Bible Survey #30 and #31 - Ezra and Nehemiah

The People Come Home

Ezra begins where Second Chronicles left off, with the proclamation of Cyrus, king of Persia, calling the followers of the God of Israel to return to their land in order to rebuild the Temple. Over the decades they faced much opposition, but the Lord helped them by giving them courage and favor with powerful rulers.

The priest, Ezra, taught the people concerning the Law of God. He also sought to insure that the worship of God would be instituted again according to God's revealed will. Those who remembered the earlier days of greater glory wept with sadness at the laying of the new foundation.

The calling of Nehemiah was to rebuild the city wall around Jerusalem. This governor also faced much opposition in this good work, not only from enemies in the land, but also from those within the covenant community who troubled their own people with greed and unrighteousness.

Both Ezra and Nehemiah were successful in their callings. The temple was built again, and the wall around Jerusalem was once again intact. More that that, the people returning from exile were reintroduced to the Law of God, and the ceremonial life of Israel was brought back to the Promised Land.

The scribe and priest would teach the Law again.

The leader sent from God would build the wall.

The temple would be smaller than before,

But God was still the Lord of Israel.