After seventy years of captivity in Babylon, a remnant of Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem. Covering one hunderd years of history, the book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book chronicles twenty years of a remnant of Jews returning to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple under the leadership of Zerubbabel (Ezra 1-6). After a gap of sixty years, the second part of the book records an additional remnant of Jews returning, and the proceeding reformation under the leadership of Ezra (Ezra 7-10). We can conclude that the theme of Ezra’s book is returning, rebuilding and reforming.
Almost a century before the writings of Ezra the prophet Isaiah, and the prophet Jeremiah foretold of Judah’s captivity to Babylon as a form of judgment for their idolatry (Isa. 6:11-12; 11:11-12; 39:5-7; Jer. 20:4-6; 21:7-10). Jeremiah also prophesied that their captivity would only last 70 years. The Lord said, “For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:10–11).
First, God is faithful to His Word. God has never failed to keep His promises (1 Kings 8:56). Heaven and earth shall pass away but God’s Word shall never pass away (Matt. 24:35). Much time had elapsed between Jeremiah’s prophecies, Judah’s captivity and eventual return. God is neither bound by space nor time. His Word will be fulfilled. Judah may have failed to keep their part of the covenant, but God remained faithful.
Second, God is in control. God used Nebuchadnezzar to take Judah into captivity and to punish them for their sins (Jer. 25:9; 27:6; 43:10). God also stirred up Cyrus to overthrow the Babylonians and to establish Persian rule. God used Gentile kings to do His bidding, and to fulfill His will.
Beloved, we can have assurance that God is faithful and in control. Time may pass, and circumstances may change, but God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).