The Ezra Fast
3-9-08

If possible, please come to class having Read Ezra. It’s a small book, but having read it will be beneficial for our study. Chapter 8 is where we will spend most of our time

The Book of Ezra tells the story of the Jews traveling back from captivity in Persia. King Cyrus of Persia gave them permission to return in 538 B.C. And to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. First Zerubbabel led the people back to work on the temple. The surrounding nations caused trouble, so the work went slowly, even stopping for several years the temple was finally finished in 515 B.C.
Then Ezra, a priest, attempted to lead a second group of people back to Jerusalem. He gathered them on the banks of the Ahava River, but then realized he had a Major Problem.

After reading Chapter 8, what seems to be the reason Ezra calls a fast? (verse23)


Was this a public fast or a private one? Why?

Why did the people fast?

What do you notice about the order Ezra does things? When does he start planning?

What does this tell us about fasting?

When did the church in Acts fast? (13:2)

This seems to tell us we should fast before any major __________

When you face a _______ problem that you did not initiate (This is important)

Let’s look at 2 Chronicles 20: 1-4, Ezra 8:21-23 and the fast called in Jonah How are they similar?

Compare Ezra 8:21 and Isaiah 58:3 (What is a common element?)

Ezra 8:21-23, 31 Do we ever face situations like Ezra did that might cause us to do as he did?

True or False: In Ezra 8:21-23, the course of history was changed as a result of fasting?