DOCSLIB.ORG

Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther C

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther C Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Douglas J. E. Nykolaishen and Andrew J. Schmutzer Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton General Editors Illustrating the Text Kevin and Sherry Harney Associate Editors Joshua Blunt Contributing Author C Douglas J. E. Nykolaishen and Andrew J. Schmutzer, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2018. Used by permission. _Nykolaishen_EzraNehEsth_JK_djm.indd 3 1/30/18 10:10 AM Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ezra and Nehemiah © 2018 by Douglas J. E. Nykolaishen XXXXXXXXX Esther © 2018 by Andrew J. Schmutzer XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Illustrating the Text sections © 2018 by Baker Publishing Group pages cm Includes bibliographical references. Published by Baker Books ISBN 978-0-0000-0000-0 (pbk.) a division of Baker Publishing Group 1. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287 XX####### 2014 www.bakerbooks.com ##### ####—dc23 ########## Printed in the United States of America 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmit- ted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews. Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Nykolaishen, Douglas J. E., 1963– author. Title: Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther / Douglas J. E. Nykolaishen and Andrew J. Schmutzer ; Mark L. Strauss and John H. Walton, general editors ; illustrating the text, Kevin and Sherry Harney. Description: Grand Rapids : Baker Publishing Group, 2018. | Series: Teach the text commentary series | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2017051462 | ISBN 9780801015403 (pbk.) Subjects: LCSH: Bible. Ezra—Commentaries. | Bible. Nehemiah—Commentaries. | Bible. Esther—Commentaries. Classification: LCC BS1355.53 .N95 2018 | DDC 222/.707—dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017051462 Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are Washington, DC, and are used by permission of from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. the copyright owner. All rights reserved. No part NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, of the New American Bible may be reproduced in Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan and Biblica. any form without permission in writing from the All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com; copyright owner. Biblica.com. Italics in the NIV text have been added Scripture quotations labeled NET are from the NET by the author for emphasis. Bible®, copyright © 1996–2006 by Biblical Studies The “NIV” and “New International Version” are Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.org. Used by permission. trademarks registered in the United States Patent All rights reserved. and Trademark Offices by Biblica, Inc.™ Scripture quotations labeled NJPS are from the New Scripture quotations labeled CEB are from the Com- Jewish Publication Society Version © 1985 by The mon English Bible © 2011 Common English Bible. Jewish Publication Society. All rights reserved. Used by permission. Scripture quotations labeled NLT are from the Holy Scripture quotations labeled CEV are from the Con- Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, temporary English Version © 1991, 1992, 1995 by 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by American Bible Society. Used by permission. permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations labeled CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®. Copyright © Scripture quotations labeled NRSV are from the New 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permis- Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright sion. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are © 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible the National Council of the Churches of Christ in Publishers. the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright Scripture quotations labeled RSV are from the Re- © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good vised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights re- [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Edu- served. ESV Text Edition: 2011 cation of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States Scripture quotations labeled HCSB are from the Hol- of America. Used by permis- man Christian Standard Bible®, copyright © 1999, sion. All rights reserved. 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Unless otherwise indicated, Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally photos are copyright © registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. Baker Publishing Group and Dr. James C. Martin. Unless Scripture quotations labeled NABRE are from the otherwise indicated, illustra- New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, tions and maps are copyright 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, © Baker Publishing Group. Douglas J. E. Nykolaishen and Andrew J. Schmutzer, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Baker18 19 Books,20 21 a22 division 23 24 of Baker 7 6 Publishing 5 4 3 2Group, 1 © 2018. Used by permission. _Nykolaishen_EzraNehEsth_JK_djm.indd 4 1/30/18 10:10 AM To Cora-Fay, my faithful companion on the journey to full restoration in Christ. DJEN To the Koinonia