LESSON 10
DAY 4
Those Exiles Who Returned with Ezra (8:1–20)
1. While the number of exiles in the first group who returned under Zerubbabel was almost 50,000 (Ezra 2:1–70), the second group led by Ezra numbered only 1,754 (men, Levites, and helpers), 32 but with women and children there could have been nearly 5,000 people (Ezra 8:1–20).
What reasons might account for the difference in these numbers?
2. Read Ezra 8:15–20. Ezra encountered a problem at the river; how was it resolved?
Note: Sherebiah is described as a man of discretion. Discretion is the quality of being judicious, prudent, and circumspect in one’s actions and decisions. In a biblical context, discretion is often associated with wisdom and under- standing, guiding individuals to act in a manner that aligns with God’s will and righteousness. 33 3. To be involved with people who have godly insight and discretion is life changing. Read Proverbs 2:6–12. Where is discretion found, and what are its benefits?
32 Jason DeRouchie, What the Old Testament Authors Really Cared About , pg. 431. 33 D iscretion Topical Encyclopedia, Bible Hub, March 2024. https://biblehub.com/topical/d/discretion.htm
Ezra 7:1–8:36 | 109
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