God’s Leading Evident in Artaxerxes’ Decree

In this decree by Artaxerxes, God’s leading was evident. Some saw this and gladly took advantage of the privilege of returning under such favorable circumstances. At the appointed time those going to Jerusalem assembled at a designated place of meeting for the long journey.RR 215.7

But the number who responded was disappointingly small. Many who had acquired houses and lands were satisfied to remain. Their example proved to be a wrong influence on others who might have chosen to advance by faith.RR 215.8

As Ezra looked over the assembled group, he was surprised to find none of the Levites, those set apart for the service of the temple. The Levites should have been the first to respond. During the captivity, they had enjoyed liberty to minister to the Israelites in exile. Synagogues had been built; the priests conducted the worship of God and instructed the people. All were allowed to observe the Sabbath freely.RR 216.1

But after the captivity ended, conditions changed. The temple at Jerusalem had been rebuilt and dedicated, and more priests were needed as teachers of the people. Besides, the Jews in Babylon were in danger of having their religious liberty restricted. During the uneasy times of Esther and Mordecai, the Jews in Medo-Persia had been plainly warned to return to their own land. It was dangerous for them to live any longer in the midst of heathen influences. In view of these changed conditions, the priests in Babylon should have been quick to see in the decree a special call to return to Jerusalem.RR 216.2

The king and his princes had provided abundant support, but where were the sons of Levi? A decision to go with their brethren would have led others to follow their example. Their strange indifference is a sad revelation of the attitude the Israelites in Babylon showed toward God’s plan for his people.RR 216.3

Once more Ezra sent the Levites an urgent invitation to join with his company. Trusted messengers hurried with the plea, “Bring us servants for the house of our God.” Ezra 8:17. Some who had been hesitating decided to return. In all, about forty priests and two hundred twenty ministers, teachers, and helpers came to the camp.RR 216.4

All were now ready. Ahead of them was a journey of several months. The men were taking their wives and children, their possessions, and treasure for the temple. Enemies lay in wait, ready to rob and destroy Ezra and everyone with him, yet he had not asked the king for an armed force for protection. “I was ashamed,” he explained, “to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, ‘The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and wrath are against all those who forsake Him.’” Verse 22.RR 216.5

For this reason they determined to put their trust wholly in God. They would ask for no soldiers. They would not plant one doubt in the minds of their heathen friends about their sincerity in depending on God. Strength would come not through human power, but through the favor of God. They would have protection only by earnestly seeking to obey the law of the Lord.RR 216.6

This knowledge lent a solemn air to the consecration service Ezra and his company held just before they set out. “I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava,” Ezra declared, “that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. ... So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” Verses 21-23.RR 216.7