Ezra 9:9-15 (NIV)
9 Though we are slaves, our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
10 "But now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have disregarded the commands 11 you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: 'The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.'
13 "What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this. 14 Shall we again break your commands and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? 15 O LORD, God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence."
9:9 我們原是奴隸，但你沒讓我們一直作奴隸。你使波斯的皇帝們善待我 們，准許我們生存，並且能重建那毀壞了的聖殿，使我們在猶大和耶路撒冷找到安全。9:10 「可是，上帝啊，現在這事竟然發生了，我們還能說甚麼呢？我們違背了9:11 你藉你的僕人─先知們所給我們的命令。他們曾經告訴我們，說我們要去佔領的地方是一塊污穢的土地；因為當地居民那醜惡可憎的行為 弄髒了每個角落。9:12 他們告訴我們：如果我們要強盛，享受這塊土地的產物，永遠傳給子孫，我們絕對不可跟那些人通婚，不可幫助他們繁榮興旺。9:13 我們的上帝啊，即使臨到我們的每一件事都是因我們的罪惡過犯引起的，我們知道，你對我們的懲罰仍然是少過我們所應得的；你還是讓我們 存活。9:14 我們怎麼可以再不理你的命令，跟那些邪惡的人通婚呢？如果我們這樣做，你一定要發怒，滅絕我們，使我們不留下一人，沒有殘存。 9:15 上主─以色列的上帝啊，你是公義的；然而你竟讓我們這些亡命的人得以殘存。我們向你承認我們的過錯；我們無權來到你面 前。」
一、中心內容：
內容：
1>在禱告中，以斯拉感念上帝救贖的恩典。（v9） In prayer, Ezra remembered God’s redemptive grace. (V9)
2>在禱告中，以斯拉流露「無言以對」的態度。（v10）In prayer, Ezra held a speechless attitude. (v10)
3>在禱告中，以斯拉回顧上帝（藉著先知）所給的命令。（v11-12）In prayer, Ezra recalled God’s commands given through prophets. (v11-12)
4>在禱告中，以斯拉感念上帝的憐憫。（v13）In prayer, Ezra remembered God’s mercy. (v13)
5>在禱告中，以斯拉述說上帝的公義。（v15）In prayer, Ezra described God’s righteousness. (V15)
主題：
1>屬靈領袖的氣質。Spiritual leader’s demeanor
2>中保禱告。Mediator’s prayer
二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？
1>垂聽禱告的上帝。 God hears prayers.
2>掌管一切（包括外邦君王）的上帝。（v9）God reigns over all things (v9)
3>拯救釋放人的上帝。（v9）God saves and liberates. (v9)
4>呼召先知的上帝。（v11）God calls out prophets. (v11)
5>頒佈命令的上帝。（v11）God gives commands. (v11)
6>慈愛憐憫的上帝。（v13）God loves and cares.(v13)
7>公義的上帝。（v14-15）God is righteous. (V14-15)
三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？
1>感念神恩的禱告 Prayer that remembers God’s grace
我們原是奴隸，但你沒讓我們一直作奴隸。你使波斯的皇帝們善待我們，准許我們生存，並且能重建那毀壞了的聖殿，使我們在猶大和耶路撒 冷找到安全。（v9）
9 Though we are slaves, our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. (v9)
這是以斯拉禱告詞的一部份，內容在回顧過去從上帝所領受的恩典。也就是禱告說：他們原在外邦當奴隸，但是上帝並沒有讓他們永遠作奴 隸。乃是使波斯的皇帝們善待他們，准許他們生存，並且能重建那毀壞了的聖殿，使他們在猶大和耶路撒冷找到了安全。
以斯拉藉著禱告，述說上帝的作為，感念上帝的救恩。
In his prayer, Ezra recalled God’s grace of the past. Despite the fact of being slaves in exile, they were not forgotten by God and were not slaves forever. God put them under the favor of the kings of Persia that allowed them to survive, they were granted permission to rebuild the ruined temple and thus found safety and comfort in Judah and Jerusalem. For this, Ezra thanked God by recalling His redemptive deeds.
