Saturday

6-July

Ezra 9-10; Psalm 83; 2 Corinthians 9

Ezra 9: What upset Ezra so much that he tore his garments?

Ezra 10: How did Ezra show is shame before God and the people?  What did Ezra ask the men to do and what was their response? 

2 Corinthians 9: How are we to give?

Journal Prompt: Have you ever had to do something difficult out of obedience to the Lord? Is there anything going on in your life that you may need to separate yourself from?

Answers:

Ezra 9:  Ezra was so upset – he not only tore his garments, he pulled his hair out – when he learned to what extent the Israelites had intermarried with the non-Israelites – even the priests and the Levites.

Ezra 10:  Ezra fasted, wept and threw himself down on the ground.  It seems that most of the men repented.  I read some commentaries that indicate that the women would have had a chance to convert (although it isn’t explicitly stated in the text.)  According to verse 8  the men whose wives didn’t convert and remained married, they would lose their property and be excommunicated from the faith.

2 Corinthians 9: We are to give to others generously and with a cheerful heart.