Day 250, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): 2Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1-2, Nehemiah 7:4-73a
God Answers Prayer; the Prodigal Comes Home
A prodigal might wonder if he can return home. Perhaps he spent dad's money on expensive sport cars, women, wine, and gambling. After he used it up, he committed crimes and was sent to prison. The prodigal connects with the 1973 ballad, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree” by Irwin Levine and L. Russel Brown, sung by Tony Orlando and Dawn. Here is a summary of the song according to Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia:
The song is told from the point of view of someone who has “done his time” in prison (I’m really still in prison and my love, she holds the key) but is uncertain if he will be welcomed home.
He writes to his love, asking her to tie a yellow ribbon around the “ole oak tree” in front of the house (which the bus will pass by) if she wants him to return to her life; if he does not see such a ribbon, he will remain on the bus (taking that to mean he is unwelcome) and understand her reasons (“put the blame on me”). He asks the bus driver to check, fearful of not seeing anything.
To his astonishment, the entire bus erupts in cheers at the response—100 yellow ribbons encircle the tree, a clear sign of his warm reception.
This song is still popular because it gives the prodigal some hope that he might be forgiven and return home. Sometimes, God answers even the most impossible prayers.
Daniel Prays for the Prodigal Jewish Exiles
Daniel was still serving in the Persian court late in his life. He was not only a capable official; he was also a prophet who studied the Scriptures. Daniel read in Jeremiah's prophecy that God would bring the Jews back to their homeland after seventy years, but only if the exiles repented (Jeremiah 29:10). They must confess their sins and turn away from them.
Daniel knew the LORD still had a future for the Jewish people (Daniel 9:24-27; 10:1-14). In a prayer of national repentance, he begged God to forgive them. Then, he claimed God's promise and appealed to his mercy and grace to restore them to their land.
Wasn't this impossible? Despite their land being destroyed and taken over, God promised to bring Israel back home. Since the days of Abraham, God had promised her the land.
God Answers Prayer
In today's Bible reading, we see the Sovereign LORD answer Daniel's prayer. He forgives Israel's sin and makes provisions to restore her to her land. How does He do it?
Perhaps, King Cyrus of Persia was told stories of the Jewish people and Daniel. Some officials might have shared how God delivered Daniel from the lions' den, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from a fiery furnace.
Someone else might have informed the king that Daniel's prophecies were fulfilled. This included the prophecies concerning Medo-Persia's conquering of Babylon.
Isaiah's prophecy from 150 years ago may have been shown to King Cyrus. It stated that he would issue a proclamation allowing the Jews to return to their land (Isaiah 44:28 and 45:13).The Prophecy Comes True
King Cyrus of Persia issues a proclamation to allow the Jews to return to their land, as many as wish to go. Amazing!
Over 49,000 Jews are among the first to return. Most haven't lost their Jewish identity after all their years in exile because careful records were kept. Families are important to God.
Daniel and Ezekiel reminded them of Jeremiah's prophecies. This gave many Israelites hope of their return, and now they act in faith to reclaim their promised land.
In their company are some prominent individuals who will play a vital part in the temple's rebuilding and the wall around the city: Zerubbabel, Jeshua [Joshua], Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai [not the uncle of Esther], Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah (Ezra 2:2, NIV).
King Cyrus makes provisions for the Jews to build the temple and sacrifice to their God. He even allows them to bring back the temple articles that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had taken. He could have sent them back empty-handed or not at all. The grace of God was generous. The Apostle Paul would later say,
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV).
The leaders of the Jewish families, according to their ability, also bring with them many treasures they will contribute to the work (Nehemiah 7:70-73a). Their contributions show faith and pride of ownership in the restoration of Solomon's temple.
End Note: The definition of a prodigal is someone who recklessly and extravagantly spends all his money.
Discussion
A prodigal may wonder if he can ever come home. What encouragement can we offer him from this Bible study?
Are families important to God? How do we know?
Why should we allow individuals to contribute to the work of the LORD?
Focus Verse
Psalm 20:6 (NIV) “Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod (the author)
Looking Ahead: Israel must act with courageous faith when encountering opposition. In our next lesson, learn how we can do this.
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