Ezra the Scribe and the Return from the Exile
Main Idea of the Lecture
The lecture discusses the story of Ezra the scribe and the return from the exile, explaining that the exile was not abandonment by God, but a loving discipline aimed at repentance, purification, and returning to God.
📖 Exile Between Discipline and Mercy
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that God allowed the exile because of sin, yet His grace never departed from the people. God continued to work during the exile through prophets, consolation, and divine protection, as seen with Daniel and the three youths.
God Works Even Through Kings
God’s power is revealed when He stirs the hearts of pagan kings such as Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, who commanded the return of the people, the rebuilding of the Temple, the restoration of the holy vessels, and even supported worship from their own treasuries.
Prayer and Humility as the Foundation of Return
Ezra did not rely solely on royal decrees, but on fasting, prayer, and deep humility, affirming that “the good hand of God is upon us,” and that every true blessing comes from God.
Discipline Leads to Repentance
Ezra reveals the danger of sin, especially wrong marriages, and takes a firm stand in repentance and purification, realizing that God’s anger may return if the people return to sin.
The Spiritual Message
The lecture affirms that God:
- Disciplines but does not neglect.
- Corrects but does not abandon.
- Repays less than what we deserve, and gives more than what we ask.
The exile ends, but repentance remains the lasting path to abiding in God’s grace.
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