反省：在我個人的禱告生活中，是否每逢開口就祈求？還是有多一點思想上帝的作為，並且感謝上帝的救恩？
Reflection: In my personal prayer, do I always open with requests? Or do I recall Gods’ deeds and His redeeming grace?
2>無言以對的態度A speechless attitude
可是，上帝啊，現在這事竟然發生了，我們還能說甚麼呢？我們違背了。（v10）
10 "But now, O our God, what can we say after this? For we have disregarded the commands. (v10)
上主--以色列的上帝啊，你是公義的；然而你竟讓我們這些亡命的人得以殘存。我們向你承認我們的過錯；我們無權來到你面 前。（v15）
15 O LORD, God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence." (v10)
面對同胞所犯「證據確鑿」的罪狀，在上帝面前，以斯拉根本不能為百姓求什麼，甚至連來到上帝面前都深感不配、無權。因此，他只能無言 以對的舉手、低頭、俯伏等候。
因此，他懇切的禱告說：可是，上帝啊，現在這事竟然發生了，我們還能說甚麼呢？我們違背了。又說：我們向你承認我們的過錯；我們無權 來到你面前。
Because of the firm evidences of people’s transgressions before God, Ezra felt inadequate to beseech God for his people. He felt unworthy and not entitled to pray before God. Therefore, he could only lift his hands with his head bowed and prostrated speechlessly before God. Thus, he sincerely prayed, “What more can we say after this? We have rebelled. We confess our transgressions before You and we cannot stand in Your presence.”
反省：我是否曾經因為犯罪，導致無言以對的俯伏在上帝面前，等候上帝開恩憐憫？
Reflection: Have I ever been in a situation of being speechless before God due to my own sins, prostrating in His presence waiting for His mercy?
3>思想上帝的命令 Meditate on God’s commands
你 藉你的僕人─先知們所給我們的命令。他們曾經告訴我們，說我們要去佔領的地方是一塊污穢的土地；因為當地居民那醜惡可憎的行為 弄髒了每個角落。他們告訴我 們：如果我們要強盛，享受這塊土地的產物，永遠傳給子孫，我們絕對不可跟那些人通婚，不可幫助他們繁榮興旺。（v11-12）
11 you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: 'The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.' (V11-12)
以斯拉在禱告中，回顧上帝藉著先知，所給予的命令。就是先知們曾經說：他們要去佔領的地方，是一塊污穢的土地。因為當地居民那可憎的 行為，弄髒了那塊地的每一個角落。
同時告訴他們說：他們如果想要強盛，要享受那塊土地上所出產的產物，甚至要永遠傳給他們的子孫，就絕對不能跟那地方的通婚。
In prayer, Ezra recalled God’s word through the prophets, “11 you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: 'The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.'
反省：我是否明白上帝所頒佈的律例典章？在我的禱告中，是否經常提起？
Reflection: Do I know God’s precepts? Do I often relate to them in my prayer?
4>分別為聖的生活 Consecrated living
你 藉你的僕人─先知們所給我們的命令。他們曾經告訴我們，說我們要去佔領的地方是一塊污穢的土地；因為當地居民那醜惡可憎的行為 弄髒了每個角落。他們告訴我 們：如果我們要強盛，享受這塊土地的產物，永遠傳給子孫，我們絕對不可跟那些人通婚，不可幫助他們繁榮興旺。（V11-12）
11 you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: 'The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. 12 Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.' (V11-12)
上帝藉著先知告訴他 們說：他們要去佔領的地方，是一塊已經遭受污穢的土地；因為當地的居民，那可憎的行為，弄髒了每一個角落。同時 告訴他們說：如果他們想要強盛，要享受那塊 土地所出產的產物，甚至要永遠傳給子孫，就絕對不能跟那地方的人通婚。意思就是：上帝的子民，應該過著分別為聖的生活。
In verses 11-12, emphasized on God’s people should lead a consecrated life.
反省：在這異教鼎盛、罪惡暢行的世代當中，身為基督徒的我，是否跟這個世界有分別？也就是說，是否過著分別為聖的生活？
Reflection: As a Christian, am I any different from the sinful world which is full of heresies ? Do I lead a consecrated life?
