Old Testament chapter 18

What ways are these historical books different?

1. Ezra-Nehemiah is anchored in historical fact using lists, records, royal edicts, memoirs 2. Esther is an artfully written narrative uses dialogue, intricate plot, elaborate characterization it engages the reader in the subtlety of relationships to God this is how they compliment each other

books developed in 3 stages

1. anonymous compiled several primary sources 2. memoirs written by Ezra and Nehemiah 3. editor around 300 b.c. composed Ezra 1-6

unable to finish the temple

1. insufficient resources 2. hard work 3. fierce opposition 4. Samaritans snubbed, became enemies of Juah and Benjamin, opposed the Jews work

Why are the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah always studied together?

1. they appear to come from a single author 2. same time period, sequential 3. they are combined as one book in the Jewish canon

in 458 b.c. Ezra led

2nd group of Jews back from exile in Babylon 80 yrs later after Zerubbabel's first return

What does the book of Nehemiah open with?

6 chapters based on Nehemiah's own memoirs it relates how he returns to Jerusalem and rebuilt the walls

What does the book of Ezra open with?

6 chapters dealing with the first return after Cyrus's decree

How do Esther and Ezra-Nehemiah compliment each other?

Esther's secular atmosphere balances Ezra_Nehemiah's piety Esther's view from the exile in Persia counters Ezra-Nehemiah's loyal devotion to the Jewish homeland

radical measures

Ezra dissolved the marriages within 3 months the marriages threatened the covenant community and revelation of God himself

Ezra 7-10 describes what?

Ezra's return to Jerusalem his effective ministry his confrontation with those who married unbelievers

second unit book of Ezra

Ezra's return to Jerusalem & his ministry there

What is known as the historical books?

Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther of the Old Testament section of the canon

problems rebuilding the walls

Samaritans opposed the work dealt with opposition through prayer then suitable action, gave God the credit

part 1 is three great returns by Zerubbabel, Ezra, Nehemiah

part 2 renewal and reform of the congregation

Ezra's ministry effects upon people

people responded quickly in reverence and true worship revived the ancient customs for celebrating the Feast of the Tabernacles Levites led people in confession of national guilt covenant with God reestablished more citizens brought to live there

opening paragraph of Nehemiah

recent catastrophe befallen city

After King Cyrus captured Babylon, what did he decree?

release of Jews permit them to return to their homeland

after temple and walls rebuilt

renew the covenant vivid ceremonies dramatic reading of the law of Moses people learned of God's love and commitment to them

last unit of Nehemiah

social and religious reforms by Ezra and Nehemiah

What does the rest of Nehemiah deal with?

social reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah

Why was the temple completed?

the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people with visions of future blessings if they obeyed God's will completed the temple in 516 b.c.

opponents mocked plans to rebuild walls

then tried to intimidate workers Nehemiah's resolve continues

What do the Books of Esther and Ezra-Hehemiah share?

they are both interested in God's continued blessings on the covenant community

What do these historical books have in common?

they share a postexilic perspective on God's relationship with His people and a hope for future blessings

national Israel failed b/c

unwilling to worship Yahweh alone

he first group of Jews returned to Jerusalem under who's leadership?

Zerubbabel

Who provided political leadership during this time?

Zerubbabel Haggai and Zechariah provided spiritual inspiration

Jews lost

all tangible signs of God's blessings loss of Davidic kingship loss of national independence

problems of interpretation of books of Ezra and Nehemiah

authorship these books use first-person accounts

Ezra geneology

back to Aaron, brother of Moses heritage validated him to function as scribe student and teacher of the law guardian of the tora of Moses continued traditions of the Pentateuch gracious hand of Lord upon him b/c he devoted himself to the law of the lord

Nehemiah called for clemency

debts forgiven, economic stability returned he refused to accept governors expense accounts it caused hardship among his people beautiful example of Christian stewardship

to restore Jerusalem

dedicate themselves to reestabliksh their God-given forms of worship rebuild the temple the most important element of their national identity lay the foundation for the temple

Why is the account of the Samaritan opposition out of sequence?

details conflict that happened 50 yrs later

Yahwism definition

exclusivistic God had uniquely revealed himself to Israel

What did Esther illustrate made a difference in the world in which she lived?

faithfulness and courage of a single Jew

Why did Zerubbabel give hope to the Jews

he was the direct line of David put there by the Persians he was the object of messianic hope he played important role in the restoration period

all consuming question for the restoration community

how to maintain distinctive identity in changing world

Israel religion deteriorated quickly

interfaith marriages & royal marriages of Solomon and Ahab sins that resulted in guilt such marriages repeat the sins of ancestors

the closer we get to God

less we ask what is permissible more we think about what pleases God

Ezra strove to

live and teach God's ways we must grow in the word & obedience

syncretism

merging of different religious beliefs into one system Persian empire

exiled Jew, high office in Persian empire

Nehemiah cupbearer, advisor to King Artaxerxes 1 of Persia

a miracle

Nehemiah permitted to move to Jerusalem provided protection to rebuild

to encourage his people

Nehemiah registered them geneology proved God's blessings across centuries

first 6 chapters of Nehemiah

Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem & rebuilding walls