- How many males, all told, were with Ezra?
These, with women and children (verse 21), would make a large company.
They had also their goods and provision for the way, many precious vessels and much silver and gold.
The journey was long (7:9) and dangerous (8:31).
Would it have been wrong for Ezra to ask the King for an escort?
Cf. Neh. 2:9. Why did he not do so?
Are we as careful as he to live out what we profess? - From Ezra’s actions before setting out, what can we learn regarding undertaking work for God?
See especially verses 15-20, 21-23, 24-30, 33-35, 36; and contrast Josh. 9:14; Is.31:1 Jer. 48:10a; Matt. 25:3.
