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I. THE DELIVERANCE FROM CAPTIVITY.

1. This captivity had been —

(1)  A degradation;

(2)  a subjection;

(3)  a transformation;

(4)  a retribution.The most deplorable degradation and the most real and terrible subjection are those of sin.

2. This deliverance —

(1)  Originated in the favour of God;

(2)  was effected by an unlikely agent;

(3)  was permissive and not compulsory.Salvation from the bondage of sin is freely offered in the gospel, but no one is compelled to accept the offer.

II. The journey home. This journey was —

1. A restoration.

2. A restoration to their own home.

3. A restoration to religious privileges. The salvation of Jesus Christ restores man to his true condition and to his forfeited inheritance.

III. THE SUBORDINATION TO LEADERS. Society could not exist without leaders and rulers. They are necessary —

1. For the maintenance of order.

2. For insuring progress.

3. Because of the differences in the characters and abilities of men.

(William Jones.)

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KJV: Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

WEB: Now these are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city;