Ezra 8:31-36

Safe arrival 8:31-36

The exiles had begun their journey on the first day of the first month (Ezra 7:9), but they had camped by the Ahava waterway for 12 days (Ezra 8:31). They arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month (Ezra 7:9). God kept them safe on their dangerous trip, and all their valuable cargo arrived safely.

Burnt offerings represented the consecration of the worshippers’ persons to God (Leviticus 1; Leviticus 6:8-13). Sin offerings provided atonement (covering) for the worshippers’ sinful natures (Leviticus 4:1 to Leviticus 5:13; Leviticus 6:24-30). A satrap (Ezra 8:36; lit. protector of the realm) ruled over governors in the Persian governmental structure.