class of Wheaton Bible Church. The fellowship in his Word has been nourishing, indeed. AJS Douglas J. E. Nykolaishen and Andrew J. Schmutzer, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2018. Used by permission. _Nykolaishen_EzraNehEsth_JK_djm.indd 5 1/30/18 4:12 PM Contents Welcome to the Teach the Text Ezra 4:6–24............................................50 Commentary Series ix The Opposition Stops the Rebuilding Introduction to the Teach the Text Ezra 5:1–17............................................57 Commentary Series xi God Empowers His People to Resume Abbreviations xiii Rebuilding in the Face of Continued Opposition Ezra and Nehemiah Ezra 6:1–12............................................64 Douglas J� E� Nykolaishen The Recovered Decree of Cyrus Leads Darius to Ensure the Temple Is Introduction to Ezra and Restored Nehemiah ............................................3 Ezra 6:13–22 .........................................71 Ezra 1:1–4 ................................................9 The Judeans Celebrate the Dedication Cyrus Is Moved to Rebuild the Temple of the Temple and Passover Ezra 1:5–11............................................16 Ezra 7:1–28............................................77 Exiles and Temple Vessels Are Ezra Is Sent to Jerusalem Returned to Jerusalem Ezra 8:1–36............................................83 Ezra 2:1–70............................................22 Ezra Leads a Group of Exiles to Exiled Judeans Resettle in the Jerusalem Promised Land Ezra 9:1–15............................................89 Ezra 3:1–6 ..............................................29 Ezra Prays about the Sin of the The Returned Exiles Reinstate the Israelite Community Prescribed Sacrifices Ezra 10:1–44 .........................................96 Ezra 3:7–13............................................36 The Judeans Decide to Send Away The Returned Exiles Celebrate the Their Foreign Wives Laying of the Temple Foundation Nehemiah 1:1–11.............................. 103 Ezra 4:1–5 ..............................................43 Nehemiah Prays for God to Help Him The Rebuilding Judeans Encounter Overcome Jerusalem’s Trouble Opposition from the Surrounding Nehemiah 2:1–9 ................................ 110 Peoples Nehemiah’s Bold Request Is Granted vii Douglas J. E. Nykolaishen and Andrew J. Schmutzer, Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2018. Used by permission. _Nykolaishen_EzraNehEsth_JK_djm.indd 7 1/30/18 10:10 AM Nehemiah 2:10–20 ........................... 116 Esther Nehemiah Prepares to Begin despite Andrew J� Schmutzer Opposition Introduction to Esther .................... 201 Nehemiah 3:1–32.............................. 123 Esther 1:1–8 ....................................... 208 The Judeans Rebuild the Wall Ahasuerus, a Narcissistic King around Jerusalem Esther 1:9–12 ..................................... 214 Nehemiah 4:1–23.............................. 130 Vashti Defies a Self-Centered King Nehemiah Leads the Judeans in Esther 1:13–22 ................................... 220 a Successful Response to Their Ahasuerus and His Nobles Overreact Opponents’ Tactics Esther 2:1–11 ..................................... 226 Nehemiah 5:1–19.............................. 136 A Complex Identity Is Kept Hidden Nehemiah Relieves the Economic Esther 2:12–23 ................................... 232 Hardship of the People A New Queen and a Foiled Plot Nehemiah 6:1–14.............................. 143 Esther 3:1–6 ....................................... 238 Nehemiah Resists His Enemies’ Haman’s Decision to Annihilate Attempts to Intimidate Him Esther 3:7–15 ..................................... 244 Nehemiah 6:15–7:73a ...................... 150 An Evil Scheme Is Set in Motion Nehemiah Is Prompted to Prepare to Repopulate Jerusalem Esther 4:1–17 ..................................... 250 Mourning, Fasting, and Risking Nehemiah 7:73b–8:18 ..................... 157 The Israelites
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 2 Chronicles Chapter 36
    2 Chronicles Chapter 36 Verses 1-16: Ignoring God’s warnings will bring destruction (in this case, exile). Paying attention to God’s warnings will save a person from destruction. One of the responsibilities of being a Christian is warning people of God’s coming judgment and the way of deliverance provided through Jesus. Verses 1-4: The reign of Jehoahaz (ca. 609 B.C.; compare 2 Kings 23:31-23). Jeremiah continued to prophesy during this reign (Jer. 1:3). 2 Chronicles 36:1 "Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead in Jerusalem." “Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father's stead": Though he was not the eldest son. Jehoiakim, who was afterwards placed in his place, being two years older, as appears from (2 Kings 23:31). And this is the reason, as the Jewish commentators in general agree, that he was anointed. Which they say was never done to the son of a king, unless there was a competitor. Or some objection to, or dispute about, the succession, as in the case of Solomon and others. Josiah had been a good king. The kings that followed him were evil. The decline of Judah is swift now. Jehoahaz was known as Johanan as well. The people loved Josiah, and assumed his son would be like his father. 2 Chronicles 36:2 "Jehoahaz [was] twenty and three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem." Who seems to be the same with Shallum (Jer.
