Page 62 - Old Testament Survey Student Textbook

EZRA-NEHEMIAH

Both Ezra and Nehemiah are post- exilic books. They focus on the return of
the exiled people of Judah and the other remnants. The author and date
are unknown, but possibly around ca. 400 BCE. Themes include: Return,
Rebuild, Reform Message: To fulfill His covenant promises and reflect His
past saving deeds (exodus), YHWH uses the Persian kings to return His
people to Canaan and rebuild His place (temple and city, but no visible
presence). The repeated need for external reform (religious and social)
points to the need for internal change!

Ezra chapter’s 1-2 focuses on the first return of the exiles. In accord with Scripture- Jer. 29:11, Isa. 45:13,
and consistent with Persian foreign policy Cyrus Cylinder, God raises up Cyrus to allow Judah to return to
their land, rebuild temple. With offerings of others, Cyrus promises to help build the temple, giving back
the vessels taken by Babylonians! In the first return in 538 B.C. (Exodus, 1:11), about 50,000 people
return under leadership of Joshua- priest and Zerubbabel governor!

Ezra chapter’s 3-6 focuses on rebuilding the temple. As a remnant returns to Zion, they rebuild altar,
resume sacrifice as written in God’s Law. In laying the temple foundation, joy is mixed w/ tears, as its
majesty doesn’t match Solomon’s temple (3). Soon opposition comes. When remnant refuses local help-
purity, continuing harassment delays work 15 yrs. (4). With encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah,
rebuilding resumes. Questioned but not stopped by authorities, the response highlights YHWH’s
sovereignty, nation’s sin, Cyrus’ statute. After search confirms decree, Darius approves, w/ funding,
threat for opposition. Temple dedication 516 BC and Passover signal end of exile (5-6).

Ezra 7-8 At the decree of Artaxerxes- Ezra, priest and scribe study, do and teach, is commissioned to
return to Zion: (1) go and take anyone willing, (2) carry offering to buy sacrifices (3) deliver vessels (4) all
done, lest there be wrath… (5) judge/teach Jews by Torah (7) In the second return- 458 B.C., about 2K
people return w/ Ezra. After prayer and fasting- no royal envoy, remnant arrives safely in Jerusalem
after 5-month trip (8) Ezra: Reform (9-10) upon arrival, Ezra discovers a problem: people intermarrying,
adopting practice, faith, not race! Ezra mourns, prays to YHWH, confessing sin in shame (9). Convicted
by sin, people confess, covenant with YHWH to put away their foreign wives, families. After three
months, the process is completed (10). [Also, rebuilding but stopped, 4:6f]

Nehemiah 1-2 focuses on the third return of the exiles. Upon receiving the report about Zion people-
trouble/shame wall/city- broken, Nehemiah mourns, fasting and praying to God, confessing sin and
clinging to God’s covenant promises, cf. Deut. 30:1-4 (1). After months of prayer, Nehemiah requests
the king’s commission, protection, and provision- city curiously absent! With God’s good hand, king
grants his request. In the third return444 B.C., Nehemiah arrives safely, and amidst opposition, he
assesses situation quietly, assembles the people to cast vision for rebuilding city! Assured of divine
enablement, people begin rebuilding (2).

Nehemiah 2-7 focuses on rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem. The rebuilding record contrasts enemy
opposition and Nehemiah’s response: (1) O- jeering questions N- God will prosper us, no portion,
retribution (2:19-20, 4:1-5), (2) O- plot and confuse N- prayer AND plan (4:7-9, 15-16), (3) O- discourage,
remnant, enemy, friends N- encourage, remember and fight (4:10-12), (4) O- oppressing poor N- lend
without interest, follow my example (5) (5) O- plot to harm N- too busy (6:2-4), (6) O- rumor of revolt N-
not true, prayer for God’s strength (6:5-7), (7) O- false prophecy N- I will not go, prayer for retribution
(6:10-14). The wall is finished in 52 days, with help of God (7). Theme: necessity of both providence and
perseverance!
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