RTW 2024

Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from their captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar had deported them to Babylon, but now they returned to Jerusalem and the other towns in Judah where they originally lived. Their leaders were Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah.

Ezra 2:1-2a

But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.
Ezra 3:12-13

• A small remnant of the Hebrew people returned from Babylon in 538/536 BC. 
• They have no king. 
• They are not a kingdom. 
• They are a province of Persia under the Persian king. 
• The kingly line of David through King Jehoiachin has had a judgment placed on it. 
• This is what the LORD says: ‘Let the record show that this man Jehoiachin was childless. He is a failure, for none of his children will succeed him on the throne of Davidto rule over Judah.’
  Jeremiah 22:30‍
• “As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “I will abandon you, Jehoiachin son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah. Even if you were the signet ring on my right hand, I would pull you off.”
  Jeremiah 22:24
• “But when this happens, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, I will honor you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, my servant. I will make you like a signet ring on my finger, says the LORD, for I have chosen you. I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!”
  Haggai 2:23
• Zerubbabel is the signet ring. 
• Faithful Zerubbabel would be the chosen predecessor of the coming king. 
• Faithful obedience of Zerubbabel allowed the ultimate faithful obedient King to be born in David’s line. 
• Faithful obedience changes lives…then and now. 

Obey. Stay faithful. Persevere to the end.