◄ Ezra 8:35 ►
Then the exiles who had returned from captivity sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel: 12 bulls for all Israel, 96 rams, 77 lambs, and a sin offering of 12 male goats. All this was a burnt offering to the LORD. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Ezra 8:35? 2. How does Ezra 8:35 demonstrate the importance of sacrificial offerings in worship? 3. What can we learn about obedience to God from Ezra 8:35? 4. How does Ezra 8:35 connect to New Testament teachings on sacrifice? 5. How can we apply the principles of Ezra 8:35 in our daily lives? 6. What does Ezra 8:35 teach about community involvement in worship practices? 7. What is the significance of the burnt offerings in Ezra 8:35? 8. How do the sacrifices in Ezra 8:35 relate to atonement? 9. Why were twelve bulls offered for all Israel in Ezra 8:35? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8? 11. What are the key events in Ezra's life? 12. Does Isaiah 43:19's promise of rivers in deserts contradict geological records of the region? 13. In Ezra 9:7, how does the stated timeline of guilt leading to captivity compare with historical accounts of Persian policies regarding exiles? 14. How do we reconcile the large monetary contributions mentioned in Nehemiah 7:70-72 with the economic realities of returned exiles who presumably had few resources? Discussion Questions 1. What does the act of offering burnt offerings signify about the exiles' relationship with God, and how can we apply this principle in our worship today? 2. How does the concept of sacrifice in Ezra 8:35 relate to the New Testament teaching of offering ourselves as living sacrifices? 3. In what ways can we foster unity within our church or community, similar to the collective offering made by the exiles for "all Israel"? 4. How can we incorporate regular practices of repentance and atonement in our spiritual lives, drawing from the example of the sin offerings? 5. What steps can we take to ensure our worship and obedience to God are aligned with biblical teachings, as demonstrated by the exiles' faithfulness? 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 8:35 NIV Ezra 8:35 NLT Ezra 8:35 ESV Ezra 8:35 NASB Ezra 8:35 KJV Ezra 8:35 Commentaries Bible Hub