    [Show full text]
  • Week #: 33 Text: Esther 1-10 Title: Feast of Purim Songs
    Week #: 33 Text: Esther 1-10 Title: Feast of Purim Songs: Videos: Purim Song – The Maccabeats Audio Reading: Book of Esther Feast of Purim Purim is an annual celebration of the defeat of an Iranian mad man’s plan to exterminate the Jewish people. Purim is celebrated annually during the month of Adar (the second month of Adar) on the 14th day. In years where there are two months of Adar, Purim is celebrated in the second month because it always needs to fall 30 days before Passover. It is called Purim because the word means “lots” – referencing when Haman threw lots to decide which day he would slay the Jews. The fourteenth was chosen for this celebration because it is the day that the Jews battled for their lives and won. The fifteenth is celebrated as Purim also because the book of Esther says that in Shushan (a walled city), deliverance from the scheduled massacre was not completed until the next day. So the fifteenth is referred to as Shushan Purim. Traditions for the Feast of Purim: It is customary to read the book of Esther – called the Megillah Esther – or the scroll of Esther. It means the revelation of that which is hidden While reading it is tradition to boo, hiss, stamp feet and rattle noise makers whenever Haman’s name is mentioned for the purpose of “blotting out the name of Haman”. When the names of Mordechai or Esther are spoken, hoots and hollers, cheering, applause, etc., are given as they are the heroes of the story.
    [Show full text]
  • Ezra/Nehemiah: ​A BRIEF INTRODUCTION
    Ezra/Nehemiah: ​A BRIEF INTRODUCTION Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. ​1-3 Historical Background Author It is unknown who wrote Ezra and Nehemiah. Historically it was believed that Ezra and Nehemiah author each book that carries their names in the title. Primarily because of the memoires that exist in each book (Ezra 7-10; Neh. 8-9) and the first person pronouns that are included throughout each book. Setting ● Israel’s capital is Jerusalem which is a vassal state under the control of the Persian King. ● Most Jews were exiled to Babylon / Persia. Some were left behind and remained in the land. ● When the Jewish exiles returned to the land, they faced opposition from enemies, particularly the Samarians who lived there. ● When the exiles returned to the land, they discovered that the distinctiveness of the Jews who were not deported had been compromised. Many had intermarried with non-Jews, which was forbidden in the Law (Ezra 9-10, Nehemiah 13:23-29). ● God called Ezra (priest) to bring the community back to covenant faithfulness (Torah). ● God called Nehemiah (governor) to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, to secure the city. ● The repopulation of the Promised Land was a fulfillment of Biblical prophecy (Isa. 40:1-11, Jer. 25:11-12, 29:10) Date The events in both books take place over a span of roughly 60yrs (Ezra 539-458; Neh.