5>感念上帝的憐憫 Being grateful for God’s mercy
我們的上帝啊，即使臨到我們的每一件事都是因我們的罪惡過犯引起的，我們知道，你對我們的懲罰仍然是少過我們所應得的；你還是讓我們 存活。（v13）
13 "What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this. (V13)
以斯拉在禱告中，也深深感念上帝的憐憫，所以就對上帝說：我們的上帝啊， 即使臨到我們的每一件事，都是因我們的罪惡過犯所引起的。
接著又禱告說：我們知道，你對我們的懲罰，仍然是少過我們所應得的；你還是讓我們存活。上帝的懲罰，少過所應得的，顯示上帝的憐憫！
Ezra was greatly thankful to God in his prayer, “What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins have deserved and have given us a remnant like this.” Showing His mercy toward us, God punishes us less than what our sins deserve.
反省：回顧一下，在過去的歲月當中，曾經得到哪些上帝的憐憫？是否為此獻上恩？
Reflection: In the past, have I ever received God’s mercy and was thankful for it?
6>述說上帝的公義 Saying of God’s righteousness
我們怎麼可以再不理你的命令，跟那些邪惡的人通婚呢？如果我們這樣做，你一定要發怒，滅絕我們，使我們不留下一人，沒有殘 存。（v14）
14 Shall we again break your commands and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? (V14)
在禱告中，以斯拉也述說了上帝公義的屬性，也就是對上帝說：我們怎麼可以再不理你的命令，跟那些邪惡的人通婚呢？如果我們這樣做，你 一定要發怒，滅絕我們，使我們不留下一人，沒有殘存。因為以斯拉深知上帝的屬性與作為，所以在禱告中，不僅感念上帝的救恩與憐憫，同 時述說上帝公義的屬性。
In his prayer, Ezra said of the righteous attribute of God: “14 Shall we again break your commands and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor?”
Ezra knew of God’s righteous attribute and deeds, therefore in his prayer, he described it by giving thanks to God’s saving grace and mercy.
反省：上帝不僅是慈愛的上帝，同時也是公義的上帝，在我的生涯當中，是否曾經看過，甚至親自歷過上帝公義的作為？
Reflection: God is not only a loving God, but also is a righteous God. In my life, have I ever seen or even experienced God’s righteous deed personally?
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用
28.4.10
26.4.10
Journey through faith
Ezra 8:21-36 (New International Version)
21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him." 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
24 Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their brothers, 25 and I weighed out to them the offering of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his advisers, his officials and all Israel present there had donated for the house of our God. 26 I weighed out to them 650 talents [a] of silver, silver articles weighing 100 talents, [b] 100 talents [c] of gold, 27 20 bowls of gold valued at 1,000 darics, [d] and two fine articles of polished bronze, as precious as gold.
28 I said to them, "You as well as these articles are consecrated to the LORD. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. 29 Guard them carefully until you weigh them out in the chambers of the house of the LORD in Jerusalem before the leading priests and the Levites and the family heads of Israel." 30 Then the priests and Levites received the silver and gold and sacred articles that had been weighed out to be taken to the house of our God in Jerusalem.
31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. 32 So we arrived in Jerusalem, where we rested three days.
33 On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we weighed out the silver and gold and the sacred articles into the hands of Meremoth son of Uriah, the priest. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him, and so were the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui. 34 Everything was accounted for by number and weight, and the entire weight was recorded at that time.
35 Then the exiles who had returned from captivity sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven male lambs and, as a sin offering, twelve male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the LORD. 36 They also delivered the king's orders to the royal satraps and to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, who then gave assistance to the people and to the house of God.
一、中心內容：Message
內容：Content
1>為了旅途的平安與順利，以斯拉帶領百姓禁食禱告，
2>有關財務（聖具、貴重禮物），以斯拉運用智慧，妥善管理，
3>以斯拉將財務（聖具、貴重禮物），公開且清楚的點交出去，
主題：Theme
1>信心之旅。Journey through faith
2>經歷上帝。Experience God
3>財務管理的典範。Managing financially
二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?
