(and disobeying God is especially serious) should be punished with corresponding severity. How we punish a crime reveals how serious we view the crime. The chapter closes with Ezra giving praise to God for blessings in regards to his trip. At least six blessings are cited here as being especially from the Lord. “Blessed be the LORD God … to beautify the house of the LORD” (Ezra 7:27). God gets the first praise,
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