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Ezra 10 is a chapter that, on the surface, can feel intensely challenging, even uncomfortable. It chronicles the difficult, painful, yet necessary action the people of Israel took to address the sin of intermarriage. As I reflect on this passage, I find three major themes that speak to my own walk with Christ today: the depth of true repentance, the call to costly obedience, and the nature of corporate sin.
The Depth of True Repentance The chapter opens with the people weeping bitterly. They recognized their sin—the betrayal of their covenant with God. This wasn't a casual apology; it was a profound, public lamentation. For me, this serves as a powerful reminder that true repentance must move beyond mere regret. It has to be a deep-seated conviction that leads to genuine, practical change. They didn’t just say they were sorry; they committed to acting sorry. It makes me ask: in what areas of my life have I offered God just my words when He is asking for my will? The Call to Costly Obedience The decision they made—to put away their foreign wives and children—is heartbreaking to read. It was a massive personal sacrifice. It wasn't an easy solution; it was a deeply costly act of obedience. This action underscores a hard truth: obedience to God often requires us to sacrifice something we love, something we’ve become comfortable with, or something that is painful to release. The easy path is rarely the righteous path. This chapter challenges me to evaluate my own commitments. Is my love for Christ evidenced by my willingness to let go of whatever hinders my relationship with Him, no matter the personal cost? The Nature of Corporate Sin and Restoration Ezra 10 shows that sin is rarely just a private matter. The people's transgression brought guilt upon the entire community. Their restoration, therefore, also had to be a communal effort. They made a covenant together and formed a committee to carry out the process. This highlights the importance of the Church community in accountability. We are not meant to battle sin in isolation. We need brothers and sisters to hold us accountable, to encourage us in the difficult acts of obedience, and to help us uphold the standards of God’s covenant. The work of restoration is heavy, but it is a work we must undertake as the body of Christ. Ultimately, Ezra 10 is a testament to God's faithfulness to a repentant people and the seriousness of living a life set apart. It's a challenging mirror, but one that points us toward a holy and costly relationship with our faithful God.
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The book of Ezra often focuses on the restoration of a people and a temple, but chapter 9 is a sharp turn—a moment of deep, painful introspection. Reading through Ezra’s raw prayer of confession, my own heart can’t help but be struck by how easily we, too, slide back into old patterns, even after God has shown us incredible mercy.
The Weight of "Unfaithfulness" The core issue in Ezra 9 is the “unfaithfulness” of the returned exiles, specifically their intermarriage with the surrounding peoples, which was a direct violation of God’s covenant and a path back to the very spiritual compromise that led to the exile in the first place. My first reflection is on the insidious nature of compromise. These people had witnessed the destruction of Jerusalem and the long exile—the ultimate consequence of sin—yet within a generation, they were repeating the cycle. It reminds me that simply knowing the history of God’s discipline is not enough. We must actively guard against the subtle influences of the world around us. What "peoples of the lands" are we mixing with today? Not literally, but what worldly philosophies, values, or practices are we welcoming into our lives and churches that slowly erode our commitment to God's holiness? Ezra's Appalled Posture When Ezra hears of the sin, his reaction is extreme: he tears his garment and his cloak, plucks hair from his head and beard, and sits appalled until the evening sacrifice. This is not just disappointment; it is shock, grief, and a profound sense of shared corporate shame. This is a deep personal challenge. How often do I react to sin with mere head-shaking or a detached judgment? Ezra didn't distance himself; he became so identified with the people's sin that he physically expressed utter brokenness. Do I feel the weight of the sins in my community, my nation, or my church? When I pray, do I truly confess, "O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you" (Ezra 9:6), even if the specific transgression wasn’t mine? Ezra’s intercession models a powerful, agonizing solidarity that is missing when we approach sin as merely an individualistic problem. The Awe-Inspiring Justice and Mercy Ezra's prayer is a masterclass in repentance because it is entirely grounded in God's character and history. He acknowledges that they deserve nothing but punishment, yet he thanks God for the little reviving of grace, the remnant that has escaped, and the secure hold in his holy place. This is my final, and most encouraging, thought: God's justice makes His mercy shine brighter. Ezra doesn't use excuses. He admits, "you are just, for we are left a remnant that has escaped, as it is today" (Ezra 9:15). He realizes that the very fact they exist is a testament to God's patience, not their goodness. For us today, that secure hold in the holy place is Christ. We don't appeal to God based on our minor improvements or brief bursts of obedience. We appeal to Him based entirely on the cross, the ultimate and permanent "peg" of safety and security. Ezra 9 is a call to serious repentance, but it is a repentance that drives us to a deeper appreciation for the God who saves. It reminds us that our only response to such great mercy, after such deep failure, must be to finally and completely obey His commands. What a chapter. Ezra 8 details the second wave of Israelites returning from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem, but for me, the real heart of the passage isn't in the travel itinerary; it's in the profound moment of choosing faith over worldly security.
