[:en]SCRIPTURE: EZRA 8
“The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him” (Ezra 8:22)
LIST OF THE FAMILY HEADS RETURNING WITH EZRA (vs. 1-14)
The names of the families and the men who accompanied Ezra on his trip to Jerusalem were being listed.
THE RETURN TO JERUSALEM (vs. 15-36)
Ezra proclaimed a fast ahead for a safe journey. They did not ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect them from enemies on their way because they believed that the Lord would take care of them. They carried the treasures and made an accounting upon reaching Jerusalem. They traveled for an average of 7 miles a day and reached their destination after 3 months. Upon their return, they sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel : 12 bulls for all Israel, 96 rams, 77 male lambs and as a sin offering, 12 male goats.[:]