Mission 66 Bible Commentary

The theme of this study is repentance and renewal. In Ezra 9-10, Ezra discovers that some Judeans, including priests, have married foreign women, violating God’s command to stay separate from idol-worshipping nations. Ezra reacts with deep sorrow, confessing the nation’s sins through a heartfelt prayer. The community joins him in repentance and agrees to send away their foreign wives to maintain faithfulness to God. This difficult decision highlights the importance of upholding God’s laws and avoiding influences that lead to spiritual decline. Ezra’s leadership inspires humility and a willingness to correct wrong practices.

The theme for this study is revival and leadership. Ezra 7-8 focuses on Ezra, a priest from the line of Aaron, who leads the second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem in 458 BC. Tasked with spiritual revival, Ezra seeks to restore worship and teach God’s law. King Artaxerxes grants Ezra permission to return, along with resources from the royal treasury. Before beginning the journey, Ezra proclaims a fast and entrusts priests to guard the treasures. Despite dangers, God protects the travellers. This passage highlights Ezra’s dedication, leadership, and preparation, ensuring God’s laws are honoured in Jerusalem.

The theme of this study is opposition to God's work. In Ezra 4-6, the returning Jewish exiles begin rebuilding God’s temple in Jerusalem, but enemies try to stop the project. Zerubbabel wisely rejects help from outsiders who would bring trouble, and opposition arises through bribery, accusations, and threats. Despite these challenges, the Judeans persist with encouragement from God and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. The rebuilding is finally completed under the favour of King Darius. This passage shows how faithful obedience to God can overcome difficulties, even when facing fierce opposition from others. The dedication of the temple was joyful, demonstrating trust in God’s purpose.

“God Keeps His Promises” focuses on the return of Jews from Babylonian exile, fulfilling prophecies given by Jeremiah and Isaiah. Cyrus, king of Persia, issued a decree allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Families returned with Zerubbabel leading the first wave, establishing genealogies and reclaiming ancestral land. Worship was prioritized, and the altar was built before the temple. Older Jews wept remembering Solomon’s grandeur, but the younger generation rejoiced at starting over. This episode shows God’s faithfulness in restoring His people and teaches the importance of worship, faith, and obedience.

“We’ve Done It to Ourselves” highlights the spiritual highs and lows of Judah’s final years before exile. Hezekiah brought revival, but later kings, including his son Manasseh, fell into idolatry and sin before repenting. Josiah restored worship and rediscovered the Law, yet Judah’s disobedience led to captivity under Babylon. God sent prophets to warn them, but they refused to listen, choosing rebellion instead. The book ends with a message of hope: God’s promise is fulfilled when Cyrus, a Persian king, decrees the Jews’ return to rebuild the temple. This episode shows that even in human failure, God’s plans remain and His mercy continues.