Ezra 8:1-20 These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon… I. ARE THE GIFTS OF GOD. 1. They derive their abilities from Him. 2. They rightly develop their abilities by His blessing. 3. They attain their moral excellences by His blessing. II. ARE OF GREAT WORTH AMONGST MEN. 1. Understanding is essential to the beneficent employment of other gifts and powers. 2. The employment of understanding itself confers great benefits upon society.Conclusion: It behoves us — 1. To praise God for men of understanding. 2. To prize such men. 3. To endeavour to become men of understanding. (William Jones.) Parallel Verses KJV: These are now the chief of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of them that went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the king. |
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