The Stance of Humility Ezra, leading a huge contingent of people, as well as vast amounts of gold and silver for the Temple, faced a dangerous journey. He had previously spoken confidently to King Artaxerxes about "the hand of our God is for good on all who seek him" (Ezra 8:22). But now, standing at the river Ahava, looking at the road ahead, fear must have been a real temptation. The obvious, logical solution was to ask the king for a guard of soldiers and horsemen to protect them from bandits. Instead, Ezra chooses to fast and humble himself before God, seeking His safe passage. This moment challenges my own life deeply. How often do I speak big words about God's faithfulness, only to immediately lean on my own resources, a backup plan, or a human solution when the pressure is on? Ezra realized that to ask for a military escort would have been to implicitly contradict his testimony to the King. He put his trust where his mouth was. His action—calling for a fast—is a powerful statement that true security is not found in cavalry but in the Sovereign Lord. It’s a call to radical dependence that I need to embody more in my day-to-day life. The Call to Careful Stewardship I find the meticulous cataloging and entrustment of the gold and silver to the priests (Ezra 8:24-30) surprisingly relevant. These treasures were vast—hundreds of talents of silver, vessels, and gold—and they were sacred, consecrated to the Lord. Ezra didn't just toss them into a bag. He weighed them, recorded them, and charged faithful men to guard them until they reached the Temple. This is a beautiful picture of stewardship. Everything we have—our finances, our gifts, our time, and our influence—is essentially "consecrated" and on loan from God. Ezra's diligence reminds me that my role is not just to possess these things, but to guard them and faithfully deliver them back into the service of God's Kingdom. It’s a challenge to be as careful and responsible with my temporal resources as Ezra was with the sacred, heavy metals. The Hand of God The chapter concludes with this simple, beautiful truth: "The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way" (Ezra 8:31). The prayer was answered. The fast bore fruit. The risk of faith was rewarded with divine protection. What a comfort! Ezra’s journey reminds me that when I choose to humbly rely on God, when I prioritize my trust in Him over my reliance on human systems, His power is unleashed. The hand of God isn't just a biblical phrase; it's the active, delivering, and guiding presence that steers us safely through the dangerous journey of life. May my life be a continual journey from the river Ahava, always marked by a humble spirit and the evidence of His faithful hand. Ezra 7 is a pivotal moment in the story of Israel’s return from Babylonian exile, but it’s more than just history; it’s a picture of a life aligned with God's will. Reading this chapter, my reflections center on three key lessons about preparation, provision, and praise.
