1. Men useful to God must go (15-20)

When Ezra looked over the list of those going with him to Jerusalem, he realized that he needed more Levites. Levites were lay servants of God who did the real work in the temple and in temple worship. He insisted that men who were useful to God go with him. The gracious hand of God was on him to supply faithful and capable men.

2. Utter dependence on God (21-36)

Ezra had told the king that God is with everyone who looks to him for help. So he was ashamed to ask for a military escort. He and the twelve leading priests were carrying great treasures of gold and silver for the temple, and the journey was through bandit-filled territory. He and the people humbled themselves before God in fasting and prayer, and asked for a safe journey. The hand of God was with them and they arrived safely in Jerusalem.

Application: Lord, thank you for answering the prayers of those who humble themselves before you in fasting and prayer.
One Word: The gracious hand of our God