Free group study handout
Ezra 8: Group Study Handout
How to use: read Ezra 8 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.
Overview
The heads of fathers’ households are listed, detailing the genealogy of those returning from Babylon (vv. 1-14). Ezra gathers the people at the river Ahava for three days.
Key verse
“So we fasted and begged our God for this: and he granted our request.”
Ezra 8:23 (WEB)
Outline
- Ezra 8:1–14 Genealogy of Those Returning
- Ezra 8:15–20 Gathering at the River Ahava
- Ezra 8:21–23 Ezra's Fast and Prayer
- Ezra 8:24–30 Dedication of Offerings
- Ezra 8:31–34 Journey to Jerusalem
- Ezra 8:35–36 Worship and Support in Jerusalem
Discussion questions
- In v6, who is identified as the son of Jonathan?
- What does Ezra do at the river Ahava in v21?
- Ezra’s shame in v22: how does this tension between faith and fear affect his leadership?
- In v18, who is described as a man of discretion, and why is this important for Ezra?
- When has a moment in your life called for deep reliance on God as Ezra seeks a 'straight way' in v21?
Go deeper
Passages that echo Ezra 8: Ezra 7, Psalm 34, 1 Peter 3.
Before next time: read Ezra 9.