Ezra's Journey: Returning to Jerusalem Under King Artaxerxes' Decree - Immerse Bible Reading Day 350

In today's episode of Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience, we explore Ezra's significant journey from Babylon to Jerusalem during the 7th year of King Artaxerxes of Persia's reign. This episode meticulously covers Ezra’s genealogy, his revered status as a scribe well-versed in the law of Moses, and the king's generous provisions for their journey. We learn about the detailed royal decree, which includes instructions for offerings, specific items to be taken, and orders for provincial treasurers. The episode also lists the leaders and genealogies of those who traveled with Ezra. It highlights the purpose of their journey, the fasting and prayers for protection, and the accounted delivery of treasures to God’s temple. The reading concludes with the sacrifices offered on arrival and the cooperation of local governors.

00:00 Introduction to Ezra's Journey
00:04 Ezra's Background and Mission
01:34 King Artaxerxes' Decree
05:00 Preparations for the Journey
06:38 The Journey to Jerusalem
10:06 Arrival and Offerings in Jerusalem

Buy Immerse: Chronicles Now!
Volume 6 — Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Daniel

Chronicles

Immerse: Chronicles is the sixth and final installment in Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience. Chronicles contains the remaining First Testament Books: Chronicles–Ezra–Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel. These works were all written after the Jewish people fell under the control of foreign empires and were scattered among the nations. They remind God’s chastened people of their identity and calling to faithfully represent God to the nations and that there is still hope for the struggling dynasty of David.

4 Questions to get your conversations started:
1. What stood out to you this week?
2. Was there anything confusing or troubling?
3. Did anything make you think differently about God?
4. How might this change the way we live?

QUICK START GUIDE
3 ways to get the most out of your experience

1. Use Immerse: Beginnings instead of your regular chapter and verse Bible. This special reader’s edition restores the Bible to its natural simplicity and beauty by removing chapter and verse numbers and other historical additions. Letters look like letters, songs look like songs, and the original literary structures are visible in each book.
2. Commit to making this a community experience. Immerse is designed for groups to encounter large portions of the Bible together
   for 8 weeks–more like a book club, less like a Bible study. By meeting every week in small groups and discussing what you read in open,
   honest conversations, you and your community can come together to be transformed through an authentic experience with the Scriptures.
3. Aim to understand the big story. Read through “The Stories and the Story” (p. 483) to see how the books of the Bible work together to tell God’s story of his creation’s restoration. As you read through Immerse: Beginnings, rather than ask, “How do I fit God into my busy life?” begin asking, “How can I join in God’s great plan by living out my part in his story?”

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