³¹ We set out from the river Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He rescued us from the hand of the enemy and those who lay in ambushes along the way. ³² So we came to Jerusalem and remained there for three days.

³³ On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the utensils were weighed out in the house of our God into the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them were the Levites—Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui. ³⁴ Every piece was counted and weighed, and all the weight was recorded at that time.

Ezra 8:31-34 (AMP)

Four month journey

They all assembled on the 1st of the month, solicited some priests and Levites to join, counted out and divvied up the treasures, fasted and prayed, and now set off on the 12th. They arrived in Jerusalem about 4 months later and rested 3 days.

First order of business

After their rest, their first order of business was to deposit the treasure from the trip into the temple. All was present and accounted for; nothing was lost or stolen. We’ll see tomorrow the next order of business – rejoicing.

God’s hand of protection

Two days ago we saw how Ezra identified a problem/predicament regarding safe passage. It was quite common for bandits to attack caravans like that and this one was an easy target with lots of “loot” and no protection. Rather than calling on the king to help, Ezra called for a fast to boldly seek God’s protection – an amazing step of faith and leadership. He put “all his eggs in the God basket”. God absolutely loves these situations and this type of faithful response. 

I hope as you read this account that you are encouraged, as I am, to face predicaments and trials with full faith and confidence in God. Of course, if you’re sinning and not following God’s will, you can’t expect Him to deliver you. In that case, the trial could be God’s loving correction. Take time to evaluate. Repent if so. Trust Him and praise Him – either way!