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