Here are my thoughts and highlights from Ezra as I continue my journey through the Bible:

  • There were 42,360 people who returned from captivity to Jerusalem and Judah. They also counted 6,720 donkeys and 200 male and female singers. I think it’s interesting that the donkeys outnumbered the singers 34 to 1.
  • Some of the families wanted to help financially with the rebuilding of the Temple of God. "They gave to the building fund as they were able."
  • When some of the enemies of the people of God heard there was a building project taking place, they attempted to stop the progress. "These people started beating down the morale of the people of Judah, harassing them as they built." This is a good reminder that not everyone will be pulling with us…even when we’re in God’s will.
  • "We were slaves; yet even as slaves, our God didn’t abandon us." God promises he’ll be with me in even the most difficult of times.