    [Show full text]
  • GOD in the ORDINARY Text: Esther 6 Topic: God's Timing
    LIFE GROUP GUIDE Title: GOD IN THE ORDINARY Text: Esther 6 Topic: God's timing MAIN POINT Those who oppose the purposes of God will face God’s judgment. DELIVER – Use this space to take notes during the sermon. Additional commentary is also available to rightly understand and teach God’s Word. Sermon Notes: 1. God doesn't forget His children (v. 1-5) 2. Left to ourselves, we will work for our own glory (v. 6-9) 3. Our pursuit determines out future (v. 10-14) DISCIPLE – Use these questions to engage people in discussion on a personal level. Ask everyone to open their sermon notes and Bibles. ➢ Read (or have a volunteer read) Esther 6:1-5 ​ ​ ➢ Review the sermon point: “God doesn’t forget His children” Share from your notes and ​ ​ ​ ​ ask group members for insights. 1. What was Haman on his way to do when he entered the king’s court? 2. How does God show that he is providentially working to protect Mordecai? 3. What would have happened if Mordecai had been honored for his efforts to protect the king when he did it five years ago? 4. What do these verses contribute to the idea that God providentially cares for us like he did with Mordecai: Phillipians 4:19; Jude 24; Hebrews 13:6; 2 Timothy 4:18? Haman was on his way to convince the king that it would be a good idea to kill Mordecai because of his lack of reverence (and because he is a Jew). However, God was working through the timing of his arrival.
    [Show full text]
  • Ezra and Nehemiah
    Ezra and Nehemiah by Daniel J. Lewis ©Copyright 1998 by Diakonos Troy, Michigan USA 2 Ezra-Nehemiah...........................................................................................................3 One Book or Two ..................................................................................................3 Languages ..............................................................................................................4 The Ezra-Nehemiah Chronology...........................................................................5 Authorship .............................................................................................................6 The Exile and the Promise of Restoration.............................................................6 Purpose...................................................................................................................7 Structure.................................................................................................................7 The Book of Ezra...............................................................................................7 The Book of Nehemiah......................................................................................7 The Book of Ezra.......................................................................................................8 The Return of Exiles with Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel (1-2).............................9 The Restoration of Worship and the Building of the Second Temple (3-6)...... 12 Building the Great Altar and
    [Show full text]
  • Ezra 5-6 Study Guide
    Small Group Study Lakeview Community Church (Ezra 1–6) (Week of: 2/12/12) Study Guide: Ezra 1–6 Start Talking… 1. Quick—don’t think about this too long—Chinese food, Mexican food, Italian food, or American cuisine (burgers, fries, apple pies, American flags, etc.)? Be ready to defend your answer against a hostile crowd who disagrees with you! Reflect Back… 2. What was “the takeaway” (the most important point) from Sunday’s sermon and/or the sermon text, in your opinion? 3. What insight from Sunday’s sermon (or the study guide) did you find most helpful, or eye- opening, or troubling (pick any or all of the above)? [Note: also use this space to record your questions from the sermon or the remainder of the study guide] The Take Away(s)… 4. Have you ever gone through a time in your life when God seemed distant or silent? [Or, are you going through it now?] What was it like, and what was it like when God “showed up” again? 5. Think of one key concept, idea, or lesson, that stood out to you, either from the sermon or the study guide. How is God speaking to you through this passage? Write out one S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-specific) goal that will put you in a better position to align your life with that lesson. Share this lesson and your S.M.A.R.T. goal with your small group and end with prayer for each other directed along these lines.
    [Show full text]
  • God Disciplines a Rebellious People
    Unit .15 Session .05 God Disciplines a Rebellious People Scripture 2 Chronicles 36:11-21 11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began until there was no remedy. 17 Therefore he brought to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed 12 He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his their young men with the sword in the house of their God. He did not humble himself before Jeremiah the sanctuary and had no compassion on young man or prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the Lord. 13 virgin, old man or aged. He gave them all into his hand. He also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who 18 And all the vessels of the house of God, great and had made him swear by God. He stiffened his neck small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord, and and hardened his heart against turning to the Lord, the treasures of the king and of his princes, all these he the God of Israel. 14 All the officers of the priests brought to Babylon. 19 And they burned the house of and the people likewise were exceedingly unfaithful, God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem and burned following all the abominations of the nations. And they all its palaces with fire and destroyed all its precious polluted the house of the Lord that he had made holy vessels. 20 He took into exile in Babylon those who in Jerusalem. 15 TheLord , the God of their fathers, had escaped from the sword, and they became servants sent persistently to them by his messengers, because to him and to his sons until the establishment of the he had compassion on his people and on his dwelling kingdom of Persia, 21 to fulfill the word of the Lord place.