The Priority of the Purposeful Heart The core of Ezra’s character is beautifully summarized: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). This verse isn't just a description; it’s a roadmap for discipleship. Ezra’s calling began with a deliberate, internal choice—he set his heart. This wasn't a casual interest; it was a firm commitment to a three-part process: he would study—deeply engaging with God’s Word to know it; he would practice—applying it to his own life, ensuring integrity; and he would teach—sharing it with others, demonstrating stewardship of his knowledge. We often feel inadequate for the tasks God calls us to, but Ezra shows us that faithful preparation is the prerequisite for divine deployment. Before God uses you for a great work, He calls you to be a diligent student and practitioner of His truth. My personal challenge here is to ask: Is my heart as "set" on God's Word as Ezra's was? God’s Provision Through Unexpected Authority What happens after Ezra prepares his heart? God acts. The long, formal decree from King Artaxerxes is an amazing testament to God’s sovereignty. A pagan king not only grants Ezra permission to go to Jerusalem, but also provides several things: Financial Resources:
This reminds me that God is not limited to working through traditionally "spiritual" channels. He is sovereign over presidents, kings, CEOs, and every human authority. When our heart is set on His purposes, He can move the hearts of even the most unlikely people—even those who don't know Him—to provide the resources, authority, and means necessary to accomplish His will. God’s provision is often not just for us, but through powerful entities we would never expect. The Only Fitting Response: Humbled Praise The chapter closes not with a detailed travel itinerary or a logistical plan, but with Ezra’s immediate, overwhelming praise: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king's mighty officers” (Ezra 7:27-28). Ezra doesn't take a moment to pat himself on the back for his eloquent plea or persuasive skills. His first and only instinct is to credit God. He recognized that the success of his mission, the generosity of the king, and his own favor were all due to the fact that the "hand of the Lord my God was on me" (Ezra 7:28). In our own lives, when we see an opportunity open, a financial need met, or a difficult situation resolved, how quickly do we remember to give credit where it is due? Ezra reminds us that our greatest accomplishment is merely a testament to God’s steadfast love and powerful hand working on our behalf. His response is a humble call to action for us: to look back over our lives, see the evidence of God’s "hand," and respond with immediate and unreserved praise. Ezra 7 isn't just about a journey from Babylon to Jerusalem; it's a guide to living a life of purpose. It shows us that a heart committed to God's Word will always be met with God's provision, leading to a life characterized by genuine gratitude. There are few feelings as satisfying as finally finishing a major project. You know the ones—the task that drags on, seems insurmountable, and demands every ounce of patience you possess. Reading through Ezra chapter 6, I was struck by that same powerful feeling of completion, but on a grand, spiritual scale.
The chapter opens with King Darius commissioning a search for Cyrus's original decree, confirming the Jews' right to rebuild the Temple. God, working through the heart of a powerful pagan king, ensures the legal and financial resources are in place. What a profound reminder that when God wills something, no earthly power can ultimately stand in its way. My own personal struggles often feel overwhelming, but this passage is a powerful anchor: God's purpose will be fulfilled. The Power of the Prophetic Word It’s easy to get discouraged when we face delays. The Temple project had been stalled for years, facing opposition and bureaucratic red tape. Yet, we see the elders of the Jews "build and prosper through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah, the son of Iddo" (Ezra 6:14). This speaks volumes about the necessity of God’s Word in our lives. When we stop listening to the prophets—God's Word today—and let fear or distraction take over, our spiritual "building" stalls. But when we anchor ourselves in Scripture, we find the motivation and the spiritual wind to keep going. Finished! Dedication and Restoration And then comes the glorious moment: "And this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius" (Ezra 6:15). Finished. The climax of the chapter is the dedication of the House of God with joy and the celebration of the Passover. This isn't just about a building; it's about a restored relationship. The dedication and the Passover were acts of worship, a declaration that God had brought them back from exile and re-established their covenant identity. The God Who Starts is the God Who Finishes My takeaway from Ezra 6 is simple, yet life-changing: the God who starts is the God who finishes. He overcomes opposition (Darius’s decree), uses His Word to motivate us (Haggai and Zechariah), and ultimately brings us to a place of joyful worship (Passover). If there is a stalled "building project" in your life—a habit you are trying to break, a relationship you are working to restore, or a calling you are trying to step into—take heart from Ezra 6. God provides the decree, the resources, and the motivation. Our role is simply to be faithful builders. Ezra chapter 5 is a turning point in the story of the exiled people returning to Jerusalem. After years of the temple foundation lying dormant, stalled by fear and opposition, this chapter ignites with action. It’s a profound reminder that when God’s time comes, nothing can truly stop His work—not discouragement, not fear, and certainly not political opposition.
