Chapter 8

First 14 verses recount the genealogies and the counts of those who went with Ezra to Jerusalem.  Just as those who returned with Zerubbabel were listed.  Interesting that they had kept these genealogies up to date while in captivity for 70 years.  They continue to keep them until Jesus is born, so that his lineage can be indisputably shown.  The genealogies are lost after 70 AD, so proof of lineage can no longer be proven.

Ezra notes that there are no Levites among them, and he sends for some from a place where he knows there are some.  Many are sent to him, and accompany him to Jerusalem.  Then one of my favorite verses:

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. [Ezr 8:21 ESV]

Ezra does this because he does not want to ask the King for a "protection force" to accompany them.  He had told the King that God protects those who seek His will...so He should protect them on their journey.  And He does.

Ezra is a good organizer...He previously noted a dire lack of priests.  Now, he decides the gold and silver must be guarded.  After all, they have no military escort.  He distributes the gold, silver, and vessels to twelve of the leading priests, and he keeps a strict accounting of how much each has.  He tells them they'll be counting it all again when they arrive, and comparing it to the ledger.  They make the journey in safety, and they count everything back out in due time.  Then they offer sacrifices on the altar that has been restored in Jerusalem.