Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Ezra
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 2
Overview:
The
Numbers that returned.
(1-35) The
Numbers of the priests
and Levites.
(36-63) The offerings for the
Temple.
(64-70)
1-35 An account was kept of the families that came up out of
Captivity. See how
Sin lowers a nation, which
Righteousness
would exalt!
36-63 Those who undervalue their relation to the
Lord in times
of reproach,
Persecution, or distress, will have
No benefit from
it when it becomes honourable or profitable. Those who have
No
evidence that they are,
By the new
Birth, spiritual priests unto
God, through
Jesus Christ, have
No right to the comforts and
privileges of Christians.
64-70 Let none complain of the needful expenses of their
religion. Seek first the
Kingdom of God, his favour and his
Glory, then will all other things be added unto them. Their
offerings were nothing, compared with the offerings of the
princes in
David's time; yet, being according to their ability,
were as acceptable to
God. The
Lord will carry us through all
undertakings entered
On according to his will, with an aim to
his
Glory, and dependence
On his assistance. Those who, at the
Call of the
Gospel, renounce
Sin and return to the
Lord, shall
be guarded and guided through all perils of the way, and arrive
safely at the mansions provided in the holy
City of
God.