1>引領我們的上帝。God that leads His people（v21）
2>賜福人（信靠祂的人）的上帝。God who blesses those who looks to Him（v22）
3>懲罰人（背棄祂的人）的上帝。God who punishes those who abandoned Him（v22）
4>垂聽禱告的上帝。God who listens to our prayers（v23）
5>將祂的子民分別為聖的上帝。God who separates the goods from the evil ones（v28）
6>配得獻祭、事奉的上帝。God who deserves our sacrifices and our services（v35）
三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？Wha
1>憑著信心的旅程
在亞哈瓦河邊，我命令大家禁食，在我們上帝面前謙卑，
返鄉的隊伍所攜帶聖殿的器具，若以當今的幣值來換算，
為了旅途能安全與順利，以斯拉雖然可以藉助波斯皇帝的兵力，
此外，在運送的過程當中，以斯拉也不敢馬虎，
因此，這趟返鄉的旅程，確實是一趟信心的旅程！Hence, this is indeed a journey that requires faith to God!
反省：以斯拉的處事方式，尤其以斯拉所持守的原則、
2>經歷上帝的帶領
因此，我們禁食，祈求上帝保護我們；他聽了我們的禱告。23 S
正月十二日，我們離開了亞哈瓦河，往耶路撒冷去。
這一趟為期四個月的旅程，
當他們平安抵達目的地之後，以斯拉見證說：
因此，不管對當時的領袖或百姓來說，都是一趟「經歷上帝帶領」
反省：在我的人生旅途當中，有多少「因著上帝帶領，而獲得平安、
3>禁食禱告的功效
在亞哈瓦河邊，我命令大家禁食，在我們上帝面前謙卑，
因此，我們禁食，祈求上帝保護我們；他聽了我們的禱告。23 S
以斯拉再三強調「禁食」一事。---我命令大家禁 食，
談到禁食，我們就想到主耶穌。在主耶穌的生涯當中，也離不開「
也曾經提到：有一些鬼，若不藉著禁食禱告，就不能將牠趕出去。”
反省：我的禱告生活如何？當遇到急切、危難的事時，
Reflection: How is my prayer devotion going? When I encounter challenged and troubles, have I ever fasted and prayed to God?
4>事奉上帝的態度
我對他們說：「你們在上主─你們祖先上帝的眼中 是神聖的；
以斯拉在這裏提起一個非常重要的服事觀念，就是「聖」的觀念。H
根據以斯拉的提醒顯示：事奉上帝跟一般社會上參與志工很不一樣，
也因為包括：事奉的人以及使用的物，都已經被分別為聖。所以，
反省：我的事奉態度如何？每次都以「面對上帝」和「分別為聖」
5>乾淨的財務管理
以斯拉對財務的處置，不僅有良好的管理，而且保持手腳乾淨，
當平安回到耶路撒冷之後，且在眾長老與祭司面前，
當今有不少事奉上帝的人，財務不乾淨，帳目不清楚，
尤其應該知道：世上財物不算什麼，唯有上帝才是我們的至寶。We should also know that the possessions and properties we own are nothing, only God is the treasure we have.
反省：我對財物的態度如何？是否乾淨俐落？是否曾經留下破口？R
6>改善與神的關係
所有從流亡歸來的人都帶了祭物，作燒化祭獻給以色列的上帝。
當猶太人回到耶路撒冷之後，就藉著燒化祭與贖罪祭，
歷代志下七章十四節記載上帝如此吩咐說：只要他們向我禱告，
因此，藉著燒化祭與贖罪祭，可以改善並促進跟上帝之間的關係。T
反省：我是否常常藉著禱告（讚美、感謝、認罪），
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用Prayer / Life application
22.4.10
God remembers his people
Ezra 8:1-20
1 These are the family heads and those registered with them who came up with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes:
2 of the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom;
of the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel;
of the descendants of David, Hattush 3 of the descendants of Shecaniah;
of the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were registered 150 men;
4 of the descendants of Pahath-Moab, Eliehoenai son of Zerahiah, and with him 200 men;
5 of the descendants of Zattu, [a] Shecaniah son of Jahaziel, and with him 300 men;
6 of the descendants of Adin, Ebed son of Jonathan, and with him 50 men;
7 of the descendants of Elam, Jeshaiah son of Athaliah, and with him 70 men;
8 of the descendants of Shephatiah, Zebadiah son of Michael, and with him 80 men;
9 of the descendants of Joab, Obadiah son of Jehiel, and with him 218 men;
10 of the descendants of Bani, [b] Shelomith son of Josiphiah, and with him 160 men;
11 of the descendants of Bebai, Zechariah son of Bebai, and with him 28 men;
12 of the descendants of Azgad, Johanan son of Hakkatan, and with him 110 men;
13 of the descendants of Adonikam, the last ones, whose names were Eliphelet, Jeuel and Shemaiah, and with them 60 men;
14 of the descendants of Bigvai, Uthai and Zaccur, and with them 70 men.
