Ezra 7

I answer, some alleged were before Moses' Law, as that of Abraham and Jacob's commanding his family to put away their idols (Genesis 35:2). And the injunctions in the Old Testament were built upon reasons of immutable equity, as God's glory, the danger of infection, etc., and so…

He speaks of them who were yet left, and remaining; and spake to them, to remove and take away their complaint and repinings. Moreover that Artaxerxes, in whose days Ezra and Nehemiah went up to Jerusalem, was Longimanus, who reigned before Nothus, and not Memor, who succeeded h…

Now to this purpose, 1. Heartily resign yourselves to be directed and guided by God in all things whatever: Ezra 7:10. He prepared his heart to seek the Lord. To do it, needs such a fixed purpose.

But by the death of Christ the partition wall of ceremonies is broken down: and we may allow Heathens and profane persons to come into our holy assemblies (1 Corinthians 14:24), which they would not admit. Certain it is, the godly Jews themselves did receive liberal contribution…

And that it may further appear the kings of Judah and Israel did not qua kings of Judah and qua dwelling in such a land, as kings over such a typical people, bearing visibly, and executing typically the kingly office of Christ in his Church, meddle in matters of religion, but as…

It is an excellent act of God to keep the vessel in a spiritual season, as David prays (1 Chronicles 29:18). To make room for Christ dwelling by faith, and for love to comprehend love (Ephesians 3:17-18), and who puts such a thing in the heart (Ezra 7:27). When a spark of fire f…

So where the good hand of God is noted in the success of Ezra's journey, this reason is given thereof, even Ezra's faithful and honest heart toward God. He came to Jerusalem according to the good hand of his God that was upon him (Ezra 7:9-10). For Ezra had prepared his heart to…

They are as leaven, or sour dough, which leavens the whole lump; (Acts 20:29; John 10:8; Acts 15:24; Galatians 5:12; 2 Timothy 2:17; Galatians 5:9). (8) Because, Ezra did esteem it, a great favor and blessing of God, conferred upon the Church; for which he thanked God, that had…

Is it the duty of the Civil Magistrate to take order that all blasphemies and heresies be suppressed, all the ordinances of God duly settled, administered, and observed, all abuses in worship and discipline reformed, and all idolaters, gainsayers, and other obstinate dissenters…

(2) Because, it is the duty of the civil magistrate being born within the church, to take care that peace and unity be preserved and kept in the Church: that the truth and Word of God, be entirely, and soundly preached and obeyed: that blasphemies and heresies be kept under and…

Ezra made the Chief Priests, the Levites, and all Israel to enter into a Covenant and to swear, that they would put away the strange wives, and that it should be done according to the Law (Ezra 10:3, 5), and whoever would not come to Jerusalem for this thing, was not only himsel…