Ezra 8

It was in answer to prayer, that God delivered his Church from the mighty host of the Assyrians, in Hezekiah's time; which dispensation is abundantly made use of, as a type of the great things God will do for the Christian Church in the latter days, in the prophecies of Isaiah.…

(2.) There is no reason to think that the Nehemiah, mentioned Ezra 2. v. 2. who came up with Zerubbabel, was that Nehemiah who was afterwards Governour of Judah, and whose actions we have written probably the most part by himself, no more then there is to think that the Seraiah…

The answer is in the next verse: God is in the holy temple — that is, there is a God above, one in heaven; go to him. I suppose you are met this day as those at Ahava to seek a right way (Ezra 8:21). When we are at a loss and past the help of means, the address may the better be…

2. Out of thankfulness for God's gracious answer. Every answer of grace leaves an obligation upon the sinner, that he may not offend God again: See what a holy argument is used (Ezra 8:13): Should we after such a deliverance as this break your commandment? Will you again relapse?

Use. First, the consideration of God's omnipotence may cause terror to wicked men. All this power which I have described, or rather, which is so great that I cannot describe it, is engaged against sinners; His power and his wrath is against all that forsake him (Ezra 8:22). And…

The places in which it is used are all noted in the margin, that the reader may examine them for his own satisfaction. In the Septuagint version of the Old Testament, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] occurs but three times: (2 Chronicles 14:15), where it is translated cattle; (Ezra 8…

The third thing in the manner of a fast, is, so far forth to abstain from meat, and other delights, as the body may be thereby afflicted. Ezra proclaims a fast, and he gives a reason thereof, that himself and the people might afflict themselves (Ezra 8:21). This afflicting of a…