Friday, May 12, 2017

Bible Study: Introduction: 5/12/17

EZRA AND NEHEMIAH

"Re-Building God's Temple"


 

 

Names and Places in Scripture Both books entitled Ezra and Nehemiah were originally placed by the Jews in the "writings" section of the OT (Part 3), among the "historical" books, following Daniel. The two were regarded as one book. The LXX (Greek translation of the OT) also regarded them as one book. Jerome's Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible refers to Nehemiah as the second book of Ezra, as do also the early English translations (Wycliffe etc.). Later English translations (AV) make the division under the names "Ezra" and "Nehemiah." It's interesting to note this, since Ezra has been regarded as the compiler of both books of Chronicles as well as Ezra and Nehemiah. The books have much in common. Authorship Ezra and Nehemiah were contemporaries. Both were leaders of returning expeditions of the Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem. Ezra was from the Levitical high-priestly family of Eleazar. Nehemiah was a Jewish high-ranking official in the Persian government. Part of the book of Ezra refers to Ezra in the first person, and much of Nehemiah refers to Nehemiah in the first person as well. This indicates, of course, that each may have authored at least part of the books bearing their names. Only Ezra contains sections written in Aramaic. Since Ezra did not participate in the events of the first half of his book, he may have used sources for that part of his book. Many similarities in the writing style and language of Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah support the view that Ezra may have compiled all three, adding the memoirs of Nehemiah into a trilogy (group of three) at the close. Yet of this we cannot be absolutely sure. We can be sure, however, that these books were written under the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.

One of the most interesting aspects of Judah's ancient history is the events and people who were involved with the building of the second temple. Ezra and Nehemiah discuss these events in great detail. But few people realize that these ancient events are actually prophecies for our time. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah make that clear in their prophecies concerning the temple.

 

This study reveals the heavy prophetic flavor contained within the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.  I wanted to add to this study some background history before the rebuilding of the Temple. And to say, that we will look at this naturally and spiritually. We will have prayer, read these books (Ezra,, Nehemiah, and Esther), questions for review, weekly word, a natural look at these books, a look at the spiritual revelation of our transformation as the temple of the living God's Holy Spirit.

 

Table of Contents

 

Week # 1………………….Hezekiah is Tested

Week # 2………………….Outline of Ezra and Nehemiah

Week # 3………………….Who was Ezra?

Week # 4………………….Who was Nehemiah?

Week # 5………………….Re-Building the Temple First:

Week # 6………………….Re-building of the Walls of Jerusalem:

Week # 7………………….A Spiritual Message Part 1

Week # 8…………………A Spiritual Message Part 2

 

Scripture weekly reading for this lesson (Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther) will be on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Esther will be the last week of the study for the whole week.

 

Week # 1………………….Ezra 1-3

Week # 2………………….Ezra 4-6

Week # 3………………….Ezra 7-9

Week # 4………………….Ezra 10- Nehemiah 1-2

Week # 5………………….Nehemiah 3-6

Week # 6………………….Nehemiah 7-9

Week # 7………………….Nehemiah 10-13

Week # 8………………….Esther 1-10

 

See you in the study………………………………………………

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