Stops on Paul's route back to Israel. In the manner of all religious hucksters, the silversmiths in Ephesus tried to elevate their economic interests to the status of a conflict between piety and blasphemy.
Humans are designed to dominate. Power imbalances among people are inevitable. As such they can either be consistent with liberty or they can turn toxic.
Upon Ezra's return to Jerusalem, he discovered that the people of Israel had intermarried with the pagan nations in the land. This was contrary to the Law of Moses and has always been a way to draw Israel away from God. Ezra gathered all the men of Israel and took an oath from them to put away the foreign wives. After some time had passed, Nehemiah received permission to rebuild the city walls.
For us to exist, God had to make a place. We, who are in His image, then make a place for Him.
At Succot we are reminded that we are sojourners in this world and are looking forward to the next. Jeremiah gives some advice to the Jews who were 'sojourning' in Babylon: "seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." So also we are called to engage with the political and civic life of the place we are sent; even as we eagerly await the coming of Y'shua and the establishment of His kingdom.
The Bible is written using a number of different textual patterns. Once a pattern is established, it may be embellished over the years, but the structure remains consistent. The pattern of three defines the structure of the universe. The pattern of seven, God's division of time. The pattern of power, how God interacts with His creation. Recognizing these and other patterns opens up the Scriptures and gives us an idea of where we are in His plan.
Paul's speech in Athens about the shrine to the Unknown God. The introduction of Apollos. The baptism of repentance as opposed to baptism in the name of Y'shua.
People like the power that goes with responsibility, but they dislike the responsibility that goes with power.
After the death of Darius, his son Artaxerxes continued in his father's benevolence to the Jews. He sent Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem with the brief to establish judges and magistrates in Israel, Syria and Phoenicia, teaching all people the law of Moses. In aid of this, the king provided him with a vast amount of silver and gold to be used in temple worship.
The Day of Atonement is perhaps the most Christian of the Torah's appointed times. On that day, the High Priest goes into the presence of God and obtains atonement for Israel and cleansing of their sins. Other than being present for the ceremony, the people do nothing. This should also be a day when one examines his life and begins the process of teshuvah or repentance.