Babylonian Captivity: Difference between revisions

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King Artaxerxes granted Ezra permission to return and issued a decree allowing any Israelite who wished to join him in returning to Jerusalem. Offerings designated for use in the temple of God were entrusted to Ezra for transport. Additionally, the decree stated that priests and others serving in the temple of God would be exempt from taxation. The people were to be judged and instructed in accordance with [[Law of God|God’s law]], and individuals who failed to follow the commands of God and the king would face appropriate punishment.
King Artaxerxes granted Ezra permission to return and issued a decree allowing any Israelite who wished to join him in returning to Jerusalem. Offerings designated for use in the temple of God were entrusted to Ezra for transport. Additionally, the decree stated that priests and others serving in the temple of God would be exempt from taxation. The people were to be judged and instructed in accordance with [[Law of God|God’s law]], and individuals who failed to follow the commands of God and the king would face appropriate punishment.


With God’s help, Ezra gathered those wishing to return to Judah, bringing offerings and sacred vessels for the temple. Before departing for Jerusalem, he discovered that there were no [[Levite|Levites]] among the second wave of returnees to serve in the temple. Ezra then sought out descendants of the Levites and persuaded them to join the journey. A group of approximately 2,000, including priests, descendants of King [[David]], Levites, and others, set out for Jerusalem. They [[Fasting|fasted]] and prayed for God’s protection, and their prayers were answered, allowing them to reach Jerusalem safely.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+8%3A1-23&version=NIV |title=Ezra 8:1–23 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>
With God’s help, Ezra gathered those wishing to return to Judah, bringing offerings and sacred vessels for the temple. Before departing for Jerusalem, he discovered that there were no [[Levites|Levites]] among the second wave of returnees to serve in the temple. Ezra then sought out descendants of the Levites and persuaded them to join the journey. A group of approximately 2,000, including priests, descendants of King [[David]], Levites, and others, set out for Jerusalem. They [[Fasting|fasted]] and prayed for God’s protection, and their prayers were answered, allowing them to reach Jerusalem safely.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezra+8%3A1-23&version=NIV |title=Ezra 8:1–23 |publisher= |quote= }}</ref>


===3rd Return and Nehemiah (444 B.C.)===
===3rd Return and Nehemiah (444 B.C.)===