Tag: bsf lesson 9 day 3

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 9, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel Ezra 1:1-4

Cyrus king of Persia says that the Lord has given him the kingdoms of the earth and appointed him to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. All of God’s people are free to return to their land to do so, and they will be given help and treasures to accomplish this.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 9, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4

6) “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah.”
7) The people to return to Israel and Jerusalem and for God’s temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem.
8a) Honestly, this is God so I find this completely normal and not per se remarkable at all.
8b) God is in control, and all I have to do is place my faith and hope in Him and the world will work as He deems.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 9, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4

Great stuff! I love how God always has a plan, and I love to see it unfold. So much hope for the people in these verses (and encouragement for us as we witness God’s faithfulness at work!).

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 9, Day 3: Ezra 1:1-4

God prompts Cyrus to allow His people to return home and rebuild the temple. Interestingly, we don’t meet Ezra till chapter 7. Here, we’ll see the people themselves returning to the homeland.

Prophecies were powerful back in biblical times, so the king may have heard of Daniel’s prophecies, which helped to prompt him.

This is told in 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 too.

Isaiah prophecied about Cyrus too: Isaiah 44:28-45:4.

We see this encouragement in the Books of 1 and 2 Chronicles to return and rebuild the Temple. However, only a small percentage of the refugees actually did (Isaiah 10:22). 

There was only a small portion of people living in Jerusalem and Israel after the exile had taken place. They had it rough, but God was about to return! (2 Kings 25:12; Jeremiah 39:10; 40:7; 52:16). (Jeremiah 6:12).  (Jeremiah 40:11-12).  (Lamentations 5:2-5) (Lamentations 5:11-13).

The theme of Ezra is not only the return of the exiles to the Promised Land, but also with the mandate to rebuild the Temple. As always, religion is central in God’s world (and in ours!).

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 1:1-4 records the fulfillment of divine prophecy through the official decree of a foreign king. In these verses, God stirs the spirit of King Cyrus of Persia to authorize and fund the end of the Babylonian exile.

The Proclamation of Cyrus

Cyrus’s proclamation, detailed in verses 2-4, contains three key components:

  1. Divine Commission: Cyrus begins by acknowledging that his vast empire was given to him by “the LORD, the God of heaven” and that this same God has appointed him to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This is a remarkable admission from a non-Jewish ruler, framing the project as a divinely sanctioned mission.
  2. Permission to Return: He grants all Jewish exiles throughout his empire explicit permission to return to Jerusalem to undertake the rebuilding of the Temple. He adds a blessing, “May their God be with them!”, signifying his official approval.
  3. Provision for the Journey: Cyrus commands his own non-Jewish subjects to materially support the returning exiles. They are to provide them with silver, gold, goods, and livestock, in addition to a special offering for the Temple project. This ensures the mission is not only permitted but also fully resourced.

In conclusion, this passage is the pivotal starting point for Israel’s restoration. It powerfully demonstrates God’s sovereignty, showing His ability to use the most powerful ruler on earth as an instrument to fulfill His promises to His people. Cyrus’s decree doesn’t just end the 70-year exile prophesied by Jeremiah; it provides the official authority, blessing, and financial backing necessary to begin rebuilding the nation’s spiritual heart: the Temple in Jerusalem. It is a profound testament to God’s faithfulness and His control over history.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 9, Day 3: Revelation 4:4-6a

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 4:4-6a

There were 24 other thrones surrounding God’s throne in heaven that John saw. 24 elders sat upon them. They were dressed in white with gold crowns on their heads. Lightning, rumblings, and thunder came from the throne. 7 lamps were lit (the spirits of God). A sea was in front of the throne. 4 living creatures were around the throne and they were covered in eyes.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 9, Day 3: Revelation 4:4-6a

6) 24 elders surrounded the throne. White symbolizes purity, so they were pure to be with God. They are either humans or angels.

7) God is all-powerful. He commands nature. He is the God of light. He commands all things, including the creatures.

8 ) Exodus 24:9-11: Pavement lay under God’s feet.

Isaiah 6:1-7: God was seated on a throne. His robe filled the temple. Seraphim were around him, singing to him and praising him.

Ezekiel 1: He saw a cloud with lightning and light. He saw 4 living creatures. He has a throne of lapis lazuli. Radiance was around God like a rainbow.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 9, Day 3: Revelation 4:4-6a

I personally can’t wait to see God. These visions are SO amazing!

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 9, Day 3: Revelation 4:4-6a

Bible scholars debate whether the 24 elders are human (Revelation 6:11, 7:9, 13-14) or angels (Mark 16:5; John 20:12; Acts 1:10. They say they represent the 12 tribes of Israel along with the 12 apostles.

Believers were crowns (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 5:4).

Both saints and angels are depicted in white robes, which represents purity.

The 7 Spirits of God is the Holy Spirit seen Revelation 1:4 and Isaiah 11:2). Here, we see the Holy Spirit as the 7 lamps. The Holy Spirit can also be a dove (Matthew 3:16) and a flame of fire (Acts 2:3).

