Ezra and Nehemiah: “A Remnant Rebuilding By God’s Word ”

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Ezra: [ /ez-ruh/ ] noun --- from the Hebrew meaning “help” or “helper”.

Nehemiah: [ /nee-uh-mahy-uh/ ] noun --- masculine name of Hebrew origin meaning "God comforts."

Jewish tradition has long attributed authorship of Ezra to the scribe and scholar Ezra.  Ezra 8 includes a first-person reference, implying the author’s participation in the events. Jewish tradition identifies Nehemiah himself as the primary author of the book, Nehemiah. The book of Nehemiah could be read as a sequel to the book of Ezra, and many scholars believe the two were originally combined. For this reason, I have chosen to connect them into one article.

OVERVIEW:

The book of Ezra is divided as follows: Chapters 1-6: The First Return under Zerubbabel, and the Building of the Second Temple. Chapters 7-10: The Ministry of Ezra. Since well over half a century elapsed between chapters 6 and 7, the characters of the first part of the book had died by the time Ezra began his ministry in Jerusalem. Ezra is the one person who is prominent in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Both books end with prayers of confession (Ezra 9; Nehemiah 9) and an ensuing separation of the people from the sinful practices into which they had fallen. The Book of Ezra covers the return from captivity to rebuild the Temple up to the decree of Artaxerxes, the event covered at the beginning of the Book of Nehemiah. Haggai was the main prophet in the day of Ezra, and Zechariah was the prophet in the day of Nehemiah.

The book of Nehemiah continues in an overlap of the story. Nehemiah was a Hebrew in Persia when the word reached him that the Temple in Jerusalem was being reconstructed. He grew anxious knowing there was no wall to protect the city. Nehemiah invited God to use him to save the city. God answered his prayer by softening the heart of the Persian king, Artaxerxes, who gave not only his blessing, but also supplies to be used in the project. Nehemiah is given permission by the king to return to Jerusalem, where he is made governor. Despite opposition and accusations, the wall was built and the enemies silenced. The people, inspired by Nehemiah, give tithes of much money, supplies, and manpower to complete the wall in a remarkable 52 days, despite much opposition. This united effort is short-lived, however, because Jerusalem falls back into apostasy when Nehemiah leaves for a while. When he returned to Jerusalem, Nehemiah found the walls strong but the people weak. He set about the task of teaching the people morality and he did not hold back words. "I argued with those people, put curses on them, hit some of them and pulled out their hair" (13:25). He reestablishes true worship through prayer and by encouraging the people to revival by reading and adhering to the Word of God.

SO WHAT?

There are a few lessons that we can learn from these two texts. Ezra’s narrative reveals two main issues faced by the returning exiles: (1) the struggle to restore the temple (Ezra 1:1–6:22) and (2) the need for spiritual reformation (7:1–10:44), both were necessary for the people to renew their fellowship with the Lord. A larger theological purpose is also revealed: God keeps His promises. Through the prophets, God had ordained that His chosen people would return to their land after a seventy-year exile.

Nehemiah’s life provides a fine study on leadership. He overcame opposition from outsiders as well as internal turmoil. He exercised his administrative skills in his strategy to use half the people for building while the other half kept watch for the Samaritans who, under Sanballat, threatened attack (Nehemiah 4–7). As governor, Nehemiah negotiated peace among the Jews who were unhappy with Persian taxes. He exhibited a steadfast determination to complete his goals. The book of Nehemiah shows us the significant impact one individual can have on a nation. God uses all manner of people in all manner of places doing all manner of work. Take time today to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and mercy in your life. Recommit to Him your trust, your love, and your obedience.

Next month, we will look at the book of Esther. This text displays the providence of God, especially regarding His chosen people, Israel. This concept expands in the New Covenant through faith in Jesus Christ. For all who have faith, Jew and Gentile, as God’s people, we would display His majesty, glory, and grace as He is faithful to us.

I would love to hear from you, pray for you, and encourage you. Reach out to me via email: Colin@nlcwanamingo.org or by phone: 507-824-3019.  Until next month, may God richly bless you with peace through Jesus Christ this Christmas season, my friends.