The Pulpit Commentary on Ezra 8:15-20

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

The halt at the Ahava.

The journey of the children of Israel from Babylon to Jerusalem may be viewed, like that of their fathers from Egypt to Canaan, as a type of the pilgrimage of Christians from the abominations and miseries of the sinful world to the purity and happiness of heaven. In this view the halt at the "river that runneth to Ahava" may suggest—

I. THAT WE SHOULD HAVE SEASONS FOR REELECTION.

1. The halt furnished Ezra with such a season.

2. The review discovered to Ezra a want of Levites in the company.

II. THAT REFLECTION SHOULD LEAD TO ACTION.

1. Ezra resolved upon a mission.

2. The mission he resolved upon he organised.

3. He then instructed his missioners.

III. THAT WELL-DIRECTED EFFORT WILL INSURE SUCCESS.

1. The missioners returned, having gained over "a man of understanding."

2. Thirty-eight Levites are next mentioned.

3. Then follow 220 Nethinims.

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