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Today we complete our reading in the Book of II Chronicles. Our reading covers the [[Bibledeath]] STUDY: READ EZRA 2--3of Josiah, the reign of Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. These kings reigned over [[Judah]] between 640 and 586 b.c. As mentioned in yesterday's comments, Josiah was one of [[Judah]] 's best kings and brought revival to the land. However, in spite of all the Reformation of Josiah, we find [[Jerusalem]] in exile and captivity as the book ends.

Chapter 36 reviews the [[GodLord]] had promised captivity 's [[judgmentgrace]] to and patience, and the reasons for the sinning nation exile of [[IsraelGod]]'s people. Under the rule of Cyrus, king of Persia, and He fulfilled His promise. He also promised that a remnant would return proclamation was made throughout all the kingdom to rebuild the Temple in [[Jerusalem]] (see [[Jeremiah]] 25:12-14 and 29:10- 14). [[Ezra]] and Nehemiah tell the story of the return This was done to fulfill the land and the city, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the rebuilding of the walls. The Book of [[EstherWord]] also fits into this period, as do the Books of the prophets [[HaggaiLord]] and , which was given by [[ZechariahJeremiah]]many years earlier.

[[Ezra]] is presented as a [[God]]ly Throughout I and patriotic Jew, who was a priest II Chronicles we have seen the success and scribe ( failure of [[EzraGod]] 7:1-6). He was a great student of the Scriptures, and helped to restore the Jew of the land. We will find in chapter 8 that he was a man of prayer and, in chapter 9, that he was a man who was greatly burdened for the spiritual welfare of his 's people. His name means "help" and throughout the Book of [[EzraGod]] we will see that his [[faith]] in 's people never knew failure when they followed the [[Lord]] is seen by his willingness , but never knew success when they followed the ways contrary to undertake the dangerous journey from [[BabylonLord]]ia to [[Jerusalem]] without the aid of military escorts.

Chapters 1--3 record key events in the history As I review these two great books, II Chronicles 7:14 comes to my mind as one of the remnant of outstanding verses. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and [[Israelpray]] (the returning to their land, recorded in chapters 1 and 2seek my face, and the rebuilding of the Temple, recorded in chapter 3). The Book of turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from [[Ezraheaven]] records chronologically the return of the remnant to , and will forgive their [[Jerusalemsin]] , and the events which took place after will heal their return. The book records the rebuilding of the Temple and its dedicationland. There were 42,360 " Every [[JewsChristian]] who returned should memorize this verse, believe it, and participated follow the instruction given in it. Only then will the rebuilding. They were permitted to do so by promises become a proclamation issued by Cyrus, king of Persiareality. It is possible that King Cyrus was influenced by the [[prophetGod]] wants to forgive our sins. He wants to bless our nation. But we must first present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto [[DanielGod]], and may have heard from his lips the history that we might be used of [[Nebuchadnezzar]] Him. We must be clean vessels, as well as meet for the great propheciesMaster's use.