Topical Encyclopedia Ezra, a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, is renowned for his role in the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish people following their exile in Babylon. As a scribe and priest, Ezra's life and work are deeply intertwined with the theme of praise, as he led the people in a return to the worship and laws of Yahweh.Ezra's Role in Restoration Ezra's mission was to reestablish the Law of Moses among the Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem. His dedication to the Law is evident in Ezra 7:10 : "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel." This commitment to God's Word was a form of praise, as it demonstrated reverence and obedience to God's commandments. Public Reading of the Law One of the most significant acts of praise led by Ezra was the public reading of the Law. In Nehemiah 8, Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the assembly of Israel, which included men, women, and all who could understand. This event was marked by a profound response from the people, as they lifted their hands and responded, "Amen, Amen!" while bowing down and worshiping the LORD with their faces to the ground (Nehemiah 8:6). This collective act of worship and reverence was a powerful expression of praise, as the people acknowledged God's sovereignty and their commitment to His covenant. Ezra's Prayer and Confession Ezra's leadership also included moments of deep prayer and confession, which are integral to the concept of praise. In Ezra 9, upon learning of the intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding nations, Ezra is deeply grieved. He falls on his knees, spreads out his hands to the LORD, and offers a heartfelt prayer of confession. Ezra 9:6 records his words: "O my God, I am ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities have increased over our heads and our guilt has grown up to the heavens." This prayer is an act of praise, as it acknowledges God's holiness and the need for His mercy and forgiveness. The Celebration of the Passover Ezra's influence is also seen in the celebration of the Passover, a significant event of praise and remembrance. In Ezra 6:19-22, the returned exiles kept the Passover with joy, for the LORD had made them joyful by turning the heart of the king of Assyria toward them. This celebration was not only a remembrance of God's deliverance from Egypt but also a praise for His continued faithfulness and provision. Ezra's Legacy of Praise Ezra's life and ministry left a lasting legacy of praise among the Jewish people. His dedication to the Law and his leadership in worship and confession set a standard for future generations. Through his actions, Ezra demonstrated that true praise involves a heartfelt commitment to God's Word, a willingness to confess and repent, and a joyful celebration of God's faithfulness. In summary, Ezra's life exemplifies the essence of praise through his unwavering dedication to God's Law, his leadership in public worship, and his heartfelt prayers of confession. His account encourages believers to live lives of praise, rooted in obedience, reverence, and gratitude to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 8:6And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Blessedness and Praise Instructed in the Law of God Thankful for Anything. Heroic Faith The Worship of the Synagogue Book iii. --Of the Harmony of the Fathers of the Old and New ... Altar and Temple The Christian Struggling under Great and Heavy Affliction. The Kingdom Undivided Some Miscellaneous Matters Respecting the Face of the Land. Resources What does it mean to praise the Lord? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to praise God? | GotQuestions.org What is the difference between praise and worship? | GotQuestions.org Praise: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Praise for God's Goodness to Individuals Praise for God's Goodness to Righteous Men Praise is a Part of Public Worship Praise is Due to God on Account of all Spiritual Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of all Temporal Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of Answering Prayer Praise is Due to God on Account of Constant Preservation Praise is Due to God on Account of Deliverance Praise is Due to God on Account of Fulfilling of his Promises Praise is Due to God on Account of His Consolation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Counsel Praise is Due to God on Account of His Excellency Praise is Due to God on Account of His Faithfulness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Glory Praise is Due to God on Account of His Goodness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Greatness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Holiness Praise is Due to God on Account of His Judgment Praise is Due to God on Account of His Loving-Kindness and Truth Praise is Due to God on Account of His Majesty Praise is Due to God on Account of His Mercy Praise is Due to God on Account of His Power Praise is Due to God on Account of His Salvation Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wisdom Praise is Due to God on Account of His Wonderful Works Praise is Due to God on Account of Pardon of Sin Praise is Due to God on Account of Protection Praise is Due to God on Account of Spiritual Health Praise is Due to God on Account of The Continuance of Blessings Praise is Due to God on Account of The Hope of Glory Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Creation Praise is Obligatory Upon: All Men Praise is Obligatory Upon: Angels Praise is Obligatory Upon: Children Praise is Obligatory Upon: Gentiles Praise is Obligatory Upon: High and Low Praise is Obligatory Upon: Saints Praise is Obligatory Upon: Small and Great Praise is Obligatory Upon: Young and Old Praise of David: At the Close of his Reign Praise of David: Celebrating his Deliverance from the Hand of Saul Praise of David: On Bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Zion Praise of Deborah, After Defeating the Canaanites Praise: Acceptable Through Christ Praise: Accompanied With Musical Instruments Praise: Called The: Calves of the Lips Praise: Called The: Fruit of the Lips Praise: Called The: Garment of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifice of Praise Praise: Called The: Sacrifices of Joy Praise: Called The: Voice of a Psalm Praise: Called The: Voice of Melody Praise: Called The: Voice of Praise Praise: Called The: Voice of Triumph Praise: Psalms of, for God's Goodness to Israel Praise: Saints should be Endued With the Spirit of Praise: Saints should Express Their Joy By Praise: Saints should Glory In Praise: Saints should Invite Others To Praise: Saints should Posture Suited To Praise: Saints should Pray for Ability to offer Praise: Saints should Render, Under Affliction Praise: Saints should Show Forth Praise: Saints should Triumph In Praise: should be offered for Ever and Ever Praise: should be offered in Psalms and Hymns Praise: should be offered with Gladness Praise: should be offered with Joy Praise: should be offered with Thankfulness Praise: should be offered with the Lips Praise: should be offered with the Mouth Praise: should be offered with the Soul Praise: should be offered with the Understanding Praise: should be offered with the Whole Heart Praise: should be offered with Uprightness of Heart Praise: should be offered: Continually Praise: should be offered: Day and Night Praise: should be offered: Day by Day Praise: should be offered: During Life Praise: should be offered: More and More Praise: should be offered: Throughout the World Praise: Song of Moses, After the Passage Through the Red Sea Praise: The Chorus when Solomon Brought the Ark of the Covenant Into the Temple Praise: The Heavenly Host Engage In Praise: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Praise-offering (5 Occurrences) |
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