Day 1 - Lord's Day - Sunday - International KJV Sunday school Lesson - (Abridged) - Logos

 March 13

Lesson 2 (KJV)

Free to Worship

Devotional Reading: Ezra 6:1–12

Background Scripture: Ezra 5; 6:1–12; 10:1–5

Ezra 6:1–12

1 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

2 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll, and therein was a record thus written:

3 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be built, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;

4 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:

5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, everyone to his place, and place them in the house of God.

6 Now, therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:

7 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.

8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they are not hindered.

9 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:

10 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savors unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.

11 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.

12 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.

Key Text

The God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem.—Ezra 6:12a

God Frees and Redeems

Unit 1: Liberating Passover

Lessons 1–4

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. List the main points of the decree.

2. Compare and contrast the decree of Darius with that of Cyrus (last week’s lesson).

3. Commit to praying for opportunities to practice faithfulness in the tasks that God has assigned.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Worcester v. Georgia

B. Lesson Context

I. The Conduct of a Search (Ezra 6:1–2)

A. Regarding the Archives (v. 1)

B. Retrieving the Scroll (v. 2)

II. The Content of the Decree (Ezra 6:3–12)

A. Reestablishing the Temple (vv. 3–5)

B. Restraining Local Leadership (vv. 6–7)

C. Releasing the Royal Treasury (vv. 8–10)

Effective Incentives

D. Risking the Curse (vv. 11–12)

Unholy Interference

Conclusion

A. Surprising Circumstances

B. Prayer

C. Thought to Remember

HOW TO SAY IT

Achmetha	Ock-mee-thuh.
Darius	Duh-rye-us.
Herodotus	Heh-rod-uh-tus.
Shetharboznai	She-thar-boz-nye.
Tatnai	Tat-nye or Tat-eh-nye.
omnipotent	ahm-nih-poh-tent.
Zerubbabel	Zeh-rub-uh-bul.

What Do You Think? How will you ensure thoroughness when following the tasks God has placed before you? Digging Deeper How might you respond differently if you were met with opposition?

What Do You Think? How can Christians show the new life and restoration found in Christ Jesus? Digging Deeper How can Isaiah 58:1–14 and Luke 4:14–21 inform your answer?

What Do You Think? How can Christians make sure they are not hindering the work of God? Digging Deeper In what ways, if any, can God’s work be hindered? How does Genesis 37:12–36 and 50:15–20 inform your answer?

What Do You Think? How might the government use its authority for the good of the governed? Digging Deeper How do Luke 3:14 and Romans 13:3–4 shape your answer in this regard?

What Do You Think? What prayer can you offer for leaders of your local, state, and national governments? Digging Deeper How can Jeremiah 29:7 and 1 Timothy 2:1–4 inform your prayers?

Conclusion

A. Surprising Circumstances

The ruling of Worcester v. Georgia did not improve the sovereignty of the Cherokee Nation. Seven years after the decision, US President Andrew Jackson oversaw the forced removal of the Cherokees from their homelands through the Trail of Tears. Even as the U. S. Supreme Court (surprisingly) ruled in favor of the Cherokees, the sovereignty they won was short-lived.

The sovereignty the Jews gained under Cyrus and maintained under Darius was short-lived. In the centuries that followed, the Jewish people experienced many years of occupation. However, in that specific season under the reign of and support from Darius, the Jews survived and even flourished as they resettled their homeland.

Especially in difficult circumstances and trying situations, God calls His people to be faithful to His purpose for their lives. That Cyrus and Darius, two Gentile leaders, allowed for the resettlement of Jerusalem and the reconstruction of the temple showed the surprising ways God provides for His people. How has God called you to obey Him? Through what unexpected circumstances is He calling you to obey Him?

B. Prayer

God of Heaven, You are the creator of all good things. You bring life and joy, laughter and healing, peace and plenty. You provide for Your people in unimaginable ways. Surprise us! Show us how we might follow You in ways unimaginable. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

C. Thought to Remember

God can work through surprising circumstances to bring restoration and renewal.

Involvement Learning

Enhance your lesson with KJV Bible Student (from your curriculum supplier) and the reproducible activity page (at www.standardlesson.com or in the back of the KJV Standard Lesson Commentary Deluxe Edition).

 Miller, Petra L. et al. “Free to Worship.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2021–2022. Ed. Jane Ann Kenney et al. Vol. 69. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2022. 247–248. Print. The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary.