V.1-14 These men did not know that their names would be found in God’s Holy Word, just because they were willing to go to Jerusalem! God saw their devotedness, and today He still notices the love of those who wish to be where His Word would direct them. What a significant journey, from Babylon to Jerusalem. Babylon is a picture to us of idolatrous corruption and worldliness, and Jerusalem is a picture of the privilege of being where He has set His name.
V.15-22 None of the sons of Levi were found among these willing men. Apparently, they had felt quite at home in Babylon and decided to stay there.
V.18-20 There were some who were at last stirred up to come, and “all of them were expressed by name.”
V.21 A long and dangerous journey, was ahead, so Ezra proclaims a fast. He wanted a right way from the Lord, “for ourselves, and for our little ones, and for our substance.” He was serious about it! If we parents wish our children to walk in a right way, we must walk in it ourselves.
V.24-34 These men have a big responsibility. At the beginning of the journey they have certain treasures put into their hands. They are told “watch ye, and keep them” (v. 29). Many wonderful treasures of truth have been given to us in the Word of God. What a treasure it is to know that we are living stones in the church of God, that we are members of the body of Christ, that we are part of the bride of Christ, that our Lord is coming soon to take us Home. Hear Him say “watch ye and keep them, until!”
V.34 When they reached the end of the journey, they had the written account of what had been given to them when they started out. The truth of God has been given to us to treasure and obey. We are going to have to give an account to God how well we have obeyed it.