There is some sort of body of water before God.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:28-29

The only work that God requires is to believe in Jesus.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

6a) The people believed you have to work to earn God’s grace and favor. Jesus says all you have to do is believe in him. How simple! When you have faith in Jesus, you will have deeds given to you by God to do. And, you will do them because you have the love of Jesus in your heart.

b) Lots of ways. Donating their time or money to causes. Trying to be good and do good. Doing things just because they feel like they should rather than because they want to.

7a) To believe Jesus died for our sins, that’s he’s the Messiah, the Son of God, and his death gave us everlasting life.

b) In every way. It gives me confidence every day to live and do His will. I don’t worry. I give it all to Him. He is in control. Knowing God is there makes my life easier.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

Doesn’t get any simpler, does it?

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 9, Day 3: John 6:28-29

Jesus told them not to labor for food previously. (John 6:27) So, they asked what then do they labor for.

The people were looking for Jesus to tell them what to do, so they could please God.

Jesus told him all they have to do is trust him.

Once we believe in Jesus, works will follow.

This one line from Jesus is one of the most important in the entire Bible. It tells us all we need to do is have faith. Period.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 3: 2 Kings 4:8-37

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 4:8-37

A well-to-do woman made a place for Elisha to stay with her whenever he came to Shunem. One day, he asked his servant to find out if the woman wanted anything because she has been so kind to him. The woman had no son, so Elisha told her about this time next year, she would have one.

Indeed, she did have a son who grew, but one day he got a headache. The boy died in her arms. She sent for Elisha who sent his servant ahead to heal the boy. The servant could not. When Elisha arrived, he lay upon the boy, and the boy’s body grew warm. He once again lived.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 3: 2 Kings 4:8-37

5) She prepared a permanent place for Elisha to stay whenever he visited Shunem. She fed him a meal every time he came, too. She knew he was a holy man of God. When Elisha asks her what does she want as a reward for this hospitality, she asks for nothing, saying she is content.

6a) The unexpected joy was God rewarding her with a son when she was old. But the boy got sick and died.

b) When he saw the woman coming, he knew immediately something was wrong. He sent his servant out to find out and then he worked to make it right.

7) He doesn’t answer our prayers when the answer is not in our best interest or not in His will. We do not know the future, but God does. He orchastrates events, and we are to trust Him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 3: 2 Kings 4:8-37

I love reading about miracles. There is something inherently comforting in knowing God is omnipotent.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 9, Day 3: 2 Kings 4:8-37

The woman went out of her way for Elisha who then did the same for her.

Being barren in the ancient world was a stigma, and people were looked down upon because of it.

Many Bible Scholars suggest the boy got heat stroke since he was out working in the fields.

The woman believed Elisha could raise her son from the dead since she laid him on Elisha’s bed and left immediately to get him.

Note Elisha thought God would reveal the woman’s problems to him.

The child may have been healed by the staff if the woman had full faith to leave Elisha.

The boy was raised due to Elisha’s faith and God’s willingness to have the boy live.

Note how Jesus commanded Lazarus to come from the tomb. Here, Elisha and Elijah asked God to raise the dead.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 9, Day 3: Genesis 11:1-9 & Psalm 2

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passages:  Genesis 11:1-9:  A bit after the world had been repopulated some people moved eastward and settled on the plain of Shinar (Babylonia).  They used bricks and tar to build a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that they could make a name for themselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.

The Lord saw what the men were doing.  He confused their language as punishment to prevent more un-Godly actions.  God scattered them over the earth.  Babel sounds like the Hebrew word for confused; hence the name “Tower of Babel.”

Psalm 2:  Why do people conspire and plot against the Lord and the Anointed One?  It is all in vain.  Man fights against God who merely laughs.  God rebukes and terrifies them.  David tells other kings to be wise and serve the Lord with fear and joy for God’s anger can flare in a moment.  Blessed are those who take refuge in Him.

Ask God and He will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.  With God you will rule.

Questions:

5a)  Both try to self-aggrandize and put themselves above God.  It is useless to plot and conspire against God and Jesus.  We are nothing in comparison.  Yet man tries through ambition and pride.  And every time he is vanquished, defeated, chastized, rebuked, or punished by God.  You’d think we learn.  But we never do.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  We deliberately disobey God and think His laws don’t apply to us.  In the end, we end up suffering because of it.  It teaches me to obey God as much as my sinful nature can.  To submit for He is King.  To recognize my weakness and beg for His mercy.  To follow Him till the end of my days.  This is my prayer.

6a)  Both verses say belief in Jesus and what Jesus did for us.

b)  In the passage, literally through a tower.  Today, through works, prayer, obedience, His word.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Through Jesus.

Be careful not to interpret this as “drawing near to God”.  I think the point of the question is that the only way to God is Jesus and anyway else is false.

Conclusions:  Have you noticed this theme in the questions, comparing people in Biblical times and in our times?  Like I concluded yesterday, man never changes.  His nature is the same.  He sins.  Repeatedly.  Since the Fall–the beginning of time.  This will never change.

It’s why we need Jesus.  God knew this.  He knows we have no hope without Christ.  And that’s what the entire Bible is trying to tell each and every one of us.  And that’s why it’s our job to tell others.  So they can be saved.