In chapter 8 we have the list of names of those that went up with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. How precious to God are those who respond to His call! On the way they encamped for three days at the river Ahava which evidently was near the Euphrates. The purpose of this was to check over the names and families represented. Ezra, devoted man that he was, was deeply burdened to see that there was a response on the part of all. God had graciously moved the heart of the king and his counselors; how had the people responded when so great a privilege had been granted them? Ezra found that while the priests were represented, there were no Levites in the company. It was the Levites who were called of God to teach the law to the people, and to care for the holy things. Therefore it was necessary that they should be represented so that he could employ them to carry out what was so much on his heart. Sometimes those who have enjoyed the greatest privileges do not value them as they should, and being attracted by what the world offers, they fail to respond to that which faith demands.
Ezra then sent for nine chief men, two of whom are called men of understanding. It is encouraging to note how in the Word of God, in times of great trial for His people, He raises up some of understanding. When David was in rejection, we read that there were gathered unto him, “men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do.” Then in the New Testament we have mentioned among the gifts, “helps, governments” (1 Cor. 12:28). All are not gifted alike, but we can be thankful for the various gifts the Lord has given to the Church. Ezra sent these men back to Iddo, the chief, and the result was that by the good hand of God they brought back Sherebiah, a Levite, “a man of understanding,” with his sons and his brethern. Also another company of 20 Levites and 220 Nethinim responded to the call.
When these all arrived, Ezra proclaimed a fast by the river Ahava, as he says, “that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.” It is instructive to note that the purpose of this fast was not to ask God for power but “that we might afflict ourselves before. God.” Surely what we need today is the spirit of self-judgment and a seeking to carry the truth of God in lowliness of mind, and in love, with a deep sense of our shortcomings and low estate. It is humiliation of spirit before the Lord that becomes us, so that He may be able to entrust us with a blessing.
It was an act of real faith on the part of Ezra to undertake that long journey across the desert where bands of robbers waited to prey upon the travelers. Ezra’s company, with all the treasure entrusted to them by the king, would have been a rich prize to such bands. But Ezra had boasted of the God of Iael to the king so he says here, “I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way.” He knew that God’s protection was better and that He delights to respond to the confidence of His people. So Ezra could say, “The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him, but His power and wrath is against all them that forsake Him.”
ML 04/26/1959