The Return to Jerusalem
15 I assembled them at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there. 16 So I summoned Eliezer, Ariel, Shemaiah, Elnathan, Jarib, Elnathan, Nathan, Zechariah and Meshullam, who were leaders, and Joiarib and Elnathan, who were men of learning, 17 and I sent them to Iddo, the leader in Casiphia. I told them what to say to Iddo and his kinsmen, the temple servants in Casiphia, so that they might bring attendants to us for the house of our God. 18 Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah's sons and brothers, 18 men; 19 and Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and nephews, 20 men. 20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants—a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name.
A) Core Message:
Content:
- Ezra pointed out the family heads who returned with him from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes. (v.1)
- The list of family heads who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem. (v. 2-14)
- Ezra restored the people needed for a “Holy Worship” (v.15-20)
Theme:
- God remembers his people
- The Levites were not among the people
B) Who are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?
1) God who rules over everything (history and authority of mankind)
2) A God who remembers his people
C) What does the passage teach us (about commands, promises, examples, exhortations, and warnings?)
1) God remembers his people
These are the family heads and those registered with them who came up with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes: (v. 1-12)
God did not allow David to have a census of the population to prevent him from becoming pretentious and haughty from such accomplishments, and subsequently not rely on God. However, God repeatedly lists out his chosen people. The first census can be found in the book of Numbers. From then until the census in Ezra, there is a time difference of about 1000 years. Within this time, God listed his chosen people several times.
Why is this so? God isn’t human. He will not have the problem of becoming pretentious and haughty. God understood the performing of doing the census which is to show that he remembers his people.
He also wants his people to know clearly that God remembers them. Everyone’s relationship with God is to be intimate.
Reflection: God cares about me so greatly and remembers me in all circumstances. Do I remember him and know clearly of my relationship with Him?
2) A memorable census
There were 42360 people who returned to Jerusalem the first time. This time around is the second time. There were about 1534 who returned with Ezra.
This shows that, when God opened the way for Israelites to return to Jerusalem the first time, not all of his chosen people responded immediately. Though we’re unable to conclude that they esteemed Babylon greatly, it does show that they didn’t respond to God’s call right away.
Once again, those who returned to the homeland were willing to pay the price of following Gods call. Thus, their names were commemorated.
Reflection: If I lived in that time, would my name appear on the list of returnees?
3) There were no Levites
“I assembled them at the canal that flows toward Ahava, and we camped there three days. When I checked among the people and the priests, I found no Levites there.” (v. 15)
We all know that Levites were called by God to serve in the temple. Thus, the reconstruction of the temple cannot happen without the Levites and neither can a proper service in the temple.
God wanted the Israelites to return to Jerusalem to worship and serve him. Thus, among all those who returned, the Levites are indispensible. Unfortunately, when Ezra was looking amongst the returnees for people in the priest line, he didn’t find any Levites.
Levites were not willing to respond God’s call to return home. Levites were unwilling to return upon the first calling. This second time, Ezra was only able to find Levites by means of recruitment.
So, why were the Levites not willing to come home? A reasonable explanation is that after staying in a foreign land for a long period of time, the people have given in to secular labour and have settled. They showed little interest in returning to Jerusalem. The Levites did not regard their God-assigned role as an important priority.
Much like God calling for Levites exclusively, God is calling for us today. He has blessed each of us differently, and has assigned us different roles. Facing God’s calling, let us not decline or flee. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10) Let us not let this “lack of Levites” occur again.
Reflection: What is my priority between “Serving God” and “Secular Works”? In services at church, are there any fleeing members? Has there ever been the occurrence of “lacking in Levites”?