The Divine Push We All Need The chapter opens with a simple, yet world-changing action: "Now the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah... prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel who was over them" (Ezra 5:1). My biggest takeaway here is the need for a divine push. The people weren't lazy; they were discouraged and afraid. We all have "temple-building" projects in our lives—vocation, ministry, personal growth—that stall out. The work resumed not because of a sudden burst of human willpower, but because God sent the right words through the right people at the right time. It reminds me to always be open to that word of encouragement or conviction from a friend, a pastor, or a moment in scripture. God often speaks through others to get us back on the foundation. Opposition is Proof of Progress No sooner had the work begun than the opposition arrived in the form of Tattenai, the governor of the province Beyond the River. He essentially asked, "Who gave you permission to do this?" (Ezra 5:3-4). It’s easy to feel defeated when opposition comes, but Ezra 5 helps me reframe it: opposition is often confirmation that I am doing something that matters. The adversary doesn't waste time on idle projects. The fact that Tattenai cared enough to inquire meant the work was substantial and visible. My reflection is simple: when I face setbacks or questions about my purpose, I should take courage. If the opposition is strong, perhaps the work is even more important than I realized. God's Hand Holds the Keys to History The most comforting verse in this chapter is tucked away almost as an aside: "But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not stop them" (Ezra 5:5). This is sovereignty in action. While the elders were busy answering questions, defending their actions, and pointing to the decree of Cyrus, God was in control of the entire situation. He wasn't just with them; He was actively watching over them. They were able to continue the physical work because the eye of their God was on them. This reminds me that I don't have to carry the political, financial, or personal burden of my tasks alone. My job is simply to be obedient and start the work. God's job is to ensure that His ultimate will for that work cannot be thwarted. Even a letter to King Darius becomes a tool in God’s hand to confirm His original plan. A Call to Persevere Ezra 5 is a powerful lesson in perseverance that is grounded in prophecy and protected by Providence. It encourages me today to listen for the prophetic voice when my spiritual work has stalled, embrace opposition as a sign that I'm on the right track, and trust the unseen hand of God that is protecting the work I am doing for Him. If God has called you to build something—a family, a ministry, a new habit, or just a closer relationship with Him—be encouraged: the eye of your God is on you. Now is the time to start building again. Ezra chapter 4 is a powerful, yet often discouraging, detour in the story of God’s faithfulness. After the high of chapter 3—the foundation of the new Temple is laid with singing and tears—chapter 4 hits us with the cold reality of opposition. It’s a reality check that is incredibly relatable to any Christian endeavor.
The Strategy of Deceptive Partnership The opposition didn’t start with an outright assault; it began with a seemingly helpful offer: “Let us build with you.” This deceptive move, couched in piety ("for we worship your God as you do" [Ezra 4:2]), was a calculated effort to compromise the purity of the project. The enemy of our souls rarely shows up with horns and a pitchfork. He often comes disguised as an ally, suggesting a 'simpler' or 'more inclusive' way to do God's work. It’s a reminder that purity of motive and purpose must always precede unity. Zerubbabel and the leaders were wise to discern the spirit behind the offer and refuse it, protecting the sanctity of their commission. The Persistence of the Critics When deception failed, the opposition pivoted to slander and political maneuvering. They wrote letters to the current kings, filling them with accusations that the returning exiles were rebellious, dangerous, and historically troublesome. They framed the rebuilding of the Temple and city as a political insurrection that would cost the empire revenue. They appealed to the king's self-interest, and it worked. Artaxerxes issued a decree to halt the work, and the adversaries enforced it “by force and power” (Ezra 4:23). This section shows the relentless nature of spiritual opposition. When one tactic fails, another begins. It’s not a single battle but a prolonged war of attrition. The most heartbreaking line is at the end: “Then the work on the house of God that is in Jerusalem stopped, and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia” (Ezra 4:24). Years of faithful work stopped because a lie was believed and enforced. Patience is a Byproduct of Obedience The leaders obeyed God, and yet the work stopped. This is a critical lesson. Obedience does not guarantee