We continue our review in the 'History' section of the Bible with a brief review of the Book of Ezra & the Book of Nehemiah (the fifteenth & sixteenth books of the Bible). Our summary of these is:
Who wrote Ezra & Nehemiah and when? Both books are attributed to Ezra, with the Book of Ezra being written between 457-444 BC and the Book of Nehemiah being written over the 445-430 BC time-frame.
What are they all about? The Book of Ezra covers the return of the Israelites from Babylon that was lead by Zerubbabel (who was a politician); and it closes with the follow up return that was lead by Ezra (the priest). And The Book of Nehemiah is most likely written by Ezra as if writing from the journals of Nehemiah, who represented the Israelites who were rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and gates. It also covers the ongoing revival and reformation that the Israelite's were pursuing. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah were committed to God in this time of returning to Jerusalem but the people were not.
Why should we know this? From Ezra we learn of the remnant's return, their challenges and of their efforts in rebuilding of the temple.
"With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord . . .” (Ezra 3:11)
From Nehemiah we learn of the blessings for those that pursue God's Will.
”This day is sacred to the Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) It is in reading both of these books, we learn that hope can happen along with spiritual renewal but without a changed heart and a true commitment to growing in faith, our problems will continue.
What are they all about? The Book of Ezra covers the return of the Israelites from Babylon that was lead by Zerubbabel (who was a politician); and it closes with the follow up return that was lead by Ezra (the priest). And The Book of Nehemiah is most likely written by Ezra as if writing from the journals of Nehemiah, who represented the Israelites who were rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and gates. It also covers the ongoing revival and reformation that the Israelite's were pursuing. Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah were committed to God in this time of returning to Jerusalem but the people were not.
Why should we know this? From Ezra we learn of the remnant's return, their challenges and of their efforts in rebuilding of the temple.
"With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord . . .” (Ezra 3:11)
From Nehemiah we learn of the blessings for those that pursue God's Will.
”This day is sacred to the Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10) It is in reading both of these books, we learn that hope can happen along with spiritual renewal but without a changed heart and a true commitment to growing in faith, our problems will continue.
The following video link provides images and summaries of these two Books of Ezra and Nehemiah that you may find helpful. |