D) My Prayer/ Practical Applications
21.4.10
God’s wonderful deeds
亞達薛西昭告以斯拉
7:11 亞達薛西皇帝把以下的詔書頒給以斯拉；以斯拉是祭司和經學專家，
King Artaxerxes' Letter to Ezra
11 This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and teacher, a man learned in matters concerning the commands and decrees of the LORD for Israel: 12 Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. 13 Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish to go to Jerusalem with you, may go. 14 You are sent by the king and his seven advisers to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. 15 Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 16 together with all the silver and gold you may obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests for the temple of their God in Jerusalem. 17 With this money be sure to buy bulls, rams and male lambs, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and sacrifice them on the altar of the temple of your God in Jerusalem. 18 You and your brother Jews may then do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God. 19 Deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God. 20 And anything else needed for the temple of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may provide from the royal treasury. 21 Now I, King Artaxerxes, order all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you- 22 up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. 23 Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and of his sons? 24 You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God.
25 And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. 26 Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.
27 Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way 28 and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.
一、中心內容：Core Message
內容：Content
1>說明亞達薛西王頒下詔書，並簡單介紹以斯拉的背景。 This is a copy of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and teacher, a man learned in matters concerning the commands and decrees of the LORD for Israel: （v11）
2>亞達薛西王所頒下詔書的內容。The decree content of King King Artaxerxes had been given to Ezra（v12-26）
3>以斯拉為上帝的恩待獻上讚美。Ezra praised God for His Blessing （v27-28）
主題：Theme
1>不可思議的諭令。The incredible decrees
2>上帝奇妙的作為。 God’s wonderful deeds
二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？Who is God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit?
1>賜下誡命、律例的上帝。God grants commands and decrees of the LORD for Israel（v11-12、v14、v21、v25、v26）
2>臨到人間，與人同在的上帝。God descends to the earth and dwells among the people（v15、v19）
3>配得我們獻祭、事奉的上帝。God is worthy to sacrifice and serve（v17）
4>坐在天上寶座的上帝。God sits on the throne in Heaven（v23）
5>賜下智慧的上帝。God grants us wisdom（v25）
6>配得讚美的上帝。God is worthy of praise（v27）
7>賜下恩典的上帝。God grants us grace（v28）
8>賜下勇氣的上帝。God grants us courage（v28）
三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？Wha
1>不可思議的諭令---之一 The incredible decrees--one
我─亞達薛西，諸王之王，
這是一個令人感到興奮的諭令，因為竟然准許以斯拉，
然而，這更是一個令人感到不可思議的諭令，因為發出諭令的人，
因為在諭令當中，亞達薛西自稱為：諸王之王！（等同於：
真令人感到不可思議！
Artaxerxes, king of kings, To Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. Now I decree that any of the Israelites in my kingdom, including priests and Levites, who wish to go to Jerusalem with you, may go.(v12-13)
This is an exciting decree, because it allowed even Ezra, as well as those living in the territory of the Persian Empire, the Israelis, priests, Levites, etc. Anyone who was willing to go back to Jerusalem could go with Ezra.
However, this is more of an impression that incredible royal decree issued by the Gentiles (Persian Empire) emperor, especially a king who thinks himself highly and arrogant.
Artaxerxes claimed himself “King of Kings!” in the royal decree, thus showing his arrogance. This matter is really incredible!
2>不可思議的諭令---之二The incredible decrees--two
我，連同我的七個參謀，派你去調查耶路撒冷和猶大的情況，
「以斯拉，你要用上帝給你的智慧，
一個生長在外邦，不認識上帝、不敬拜上帝的皇帝，
尤其，吩咐以斯拉，要用上帝給他的智慧，指派行政官員和審判官，
除此之外，甚至還明令：
這件事，同樣令人感到不可思議！
You are sent by the king and his seven advisers to inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. (v14)
And you, Ezra, in accordance with the wisdom of your God, which you possess, appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach any who do not know them. Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment. (v25-26)
A gentile emperor, who has never known and worshiped God, suddenly concerned about the spiritual situation for Jerusalem and Judah with regard to the Law of his God. He said to Ezra, to use the wisdom God gave him, to appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice to all the people of Trans-Euphrates, all who abide the laws of his God. With particular emphasis on: “You are to teach any who do not know them”, even said explicitly: “Whoever does not obey the law of your God and the law of the king must surely be punished by death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment”.
