12

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Daniel has final instructions outlined of kingdoms, outcomes and inheritance.

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God delivers his righteousness and they will shine brightly forever and ever.

Application Questions

What do people say about you?  How does that impact you today?

In what ways does the happenings in the world trouble you? What is your response?

How has your understanding of God’s Kingdom impacted your relationship with others?  What is your truth?

Principles to Remember           

Humble prayer has an impact

Kings and kingdoms will pass away

God’s words increase our knowledge

Characteristic of God

Source of Knowledge

Theme

Daniel finds the truth that Kings and kingdoms will come and go; our hope, knowledge and hope come from the Lord.

 

Daniel 9

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    07                                                     Passage:    Daniel 9

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Preparation (Daniel 9:1-3) 1.  Daniel in first year of Darius reign understood from Jeremiah (scriptures) Jerusalem’s desolation would be 70 years (1-2) 2. Daniel pleaded in prayer to Lord God (3a) 3. Daniel fasted and humble himself through fasting, in sackcloth and ashes (3b)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Petition (Daniel 9:4-19) 1. Adoration - Prays and confesses to God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love him and keep His commands (4) 2. Confession - Describes Israel’s sins a. Wicked, rebellious, turned away from commands and laws, not listened to prophets who spoke your name. (5-6) b. Contrasts righteous Lord with shameful scattered unfaithful sinners “Israel” (7-8) c. Describing merciful forgiving God as opposed to rebellious disobedient transgressors of your law refusing to obey you (9-11a) 3. Recognition - Curses and judgments pour out because of our sin fulfilling words and bringing disaster (11b-15) a. Nothing like it done to Jerusalem b. We have not sought favor c. No hesitation in disaster; You are righteousness; we have not obeyed d. You brought us from Egypt with enduring name, we have sinned and done wrong 4. Petition - God to turn away anger and scorn from and have mercy (16-19)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Response (Daniel 9:20-27) 1. While in prayer, Gabriel comes to Daniel to give insight and understanding (20-22) 2. Word went out to tell you as soon as you began to pray; Daniel (23) 3. Seventy “Sevens” decreed to finish transgressions, atoning for wickedness and bringing everlasting righteousness; sealing up vision, prophecy and anointing Most Holy Place (24) 4. When word goes out to rebuild Jerusalem until Anointed One comes there will be 7 “sevens” and 62 “sevens”; it will be rebuilt in times of trouble (25) 5. After 62 “sevens” the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing and city and sanctuary destroyed (26a) 6. End will come like flood war will continue to end; desolations decreed (26b) 7. He will confirm covenant with many for one “seven” (27) a. In the middle of the “seven” he will put end to sacrifice and offering. b. At temple, he will set up abomination causing desolation c. Continue to the end that is decreed is poured out on him

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Daniel’s Prayer – The Preparation	Daniel 9:1-3
Daniel’s Prayer – The Petition	Daniel 9:4-19
Daniel’s Prayer – The Response	Daniel 9:20-27

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Daniel prays recognizing God, identifying Israel’s sins receiving “Sevens” description

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL that God hears our prayers; He is holy, loving and merciful and listened to our heartfelt requests.

Application Questions

How do you prepare yourself to enter the throne-room of God?

How does your honest confession recognize God’s grace and your need?

What ways do you listen to and apply God’s direction in your life? How do you patiently listen to His answer?

Principles to Remember           

Humble yourself before the Lord

Recognize God and our need

Our prayers are heard

Characteristic of God

Holy One

Theme

Daniel’s heartfelt prayer recognizes God’s holiness, Israel’s sin and petitions for mercy. God’s answer confirms future.

 

Daniel 7-8

 Homiletics                                                       Study:        Exile & Return                               

Lesson    06                                                     Passage:    Daniel 7-8

Content (List of Topics or Events)

Daniel’s Vision of 4 winds and 4 beasts (Daniel 7) 1.  Belshazzar 1st year dream of 4 winds churning up sea with 4 beasts out of sea (1-3) 2. 1st Beast like lion with wings of eagle; wings torn off, lifted from ground, two feet and mind of human (4) 4. 2nd Beast like bear with 3 ribs in mouth; told “get up and eat your fill of flesh” (5) 5. 3rd Beast like leopard with 4 wings and 4 heads with authority to rule (6) 6. 4th Beast terrifying, frightening powerful with iron teeth crushing, devouring victims underfoot remaining; had 10 horns (7-8) 7. Ancient of Day takes seat; He and court described as books opened (9-10) 8. Horn with boastful words thrown in fire; others lived for a time (11-12) 9. Son of Man from heaven; given authority, glory, power and everlasting dominion (13-14) 10. Daniel given interpretation with emphasis on 4th king (beast) who will be defeated and holy people delivered (15-28)

Daniel’s Vision of Ram and Goat (Daniel 8:1-14) 1. Daniel see another vision in Belshazzar 3rd year (already seen) of a ram with 2 horns with great power (1-4) 2. A goat with prominent horn knocked ram to the ground and became great; great horn knocked off and 4 grew in place toward heaven (5-8) 3. Out of one cam another horn growing in power beautiful land and to heavens taking away daily sacrifice; because of Lords people rebellions; no truth (9-10) 4. Daniel hears holy one speaking and another holy one asks how long will it take for vision to be fulfilled (11-13) 5. Holy one tells Daniel 2,300 evenings and mornings; then sanctuary will be consecrated (14)

Gabriel shares End of Time Vision (Daniel 8:15-27) 1. Daniel watching a one looking like a man. He hears a voice saying tell the vision’s meaning (15-16) 2. Daniel falls prostrate hearing “Son of man understand that the vision concerns time of the end” (17) 3. Daniel is touched, raised to feet, and told dream is about wrath appointed at time of the end (18-19) 4. Meaning told: (20-25) a. 2 horn ram is Media and Persia b. Goat is Greece c. 4 horns replacing are kingdoms emerging not having same power d. Latter part wickedness with fierce-looking king will arise causing devastation, deceit, considering himself superior; yet destroyed 5. Daniel told the vision of evenings and mornings is true, but seal it up for it is distant future (26) 6. Daniel is worn out and exhausted being appalled by vision; beyond understanding (27)

Divisions (Main Blocks of Thought)

Daniel’s Vision of 4 winds and 4 beasts	Daniel 7
Daniel’s Vision of Ram and Goat	Daniel 8:1-14
Gabriel shares End of Time Vision	Daniel 8:15-27

Subject Sentence (Summarizes the contents of the Divisions – No more than 10 words)

Beast dream, ram/goat vision highlight destruction and Most-High victory

Aim (Main Teaching Point of the Passage)

CTATL kings may rule, cause pain but everlasting victory in in the Lord; the end is worth the journey.

Application Questions

Where does evil impact you? How can increase your trust in God for victory?

For what things is your patience being tested? How can you take them to the Lord to bring peace?

The journey is long, times are tough; how can deepen your time with the Lord realize His truth?

Principles to Remember           

God’s kingdom will not be destroyed.

Holy people will be in an everlasting kingdom

Glory and power belong to the Lord

Characteristic of God

Victorious

Theme

Daniel dreams of Beasts, has visions Rams, Goats each telling of the final victory of God and His people.