◄ Ezra 8:28 ►
Then I told them, "You are holy to the LORD, and these articles are holy. The silver and gold are a freewill offering to the LORD, the God of your fathers. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 8:28? 2. How does Ezra 8:28 emphasize the importance of holiness in our lives today? 3. What responsibilities do we have as "holy to the LORD" in our daily actions? 4. How can we ensure our offerings are "willingly given" like in Ezra 8:28? 5. In what ways does Ezra 8:28 connect to New Testament teachings on holiness? 6. How can we apply the principle of stewardship from Ezra 8:28 in our community? 7. What does Ezra 8:28 reveal about the holiness of the people and objects involved? 8. How does Ezra 8:28 emphasize the responsibility of the priests and Levites? 9. Why is the concept of holiness significant in the context of Ezra 8:28? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8? 11. What are the Urim and Thummim? 12. In Ezra 8:25-27, do the large amounts of silver and gold conflict with known trade or economic data from that era? 13. In Leviticus 12:8, how does the prescribed offering for atonement reconcile with the idea that childbirth is not a moral wrongdoing? 14. What are the key events in Ezra's life? Discussion Questions 1. How does the concept of holiness in Ezra 8:28 apply to our lives as Christians today? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are being good stewards of the resources God has given us, as seen in the handling of the silver and gold? 3. How can we cultivate a sense of reverence and respect in our worship and service to God? 4. What are some practical ways we can pass down our faith to the next generation, as implied by Ezra's reference to "the God of your fathers"? 5. How do the roles of the priests and Levites in Ezra 8:28 relate to the New Testament concept of the priesthood of all believers? Ezra 8 Bible Study Questions 1. What does the meticulous list of returnees suggest about the importance of individual roles in a community? 2. Why was it crucial for Ezra to include Levites in the returning group? 3. How does Ezra demonstrate his faith and dependence on God before the journey? 4. Discuss the significance of entrusting the temple treasures to the priests. What responsibilities come with this trust? 5. How can the safe arrival of the Israelites in Jerusalem be seen as a metaphor for the journey of faith? 6. How does the story of Ezra 8 encourage you in your own spiritual journey? 7. How do you interpret Ezra's decision to rely on God's protection instead of asking for a royal escort? 8. How does the community's collective fasting and prayer before their journey impact your understanding of communal prayer in your life today? 9. How does Ezra 8 inspire you to take leadership roles in your spiritual community? 10. How might you "entrust treasures" to others in your community, and what might those "treasures" be in today's terms? 11. How does the sense of communal responsibility presented in Ezra 8 apply to the modern world? 12. How does Ezra's journey inspire you to make difficult decisions while relying solely on God's protection? 13. How would you act in a similar situation as Ezra, having to lead a large group towards a challenging goal? 14. How do you interpret the phrase "The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him" in your personal life? 15. What are some modern "journeys" that require the same kind of faith and trust in God as demonstrated by Ezra? 16. How can we apply the principles of collective responsibility and trust seen in Ezra 8 in our families or communities today? 17. How do you ensure the safety of your "sacred treasures" (spiritual gifts, callings, etc.) in your journey of faith? 18. What lessons can you draw from the sacrifices offered upon safe arrival in Jerusalem? 19. How can the practice of acknowledging God's provision, as seen in the returned exiles, be incorporated into your life? 20. In what ways does Ezra 8 challenge you to rely more on God’s protection in your personal or communal life? Links Ezra 8:28 NIV Ezra 8:28 NLT Ezra 8:28 ESV Ezra 8:28 NASB Ezra 8:28 KJV Ezra 8:28 Commentaries Bible Hub