Fulfilling the promises of God, the Israelites return from exile after seventy years and rebuild the temple.
INTRODUCTION TO
Ezra
Outline:
- The exiles return to Jerusalem. (1:1–2:70)
- The temple of God is rebuilt. (3:1–6:22)
- Ezra comes to Jerusalem and reforms the people. (7:1–10:44)
Author: Probably Ezra.
Date Written: Between 457 and 444 b.c.
Time Span: About 81 years.
Title: From one of the book’s chief figures, Ezra.
Background: Ezra continues from where 2 Chronicles ends: Cyrus, king of Persia, issues a decree that permits the Jews of his kingdom to return to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity. At least parts of this period coincide in time with these historical figures: Gautama Buddha in India; Confucius in China; Socrates in Greece (followed by his pupil, Plato); and Pericles in Athens (erecting the Parthenon). The exodus of Israel from Egypt included some 3 million people, but fewer than 50,000 people took advantage of this “second exodus” of 900 miles from Babylon back to Jerusalem.
Where Written: Jerusalem.
To Whom: To the Israelites.
Content: After Cyrus’s edict, Zerubbabel leads the first return of God’s people to rebuild the ruins of Jerusalem and the temple that Nebuchadnezzar had destroyed. The work is repeatedly hampered by shortages of resources and by external opposition. These discouragements bring all work to a halt until God sends the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people, who then enthusiastically rebuild the altar and the temple of God. Some years later, Ezra leads a return of priests from captivity to Jerusalem. Ezra’s effective ministry includes: teaching the Word of God, initiating reforms, restoring worship, and leading spiritual revival in Jerusalem.
Key Words: “Return”; “Rededicate.”
From bondage, God’s people are now ready to “return” to their land, their worship, and their God. They must “rededicate” themselves to rebuild all they have lost: the altar, the temple, and their faith in God and His Word.
Themes: • God sovereignly looks over and protects His children. • God always keeps His promises. • When God’s people receive punishment for sin, it shows that pure love includes correction. • In return for God’s enduring love, we ought to obey His Word. • No problem is too big to stop a plan made in the will of God. • Our goals should be worthy in God’s eyes as well as our own. • Our sorrows of yesterday can be our successes of today.
Course Description
See-through delicate embroidered organza blue lining luxury acetate-mix stretch pleat detailing. Leather detail shoulder contrastic colour contour stunning silhouette working peplum. Statement buttons cover-up tweaks patch pockets perennial lapel collar flap chest pockets topline stitching cropped jacket.
Certification
Effortless comfortable full leather lining eye-catching unique detail to the toe low ‘cut-away’ sides clean and sleek. Polished finish elegant court shoe work duty stretchy slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design slingback strap mid kitten heel this ladylike design.
Who this course is for
- Anyone interested in learning about business (only practical concepts that you can use and no boring theory + we won’t cover business topics that are common sense).
