WE now address our attention to the last verses of this eight chapter of the book of Ezra. In first reading of this chapter we may well be tempted to hurry over these verses as not worth much attention, and having not much to teach us. However I have found the blessing of being compelled to meditate at length on the text of Scripture, for by doing so I have found that such extended time in meditation on passages of Scripture open up truth and blessing which at first seems to be absent. I have found this is so in these verses that close this eight chapter of the book of Ezra.

Verses 31 and 32 contain a brief account of the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. They also record that the journey was concluded safely and well. The reason which Ezra gave for the success of the journey is recorded. He says it was because 'the hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way'.

Let us consider for a moment the great endeavour of this journey. We are told in Ezra 7: 8-9 that this journey took over four months. Let us consider the large body of people who engaged in this journey. Let us remember the riches which were being transported to Jerusalem on this journey. Let us consider the reality of bandits and enemies which were present to hinder the journey. Let us take into account that the journey was by walking, with the help of animals to pull the luggage and the treasure. As we do this we can appreciate that this journey being successful was an incredible success. How was it so successful? It was because of the good hand of the Lord upon the people. No difficulties are too hard for the Lord to make successful. This is illustrated here, and is true here. Let us gird up the loins of our faith as we face the journey of life and the work of God, and believe that the good hand of the Lord upon us is all we need, and by faith go forward.

The next verses – 33-34 – recorded of the safe deliverance of the treasure for the work of the Lord and the temple worship was safely weighed out to the temple authorities, and everything was accounted for. Those set apart for this work were faithful, and so the good hand of the Lord upon them did not fail, and the treasure was safely brought to its destination. The lesson is plain, but also very assuring. When God's people are faithful to the Lord, the faithfulness of the Lord is proved. How this encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, and lean not on our own understanding; and in all our ways acknowledge him, and he will direct our paths, which is truth taught in the book of Proverbs.

What did the returned exiles do after all this? Was it to go and please themselves in rest and pleasing themselves? No! They gave thanks to the Lord, worshipped him, and engaged in the worship and sacrifices under the Law of Moses which were commanded to give thanks to the Lord and to obtain his mercy.

We are told in these closing verses of Ezra chapter 8 that the exiles who returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon offered offerings to the God of Israel. We are then told the enormous number of animals of various kinds were offered as a sin offering. This raises the question why so many animals were sacrificed?

In Leviticus chapter 1 we read that each person was required to bring a burnt offering, and that it was for the purpose to make atonement for the sin of the one offering the burnt offering, and that God accepted the sacrifice of the animal, that is the sacrifice of the animal, on behalf of the one offering the sacrifice for the atonement of the sins of the offerer. The one offering the sacrifice had to lay his hands on the sacrifice representing the transference of his sin to the animal, and so the punishment for sin of death was borne by the animal on behalf of the offerer.

We are now able to appreciate why so many animals were being offered by the returned exiles. There must have been enough animals dying and being sacrificed for the atonement of the sin of all the returned exiles. The exiles had no opportunity during the long journey for offering sacrifice for the atonement for their sin, and so as soon as they arrived in Jerusalem they obey the law of God given by Moses, and dealt with the problem of their sin and of sin immediately. In doing so according to the law of God straight a way, showed their faith and obedience to the Lord, and by doing so gave thanks and worship before God for his great providential care for them in bringing them safely to the end of their journey.