Reading for November 21st

Read Ezra 8.31-36. In 8.31-36: The return to Jerusalem. This section provides a clean closure to the basic duties of the partly returning with Ezra: delivery of the Temple treasures being donated by the Persian monarchy and the initation of newly endowed sacrifices. In verse 31: The hand of our God was upon us: The same concept of divine empowerment is found in 7.28. In verse 333: On the fouth day: Possibly the party needed the time to rest before engaging in their business. The gifts were weighed out in order to ensure the quantities entrusted to Ezra and his group were fully delivered. In verse 35: Those who had come from captivity, the returned exiles: This enigmatic reference may mean just the group that has returned with Ezra or the entire Jerusalem community. Most likely, giventhe end of v. 36, the reference is intended to be the group thathas just returned. The sacrifices that are offered bear symbolic numbers representative of all Israel. Verses 35-36 are related in a third-person form, leading several to suggest they are the work of a later editor. In verse 36: They supported the people and the house of God, the ultimate commendation of those who came with Ezra. Comments or Questions..