    [Show full text]
  • Ezra 7:10 Commentary
    Ezra 7:10 Commentary PREVIOUS NEXT Click charts to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Introduction and Chart of Ezra - Swindoll CHRONOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP OF EZRA-NEHEMIAH-ESTHER 538-515BC 483-473BC 457BC 444-425BC Ezra 1-6 Book of Esther Ezra 7-10 Book of Nehemiah 13 Year Second Return First Return Third Return 58 Year of Jews from Gap of Jews from of Jews from Gap Babylonian Babylonian Exile Babylonian Exile Exile EZRA: RESTORATION AND REFORM Restoration of the Temple Reform of the People Under Zerubbabel Under Ezra First Return Construction of Second Return Restoration To Jerusalem The Temple to Jerusalem of the People Ezra 1:1-Ezra 2:70 Ezra 3:1-Ezra 6:22 Ezra 7:1-8:36 Ezra 9:1-Ezra 10:44 First Return Second Return of 49, 897 of 1754 22 Years 1 Year (538-516BC) (458-457BC) Key Passages: Ezra 1:3, Ezra 2:2, Ezra 6:21, 22, Ezra 7:10 Key Words: Went up (Ezra 1:11, 7:1, 6, 7, 8:1), Jerusalem (48x), Decree (17x), House of the LORD (Ezra 1:3, 5, 7, 2:68, 3:8, 11, 7:27, 8:29), Law (...of the LORD, ...of Moses, ...of God) (Ezra 3:2, 7:6, 10, 12, 14, 21, 26, 10:3) Ezra 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel. (NASB: Lockman) (Read context 7:1-10 ) Greek (Septuagint): hoti Esdras edoken (AAI) (active voice = Ezra made a volitional choice in his heart to seek the law, etc) en kardia autou zetesai (AAN) ton nomon kai poiein (PAN) kai didaskein (PAN) en Israel prostagmata kai krimata My rendering of Greek: Because (for) Ezra had made a personal choice, a choice of his will to give (devote) his heart to seek after the law and to continually practice (present tense) it and to continually teach (present tense) it in Israel (both) the ordinances and the decrees.
    [Show full text]
  • 2. Ezra 1-6.Indd
    EZRA 1-6 THE EXILES RETURN 21 Cyrus’s edict 1In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, in Cyrus became king of Anshan in order that the word of YHWH by the mouth 559. After defeating Astyarges of Jeremiah might be accomplished, YHWH of Media and capturing Sardis in stirred up the spirit of King Cyrus of Per- Asia Minor, he entered Babylon sia so that he sent a herald throughout all in triumph in 539. his kingdom, and also in a written edict 2 The author sees the working of declared: “Thus says King Cyrus of Persia: YHWH in the rebuilding of the YHWH, the God of heaven, has given me temple, which was destroyed in all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has 586 and re-consecrated in 516. He charged me to build him a house at Jerusa- 3 links this with the seventy years lem in Judah. Any of those among you who prophesied by Jeremiah (verse are of his people – may their God be with 1; see Jeremiah 29:10). He por- them! – are now permitted to go up to Je- trays Cyrus as being directed by rusalem in Judah, and rebuild the house of YHWH. We are reminded of the YHWH, the God of Israel. He is the God who 4 authors of the Isaiah scroll who is in Jerusalem. Let all survivors, in whatev- saw Cyrus as YHWH’s messiah er place they reside, be assisted by the peo- (see Isaiah 45:1, 13). ple of their place with silver and gold, with goods and with animals, besides freewill of- The Chronicler chose to conclude ferings for the house of God in Jerusalem.” his re-writing of the story of the 5 kings of Judah by quoting from The heads of the families of Judah and Ezra 1:1-3 (see 2Chronicles Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites 36:22-23).