This matter is incredible.
3>不可思議的諭令---之三The incredible decrees--three
你要帶我和我的參謀甘心奉獻的金銀供物給那位住在耶路撒冷聖殿的
在皇帝的諭令當中，又提起幾件事跟奉獻、祭祀有關的事。
a.皇室的奉獻：就是吩咐以斯拉要帶著皇帝本身，
b.徵收的財物：你也要帶著你在巴比倫省徵收的一切金子和銀子。
c.人民的奉獻：
d.歸還的聖具：
甚至還吩咐以斯拉，要謹慎用這些錢買公牛、公綿羊、小綿羊、
這樣的事，依然令人不可思議！
Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, together with all the silver and gold you may obtain from the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests for the temple of their God in Jerusalem. With this money be sure to buy bulls, rams and male lambs, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and sacrifice them on the altar of the temple of your God in Jerusalem. You and your brother Jews may then do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, in accordance with the will of your God. Deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles entrusted to you for worship in the temple of your God. (v15-19)
There was something mentioned about sacrifice and offering among the decree.
(a). The offering of the loyal emperor: take the silver and gold that the king and
his advisers have freely given to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in
Jerusalem.
(b). Imposes on property: You must bring all the gold and silver you obtain in the
province of Babylon.
(c). Offerings of the people: the people and priests for the temple of their God in
Jerusalem.
(d). Deliver back all articles of worship: you deliver to the God of Jerusalem all
the articles with those offerings entrusted you for worship to the altar of
the temple of your God.
King Artaxerxes also wanted Ezra to buy bulls, rams and male lambs discreetly, and use the rest of Gold and silver by God’s will. A Gentile emperor concerned a lot for God’s people to the offerings and sacrifice to God. It almost like he was the spokesman of God.
This matter is still incredible.
4>不可思議的諭令---之四The incredible decrees--four
此外，聖殿所需要的其他東西，你都可以從國庫取用。
除了以上所述，亞達薛西對以斯拉交代有關王室的奉獻、
為了幫助上帝的子民，恢復聖殿的敬拜與祭祀，亞達薛西吩咐：
再次令人感到不可思議！
And anything else needed for the temple of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may provide from the royal treasury. Now I, King Artaxerxes, order all the treasurers of Trans-Euphrates to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask of you- up to a hundred talents [b] of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths [d] of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. (v20-22)
In addition to what is mentioned above, King Artaxerxes told Ezra about how to handle loyal offerings, property by imposed, the people of Israel and the priests’ offerings, delivery of the articles of offerings, etc. He even allowed the giving of silver, wheat, wine, olive oil and salt from the emperor’s treasury. To help God’s people restore the worship and sacrifice of the temple, King Artaxerxes said that Ezra could withdraw from the emperor’s treasury if there were any shortages. These show that there is no worry about the expenditure at all.
Again, this matter is incredible.
5>不可思議的諭令---之五The incredible decrees--five
你們不許向祭司、利未人、歌手、守衛、工人，
針對上帝的子民，返鄉恢復敬拜一事，亞達薛西不僅全力支持，
這又是一項令人感到不可思議的事！
You are also to know that you have no authority to impose taxes, tribute or duty on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants or other workers at this house of God. (v24)
King Artaxerxes was not only very supportive of the people returning to Jerusalem to resume the worship of God, but he also to took care of the priests, Levites, singers, temple servants who tribute or duty on the house of God, no authority to impose taxes.
This is another incredible thing!
6>一切榮耀歸上帝 Be the glory all to God
以斯拉說：「願上主---我們祖先的上帝受讚美！
以斯拉是一個追求並遵行上帝的道，與上帝同行、敬畏上帝、
因此，當這一切奇妙的事成就之後，以斯拉便讚美著說：願上主--
上帝的恩典使我贏得皇帝、他的參謀們，
顯然，以斯拉並沒有歸功與人，乃是將一切榮耀歸給上帝！
Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. (v27-28)
Ezra walked with God and pursued God’s teaching, although, all the grace comes from the Persian Empire, king Artaxerxes, in fact, it is because the God that Israelis served is the real sovereign in power. When all these wonderful things were accomplished, Ezra praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put it into the king's heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king's powerful officials. Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. Obviously, Ezra did not take credits to himself. Just give to God all the glory!
