The people seem to have been more impressed by Ezra’s intense grief of soul than they could have been by his severest condemnation. Is not this the secret of winning men from their evil ways? But we must not expend all our force in tears; we must act when we have opportunity. Shechaniah was not im-

plicated, but his father and other near relatives were, v. 26. His words may be appropriated by us all, v. 2. There is always hope for the man who repents and puts away evil. It is a great encouragement when brave men will stand by the reformer, but whether they do or not, there is One who neither leaves nor forsakes, Heb. 13:5, 6. A drastic remedy was required; it seemed very hard and must have occasioned many heartbreaks. Probably if a wife had truly turned to the God of Israel, she would have been retained. God demands the sacrifice of anything which comes between us and him, however dear, Mark 9:43; Matt. 10:37. There is no warrant for such action in our days. The process of the Gospel is given in 1 Cor. 7:12, 13. A solemn assembly was convened in the month of December, the coldest and rainiest time of the year. A court of inquiry was finally appointed, who continued their labors for about a quarter of a year. The offense seems to have been temporarily eradicated, though we meet with it again, Neb. 13:23; Mal. 2:11. Each generation repeats the sins of its predecessors, unwarned by their bitter experiences. Not the study of history, but the Spirit of God is needed to deal with and subdue individual and national sins.

(a) What are the two main divisions of this book? (b) How do the two returns resemble each other, as indi-

(c) What is known regarding the author of this book? (d) With what other books in the Old Testament may it

(Each question applies to the paragraph of corresponding

What heathen king was prompted by God to aid in the rebuilding of the Temple?

What was the first act of the restored Jews?

What two emotions blended at the Temple’s refounding? Why did some weep?

By whom was the building of the Temple opposed?

What was given as a reason why the work should be stopped?

What two prophets urged the people to resume building? How many years had the work been suspended?

What heathen ruler was in power when the Temple was finished, and what aid did he give towards its completion?

In what words, constantly repeated, may be found the keynote to Ezra’s life?

What commission did the king of Babylon give to Ezra?

How was Ezra’s belief in the power of prayer manifested? Why was he ashamed to ask for a military escort?

What sacred charge was given certain of the priests and Levites?

What lesson may the individual Christian learn from Ezra’s attitude toward national sins?

How did the people show their repentance?