immediate, trouble-free success. Sometimes, obedience only gets you to the waiting room. Our faithfulness is proven not only in starting the work but in waiting patiently for the Lord to change the season. The King's Decree vs. God's Decree The adversaries successfully used the law of man to stop the work. Yet, the work was God's. It’s a sobering realization that worldly authority can, for a time, override God’s plans in the physical realm. However, history (and the rest of Ezra) proves that the decree of King Artaxerxes was temporary, but the promise of God was eternal. The Test of the Gap The chapter ends with a gap of many years where nothing happened. The builders went home. The foundation was exposed to the elements. Doubt must have been rampant. What are the 'gaps' in my own life? What projects or callings have I allowed to be stopped by opposition—whether it's financial trouble, criticism from others, or simply exhaustion? Ezra 4 challenges me to examine those paused areas and remember that the adversaries only won a battle, not the war. God’s will is not ultimately determined by the strength of our opponents or the decree of a secular king, but by the sovereignty of the Lord. The story of Ezra doesn't end here; it resumes with renewed zeal and prophetic encouragement. If you are facing opposition or living in a season of waiting today, take heart: the pause is not the finale. The Lord who commanded the work will ensure its completion. We just need to be ready to pick up the hammer when He gives the word. The book of Ezra chronicles one of the most powerful stories of revival and restoration in the Bible: the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem. Chapter 3, in particular, offers deep reflections on what it truly means to start again, grounded in faith and obedience.
Prioritizing the Presence The very first thing the returning exiles did, even before the foundation of the Temple was laid, was rebuild the altar for burnt offerings. “They set the altar in its place, for fear was upon them because of the peoples of the lands, and they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord” (Ezra 3:3). This is a profound lesson for us today. Faced with an unfinished city and surrounded by hostile neighbors, their first act wasn't to build a wall or a house; it was to re-establish worship. Their circumstances bred fear, but their response was devotion. When we feel overwhelmed by the unfinished business in our lives—the broken pieces, the uncertainty—our highest priority must be to establish our "altar," to reconnect with God through worship, prayer, and reading His Word. Before we fix the problem, we must seek the Presence. Obedience to the Pattern With the altar rebuilt, the people immediately restored the proper cycle of worship, celebrating the Feast of Booths “as it is written” (Ezra 3:4). They didn't invent a new way to worship; they returned to the pattern prescribed in the Law of Moses. Restoration is not just about starting something; it’s about starting the right thing, in the right way. The path back to God’s blessing and order is always marked by humble obedience to His instruction. As we rebuild areas of our lives—our habits, our relationships, our work—we are called to align our actions with the truth of scripture. The Mixed Sound of New Beginnings The chapter culminates with the laying of the foundation for the new Temple. This moment, intended to be pure celebration, produces a complex, mixed sound: “The people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people’s weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away” (Ezra 3:13). There was a great shout of joy from the younger generation who only knew the promise of a Temple. But there was also loud weeping from the older priests and Levites who remembered the unparalleled glory of the first Temple, built by Solomon. To them, this new, humble foundation was a painful reminder of what was lost. This beautifully captures the reality of new beginnings. There is joy in the start, in the act of building, and in the promise of what is to come. However, there is often deep sorrow for what has been broken, lost, or diminished. As we move forward in faith, we must allow for both sounds. We can celebrate the new work God is doing while honoring the honest pain of the past. Restoration embraces the joy of the future without denying the sorrow of the history. Ezra 3 encourages us to keep building, even when our efforts feel small and the soundtrack to our new beginning is a beautiful, messy mix of tears and shouts. It’s easy to skim past a chapter like Ezra 2. After the drama of the decree in chapter 1, we are immediately plunged into a long list—a census, essentially—of the families and individuals who returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah. Why does the Holy Spirit dedicate an entire chapter of Scripture to names and numbers? A closer look reveals profound Christian truths about God’s faithfulness, the importance of our identity, and the call to recommitment.
