Nehemiah 7-8 As the walls were completed, God moved Nehemiah to register the people according to their genealogy. With this, Nehemiah could know exactly who should serve as priests in the temple and Levites throughout Israel. The ones who could not be verified had to wait until the priests could be consulted. After this, Ezra …
Nehemiah 5-6 While rebuilding the walls, Nehemiah receives word that some of the Jews are being taken advantage of by their own countrymen. They are taxed exceedingly, which caused them to sell both their land and children to cover the costs. Nehemiah puts a stop to this injustice. But that is not the only issue …
Nehemiah 3-4 Nehemiah’s third chapter gives us incredible detail about the names of people who rebuilt the walls & gates of Jerusalem. But, this work was not without opposition. Sanballat and others were furious with the Jews and mocked them. They even schemed to attack and kill the Jews. Nevertheless, the Jews resolved to continue …
Nehemiah 1-2 Nehemiah is a Jew who served as the royal cupbearer under King Artaxerxes. Upon receiving word from his brother about the state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah wept and mourned. His mourning turned to fasting and prayer before the Lord. He prayed God’s promises back to him and gave his request to God. While before …
Esther 8-10 After Haman’s death, the king gave Esther his estate and then put Mordecai in his position. Esther once again pleaded with the king to revoke Haman’s plan. Since it could not be undone, he gave Esther and Mordecai the authority to do what they thought was best. On the same date they were …
Esther 5-7 After fasting, Esther begins her plan to approach the king and seek his favor. This begins by inviting both the king and Haman to a banquet she has prepared for them. She does this on consecutive nights. In the midst of this, Haman’s pride and discontent continue to grow. His friends suggest building …
Esther 3-4 Haman, one of the king’s officials, receives a promotion. This promotion places him above all the other officials. In addition to this, everyone is to pay homage and bow down. Mordecai refused to do this because it would violate God’s commands. This angered Haman so much that he sought to have all Jews …
Esther 1-2 In the beginning of Esther, we are introduced to King Ahasuerus, king of the Medes and Persians. During a period when he held a feast for 6 months, his queen, Vashti, did not come to him when requested. After seeking counseling, Ahasuerus removed her as queen and began a search for another. Hadassah …
Ezra 9-10 The book of Ezra concludes dramatically. The leaders make Ezra aware of a problem among the returned exiles: intermarriage with the surrounding people. This went against the law of Moses and is one of the major things that led Israel to its current state. Upon hearing this, Ezra tore his clothes. After praying …
Ezra 7-8 Some time after the temple had been rebuilt and dedicated, Ezra is introduced. Ezra is a scribe who was an expert. The Lord gave him favor with the king, which allowed him to go to Jerusalem with any of the priests and Levites who wanted to return with him. The Lord was with …
Zechariah 1:1-6; 2; 12 Zechariah’s prophecies begin with a call to repentance and turning to the Lord. Upon hearing this, the people repent. Zechariah’s visions include a restored Jerusalem full of people and bursting at the seams. The city is so full people live outside the walls and the Lord’s glory is in the midst. …
Ezra 5-6 After hearing prophecies from Haggai and Zechariah, the Israelites resumed their work of rebuilding the temple. The prophets stayed with them to make sure the work continued and to be a constant encouragement. This, of course, sparked controversy with those who had tried to stop the work. At this, the elders reminded them …