Translated into English by Teresa Yang
20.4.10
Restoring life into worship
Ezra 7:1-10 (NIV)
Ezra Comes to Jerusalem
1 After these things, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, 2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, 4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest- 6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. 7 Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers and temple servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes.
8 Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. 9 He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. 10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.
7:1 好 些年後，亞達薛西作波斯皇帝時，以斯拉從巴比倫回來。
一、中心內容：
內容：
2>介 紹以斯拉的家譜---亞倫的子孫。（v2-5）Verse
3>
4>
5>描述以斯拉專心追求、實踐、教導上帝的律法。（v10）Ve
二、上帝、耶穌基督、聖靈是誰？
1>頒佈律例典章的上帝。（v6、v10）God gives precepts. (v6, v10)
2>賜福給人（以斯拉）的上帝。（v6）God blesses. (v6)
3>引領人、幫助人的上帝。（v8）God guides and helps. (v8)
三、給我的教訓（命令、應允、榜樣、責備、警告）是什麼？
1>重建敬拜的生命Restoring life into worship
當上帝預定的日期滿足之後，就藉著外邦君王的手，
When the days of God came to fulfillment, He let His people return to their homeland through the hands of a gentile king. The first thing they did when they arrived was to build their temple. After the construction of the temple was finished, everything concerning worship such as liturgy and ministries in the temple gradually came into shape.
接 下來第二件事就是：重建敬拜的生命。因為空有華麗的聖殿、
Next step was to restore life back into worship. It was not enough to have a magnificent temple and strict rituals. It was only a worship ritual without life and it was unpleasing to God. Thus, after the work of temple was done, the next important task was to restore life back into worship. This was the responsibility God gave Ezra to build with God’s words.
反省：敬拜的場所、儀式雖然重要，敬拜的生命更為重要。
2>事奉上帝的話語 Ministering God’s words to people
由於猶太人被擄到外邦，已長達七十年之久，
Since that the Israelites had been in exile for more than 70 years, most of the younger generation did not know anything about worship. Besides that, the Levites had been into many different trades and the priests had not practiced their duty since they were in exile. In order to restore worship back into the temple under such circumstance, it needed a person who was familiar with the laws.
話說以斯拉，不僅擁有純正的猶太血統，
反省：相較於以斯拉，一生專心研究並實行上主的法律，
3>神僕的生命見證 The testimony of life as God’s servant
以斯拉之所以蒙上帝的揀選與使用，
Ezra was chosen by God, because he had some characteristics which nobody could match up. They are as follows:
- Good understanding of the law: Despite of the fact of living in a gentile country, he thirsted for God’s words and devoted himself to the study, the observance and the teaching of the law.
- Witnessing for God: He must have been a good testimony of God while working in the palace. Therefore, he had won the trust and favor of the king and he was given the permission for whatever he asked.
- Abandonment of social status: It was not easy for a Jew to obtain any position in the palace in a foreign country. Yet, Ezra was willing to abandon his position and bright future in the palace in answering to God’s calling on his life.
反省：以斯拉的捨與得，對我有什麼啟示？他的生命見證，有哪些值得 我效法的？ Reflection: What insight in Ezra’s sacrifice and attainment did I have? What can I learn from his example?
4>以神話語為職志 Devoted to God’s word
以斯拉一生專心研究並實行上主的法律，又把一切法律條例教導以色列 人民。（ v10）
10 For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. (V10)
以斯拉的一生，幾乎是以上帝的話語（法律）為職志，
c.傳 道：又把一切法律條例教導以色列人民。
Ezra’s devotion to God’s law is the example that we can learn from. According to the Bible, we can learn three precious lessons from Ezra.
- Studying of God’s word: He did not merely spend his life studying the law of God, he knew it inside out. (v6)
- Observance of the law: He observed the law all his life.
- Teaching of the law: He taught the law and decrees to the Israelites.
反省：在我的生涯當中，用多少心力求道？用多少心力行道？
Reflection: In my life time, how much do I devote myself to studying, observing and teaching of the law?
四、我的禱告 / 實際應用
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