Studies Included
- Ezra: Rebuilding on the Solid Rock
- Nehemiah
- Esther
Summary
- The promises of God to Israel were fulfilled through Joshua in the conquest of the Promised Land.
- After the transitional period of the Judges, the people of God enjoyed their greatest prosperity during the reigns of David and Solomon.
- But after Solomon’s death the Kingdom was split into two. This was God’s judgment for Solomon’s failure to remain loyal to the LORD.
- The history of the divided kingdom is a downward spiral as the people failed to remain loyal to Yahweh.
- God had made it clear in the Torah, that spiritual adultery would lead to judgment via exile.
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God had promised that the exile would last 70 years so the land would enjoy a Sabbath rest. - Despite His people’s unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. Now living under the Persian empire, the people of God are given permission to return to the land, to rebuild the Temple, and eventually the city of Jerusalem.
- Still, questions remain. Are we still the chosen people of God? Are the promises to Abraham and David still in effect? Is there truly hope for us? Is Yahweh still for us?
- The answer is yes. Because God had plans for a future and a hope for His people (Jer. 29:11) and because He loves them with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3-4), He is not done with them.
- We will see how God used people like Zerubbabel, Joshua, Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and Mordecai. They took action to help the people of God rebuild their lives and return to Him.
- The LORD also moved in the hearts of pagan kings to orchestrate good things for His people.
Timeline
The Persian Empire Context
Geographical Setting
References