The God Who Names and Remembers The long list is a powerful statement: God never forgot His people. The Babylonians may have scattered them, seeking to erase their identity, but God preserved a remnant. Each name—from Zerubbabel to the lowest servant—represents a person God knew, sustained, and directed back home. In a world that often reduces us to statistics, Ezra 2 reminds us that our God is personal. He calls His own sheep by name (John 10:3). He knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:30). Our value isn't found in our achievements or status but in the simple fact that we are known and counted by the Creator of the universe. The meticulous record-keeping of Ezra 2 is a beautiful picture of the meticulous care our Heavenly Father has for each of us. Restoration Requires Commitment The people listed in Ezra 2 didn't just think about going back to Jerusalem; they made the physical, costly, and, very likely, dangerous journey. They left behind established lives, homes, and businesses in Babylon to return to a ruined city and a difficult task. Their return was an act of faith and commitment. They were responding to God's call to rebuild not just the Temple, but their spiritual and national identity. Our own spiritual journey mirrors this. True restoration in Christ isn't just a mental assent; it requires a costly commitment to leave the "Babylon" of our past—our comfortable sins, our old ways of life—and set our face toward the "Jerusalem" of Christ’s calling. We are called to be an active part of God's rebuilding project, committing our time, talent, and treasure to His Kingdom. The Power of a Collective Return The return wasn't a solo act; it was a communal movement. Families, clans, and whole groups returned together, pooling their resources and their hope. In their unity, there was strength to face the daunting task of rebuilding the Temple, which we read about in the chapters that follow. Ezra 2 highlights the truth that faith is lived out in community. We are not called to be isolated heroes, but to be members of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Our shared commitment, our "collective return," provides the support, accountability, and power needed to live the Christian life and to fulfill the Great Commission. When we gather—as the lists in Ezra 2 show—our collective presence is a testimony to God's enduring power. So, the next time you encounter the "boring" list of names in Ezra 2, pause and reflect. See in those numbers a mirror of God’s personal love for you, a challenge to personal commitment, and a call to communal action. May we be found among those who have been counted, committed, and gathered for the purpose of the Lord.
As we move into Ezra, and then Nehemiah afterwards, check out this overview of the two books.
In Ezra 1, I find a reminder that God is always working behind the scenes, fulfilling His promises through the most unexpected means. As I read the opening verses of this chapter—the decree of Cyrus, King of Persia—I am immediately struck by the sheer sovereignty of God.
God’s Perfect Timing and Unexpected Instruments The chapter opens by saying that the Lord "stirred up the spirit of Cyrus" (Ezra 1:1) to make a proclamation. Think about that: a pagan king, moved by the unseen hand of the Almighty, issuing a decree that fulfills a prophecy spoken generations earlier by Jeremiah. This isn't just history; it's a profound theological statement. It reminds me that God can use anyone—even those who don't know Him—to accomplish His perfect will. It’s a powerful comfort to realize that even the most powerful human leaders operate within the boundaries of His divine plan. The Call to Respond What happens next is perhaps the most personal part of the reflection: God not only moves the king's heart but also stirred up the spirits of the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites. The call to return was issued, but the response was a matter of the heart. For me, this resonates deeply with the various "calls" in my own life—the promptings of the Holy Spirit to move, to rebuild, or to simply step out in faith. It’s easy to hear the general proclamation, but the real test is whether my own spirit has been stirred enough to answer that call, to leave the comfort of where I am and pursue the Jerusalem God is calling me to. Generosity in the Midst of New Beginnings Finally, I find profound significance in the generosity that surrounds the return. Not only did those who returned give willingly, but "all who were around them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered" (Ezra 1:6). And, of course, the restoration of the sacred vessels by Cyrus is a beautiful picture of redemption. The objects that Nebuchadnezzar had looted from the first temple were carefully returned. God’s grace is often seen in this way: a restoration of what was lost, a reclaiming of the sacred that was profaned. Ezra 1 is more than a historical account of a people returning home. It’s a blueprint for faith. It teaches me to look for God’s hand in the grand decrees of the world, to listen for the stirring in my own spirit, and to be willing to give generously to the work of restoration God has called me to. It shows that when God's timing arrives, nothing—not even seventy years of exile—can stand in the way of His people going home and rebuilding what was broken. |
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