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APRIL 6 Reading 96 A SECOND GROUP RETURNS Ezra 7–10“Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).Some 80 years after the first group returned, Ezra led a smaller contingent home. Ezra’s return was significant. This man whoContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

Ezra APRIL 5 Reading 95 THE EXILES RETURN Ezra 1–6“Everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:5).The enthusiasm of those who returned to Judah was tested by hardship and by opposition from local peoples. Despite a long delay, the Jerusalem temple was rebuiltContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

Ezra INTRODUCTION During the 70 years of Exile most of the Jews settled into a comfortable life in Babylon and other Eastern cities. Then in 539 B.C. Cyrus the Persian issued a decree permitting any Jew to return to his ancient homeland, to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Only a few responded. This enthusiasticContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

APRIL 4 Reading 94 JUDAH’S LAST YEARS 2 Chronicles 33–36 “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention” (2 Chron. 33:10).After Hezekiah, Judah fell into a sharp spiritual decline that sealed the Southern Kingdom’s destiny. Despite a brief and superficial revival under Josiah, the nation rushed to judgment. Overview ManassehContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

APRIL 3 Reading 93 WORSHIP BRINGS REVIVAL 2 Chronicles 29–32 “In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the Lord and repaired them” (2 Chron. 29:3).There is nothing as revitalizing for the believer as heartfelt worship of the Lord. Background During Hezekiah’s reign theContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”