BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusનમૂનો

Ezra’s public reading of Scripture seems to have sparked a change of heart among the returned exiles. After a joyous celebration and mournful repentance, the people decide to formalize their recommitment to God in a covenant renewal ceremony.

The Israelites vow to live up to their calling as Yahweh’s royal priesthood and holy nation. They swear an oath, signed and sealed by priests and Levites. The people promise to honor Yahweh’s sacred space. They will provide for Yahweh’s house by contributing wood, the firstfruits of their crops, and tithes.

The people also promise to honor Yahweh’s sacred time. They will rest every week on the Sabbath. Every year, the Israelites will celebrate the festivals that tell the story of Yahweh’s redemption. Every Sabbath year, they will let their land rest and cancel all debts.

Yahweh’s kingdom of priests has renewed its commitment to the covenant and started to put down new roots in the land of promise. Is this renewed commitment more like a starting line or a finish line? Have they finally arrived, or are they just beginning?

Have the people turned their hearts to Yahweh as the prophets encouraged? Tomorrow, we’ll find out.

Reflection Questions

• Take a moment to review the regulations for Israel’s ritual feasts in Leviticus 23. How do you think these annual celebrations would have helped the post-exilic generations of Israelites remember God’s character and their place in God’s redemptive story?
• Compare the returned exiles’ recommitment to the covenant to the Israelites’ recommitment to the covenant under Joshua’s leadership (Josh. 24:1-28). Meditate on the words and actions of the people and their leaders, as well as the key themes and contexts of each story. What similarities and differences do you notice?