The family heads along with those who went with Ezra to Jerusalem numbered well over a thousand people. But when Ezra had assembled them, he could not find any Levites there. The Levites were the temple servants. They were responsible for all of the practical things needed to prepare for the worship of God in the temple. So, Ezra sent for those who could serve the worship of God at the temple. Ezra's point in returning was to again establish the worship of God in Jerusalem. God blessed Ezra's prayer abundantly and provided over 200 attendants to serve in the temple.

The journey was accompanied by fasting and prayer. Ezra did everything he could to prepare the people for a safe journey. He sought to glorify God in all things. He prepared the offerings. Most of all, he prepared the people. They were consecrated to the Lord. When they arrived in Jerusalem, the exiles sacrificed burnt offerings and sin offerings to the Lord. They had been consecrated by God himself. Now they worshipped the Lord who had restored them as he promised.


Application: Lord, thank you for your forgiveness that restores men to God. Bless me to offer my life to worship you.
One Word: Live a consecrated life