Return From Exile (Mar 18)
We have been covering the Bible
by time sequence, phase by phase
OT1: Five Books of Laws incl Job.
OT2: History Up to King David
from Joshua to 1 Chron + Psalms
as well as Reign of King Solomon
in 2nd Chron & Wisdom Poetry.
In OT Phase 3, we see decline
of the two Divided Kingdoms.
OT3A: 1 Kings & minor prophets.
OT3B: 2K1-17 & Prophets incl Isaiah
up to Israel’s Dispersion in 722BC.
OT3C: 2K18-25 & Prophets incl Jer
up to Judah’s Dispersion in 586BC.
Followed by Ezekiel & Daniel.
Continuing, we will meditate on
three Israel historical books on
the return from exile, over two
weekends. Listed below are the
background condition and issues
during that period of time.
Esther (483-473BC)
The real life drama of Esther pits
a beautiful heroine against a
hateful villain. Beautiful Esther
is among the many Jews whose
family chooses to remain in Persia
following the return of Israel to
Jerusalem with Zerubbabel, Ezra
and Nehemiah. Selected as queen
she discovers a court official’s plot
to kill her and her countrymen.
In a dramatic turn of events,
God uses the roll of the dice and
a king’s sleeplessness to save
the day and preserve His people.
Ezra (538-457BC)
After 70 years of exile, God fulfills
His promise to return His people
to their home-land. Under His
direction, King Cyrus of Persia
now rules Babylonia, and the Jews
are free to go home. The first
group of returnees rebuild the
temple in Jerusalem (chap 1-6).
58 years later, Ezra leads a second
group (mostly priests & Levites)
back to Jerusalem to rebuild
the spiritual and moral character
of the people (chap 7-10).
Nehemiah (445-420BC)
A rebuilt temple stands in
Jerusalem, but only crumbled walls
surround the Holy City. Clearly,
there is much work to be done!
For the task of rebuilding the city
walls, God raises up Nehemiah
to lead the third and last expedition
of Jewish returnees from Persia.
In spite of stiff opposition to the
reconstruction efforts, Nehemiah
and his band of bricklayers
complete the job in only 52 days.
Nehemiah’ zeal extends not only
to reconstructing the city, but also
to reforming its citizentry – a task
which demands inspired leadership
Friends, Look out for the expository
meditation as it shows God is
in control of situations and will
strengthen our faith in Him.
Shalom/chris