    [Show full text]
  • The King Who Will Rule the World the Writings (Ketuvim) Mako A
    David’s Heir – The King Who Will Rule the World The Writings (Ketuvim) Mako A. Nagasawa Last modified: September 24, 2009 Introduction: The Hero Among ‘the gifts of the Jews’ given to the rest of the world is a hope: A hope for a King who will rule the world with justice, mercy, and peace. Stories and legends from long ago seem to suggest that we are waiting for a special hero. However, it is the larger Jewish story that gives very specific meaning and shape to that hope. The theme of the Writings is the Heir of David, the King who will rule the world. This section of Scripture is very significant, especially taken all together as a whole. For example, not only is the Book of Psalms a personal favorite of many people for its emotional expression, it is a prophetic favorite of the New Testament. The Psalms, written long before Jesus, point to a King. The NT quotes Psalms 2, 16, and 110 (Psalm 110 is the most quoted chapter of the OT by the NT, more frequently cited than Isaiah 53) in very important places to assert that Jesus is the King of Israel and King of the world. The Book of Chronicles – the last book of the Writings – points to a King. He will come from the line of David, and he will rule the world. Who will that King be? What will his life be like? Will he usher in the life promised by God to Israel and the world? If so, how? And, what will he accomplish? How worldwide will his reign be? How will he defeat evil on God’s behalf? Those are the major questions and themes found in the Writings.
    [Show full text]
  • Teacher Bible Study Lesson Overview
    1st-3rd Grade Kids Bible Study Guide Unit 21, Session 5: The Temple Was Completed TEACHER BIBLE STUDY With the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, God’s people resumed the work of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Approximately 15 years had passed without progress. At this time, Darius was king of Persia. The Persian Empire was vast, so Darius appointed governors over the provinces. A man named Tattenai watched over the province that included the land of Judah. Tattenai noticed the work of God’s people, and he was concerned. He sent a letter to King Darius. “Is this allowed?” he asked. “The people say that King Cyrus said they could rebuild the temple and the city. Please investigate this matter.” King Darius did investigate, and Cyrus’s decree was located in the Babylonian records. Darius instructed Tattenai to allow the people to rebuild the temple and the city. “In fact,” Darius wrote, “give them whatever they need from the royal treasury. And if anyone gives them any trouble, he will be punished.” God had turned the heart of the king for His people’s favor. (See Proverbs 21:1; Ezra 6:22.) The people completed the temple. They dedicated it joyfully and observed the Passover. God declared in Haggai 2:9 that the glory of this second temple would be greater than the first. This prophecy was fulfilled by the presence of the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus said that He is greater than the temple. (Matthew 12:6) Charles Haddon Spurgeon explained, “He who dwells in the house is greater than the house in which he dwells.” In Christ, we find the substance of which the temple was a shadow.
    [Show full text]
  • A Journey Through Ezra and Nehemiah Ezra 9-10: Disobedience
    A Journey Through Ezra and Nehemiah Ezra 9-10: Disobedience, Repentance and Covenant The Big Picture: These two final chapters of Ezra are serious and sombre. The law that Ezra teaches convicts the people of their disobedience. How had they disobeyed God? They had failed to separate themselves from the neighbouring peoples. These surrounding peoples did not know or acknowledge the holiness of the Lord God and they did not worship Him. The returned exiles disobeyed the law of God by intermarrying with them (the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites). Those who married into the nation of Israel did not worship the Lord God but continued to worship the idols of their own people. Remember God’s Ten Commandments (read them in Exodus 20). This idolatry would have comprised all aspects of the life of the people of God. In Ezra 9-10 we read about the ‘holy seed’ or ‘holy offspring’ (the remnant of the people of Israel) having broken faith with the Lord and His law. Ezra leads the people in repentance before the Lord for their disobedience to His laws. We don’t just read of the peoples’ repentance; we read of the sorrowful reparation the make for their disobedience. Read Ezra 9 Ezra Prays: Ezra is distraught at the disobedient actions of the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites. He falls down before the Lord, rends his garments, stretches out his hands and prays to the Lord. He words are brutally honest and moving.
    [Show full text]