The Sunday School Lesson for July 21, 2013 is shared from Ezra 8:21-23 (Devotional Reading: II Chronicles 7:12-18)
Now, remember that the dates I have used in this study came from my KJV Bible, for I have no teaching/training from Theology/Seminary.
fasting (self-denial)abstain from food/entertainment or plain diet. (If an individual is on a special diet or medication, I would highly recommend consulting with your medical provider). Examples of fast proclaimed: Ezra 8:21; Joel 2:15; 8:21; Esther 4:16; I Kings 19:8 ... fasting turned into gladness: Zechariah 8:19 ... of Moses twice for 40 days: Exodus 24:18; 34:28 ...true & false fast: Matthew 6:16
prayer ... communicate/communion with God. Prayer commanded: Isaiah 55:6 ...encouragement to. Zechariah 13:9 ... God hears & answers prayers: Psalm/Tehillm 145:18 ... through Christ: Ephesians 2:18 ...
Ezra 8-10 narrates the 2nd migration from Babylon under Ezra, in the 7th year of Artaxerxes Longimanus (458-457 B.C.), includes Ezra's prayer & confession.
Haggai, the prophet was a contemporary of Zerubbabel, "the governor of Judah," with whom he returned to Jerusalem ... Chapters 2:10-19 from the 24th day of the ninth month Jehovah (God) promises to bless His people with fruitful seasons.
Ahava or Ivah, name of a canal or river, Ezra 8:15
Zechariah he prophesied in the 2nd & 4th years of Darius Hystaspes (B.C. 520 & 518) (Chapters 1:1, 7; 7:1), & was associated with the prophet Haggai *Ezra 5:1; 6:14)
Ezra 8:21 ... Sacred Seasons; Occasional Fast & Feast Days, Public Fast, Ezra's Before The Return from the Captivity ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine (Then)/Holy Land (Now); Mission of Ezra 458 B.C. Halts 3 Days at Ahava, & Keeps a Fast ... A fast proclaimed
(Ezra 8:21, 31; Judges 20:26; I Samuel 7:6; Joel 1:14 ... Reference Scriptures from Sunday School Book)
Ezra 8:22 ... Sacred Seasons; Occasional Fast & Feast Days; Public Fast, Ezra's Before the Return from the Captivity ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again In Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); Mission of Ezra, Halt 3 Days at Ahava, & Keeps a Fast ... He keepeth a fast
Ezra 8:23 ... Sacred Seasons; Occasional Fast & Feast Days; Public Fasts, Ezra's Before the Return from the Captivity ... The Hebrews; The Hebrews Again in Palestine(Then)/Holy Land(Now); Mission of Ezra 458 B.C., Halts 3 Days at Ahava, & Keeps a Fast
(Zechariah 7:8-14; Ephesians 2:18)
II Chronicles 7:12-18 ... God appeareth to Solomon giveth him promises upon condition ... Verses 12,13,14: Pardon for Sins & Iniquities Promised.
Monday - July 15, 2013 - Humbly Calling on God - II Chronicles 7:12-18
Tuesday - July 16, 2013 - Beseeching God's Answer to Prayer - Psalm/Tehillim 69:9-18
David prays in affliction. Psalm of Supplication: on account of affliction. Prophetical, Typical & Historical Psalm
Wednesday - July 17, 2013 - Humble & Contrite in Spirit - Isaiah 66:1-4
God will be served in humble sincerity. Verse 2: The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered (prosperity means different things to different individuals). Verse 2: Pardon for Sins & Iniquities Promised.
Thursday - July 18, 2013 - Fasting Directed to God - Matthew 6:16-18 ... Verses 4,6: The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered
Friday - July 19, 2013 - Studying & Keeping the Law - Ezra 7:1-10
Ezra goes up to Jerusalem
Saturday - July 20, 2013 - Securing Servants for the Temple - Ezra 8:15-20l
He (Ezra) sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple service
Sunday - July 21, 2013 - Praying for God's Protection - Ezra 8:21-23 ... Verse 22: The Upright Are Blessed & Prospered ... Verse 22: Whosoever Will May Be Saved
Scripture reference used/taken from: The International Teacher's Handy Bible Encyclopedia/Concordance KJV Precious Bible, KJV Topical Edition Bible, KJV The SouthWestern Co. & Strongs Strongest's Exhaustive Concordance To The Bible
