HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN JEHOVAH

 In 468 B.C.E., Ezra traveled with a second group of Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem. To undertake this trip, Ezra and the returnees needed strong faith. They would be traveling on hazardous roads, carrying a great amount of gold and silver that had been donated to the temple. That made them easy targets for robbers. (Ezra 7:12-16; 8:31) In addition, they soon realized that Jerusalem itself was not safe. The city was sparsely populated, and its walls and gates needed repair. What can we learn from Ezra about building our confidence in Jehovah? 

Ezra had seen how Jehovah supported His people in time of test. Years earlier, in 484 B.C.E, Ezra was likely living in Babylon when King Ahasuerus issued a decree to exterminate the Jews throughout the Persian Empire. (Esther 3:7, 13-15) Ezra's life was in danger.  In response to threat, the Jews "in every province" fasted and mourned, no doubt turning to Jehovah in prayer for guidance.  (Esther 4:3) Imagine how Ezra and his fellow Jews felt when the tables were tuned on those who had plotted to destroy the Jews! (Esther 9:1, 2) What Ezra experienced during those challenging times may have prepared him for future test and very likely strengthened his confidence in Jehovah's ability to protect his people. 

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