Decrees and Edicts

Ezra is one of those books no one reads, but it contains something very important.

Lessons Learned: The Importance of Ezra

I don't remember ever discussing the book of Ezra in church. Perhaps a pastor mentioned Ezra the priest, but actually reading and quoting from Ezra was never a thing. It's a short book, boasting only 10 chapters, and focuses on the reconstruction of the Temple. It makes sense that churches don't spend much time on this book considering we no longer need the Temple. Yet, Ezra's focus on rebuilding the Temple is very important. It contains the key to identifying Christ!

Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.Daniel 9:25 KJV

Daniel tells us that the Messiah would appear 69 weeks after the commandment to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. (Note that in prophecy 1 day = 1 year.^[1][2]) The Bible identifies 4 decrees, all given by a Persian king, to rebuild or repair the city of Jerusalem. 3 of the 4 decrees are given in the book of Ezra. I will get into identifying which decree marks the beginning of the 70 weeks prophecy when I get to Daniel 9, however, it is impossible to understand this prophecy without the basis of Ezra. The first time I read Daniel, I had no idea how people understood how to apply the 70 weeks because I hadn't read Ezra!

Not only does Ezra gives us a marker for identifying when the Messiah would appear (the first time), it shows us the persistence pays off. Israel's enemies are relentless in trying to halt the progress of the Temple. Although they have some success, the Israelites do not give up. The Israelites continue to build, petition, and fight for the house of God. There is much to be learned from their perseverance. People will try to stop us from carrying out God's Will and these blockades may last for years, but we cannot give up.

References

1. Numbers 14:34
2. Ezekiel 4:5-6