The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah

Restoration and Reformation

Ray of Hope Christian ChurchApril 10, 2012

Ezra 1: 1-8

Ezra, who was a priest, has traditionally been identified as the

author of Ezra and author/compiler of Nehemiah

Composition of Ezra440 B.C. and Nehemiah

Memoirs 430 B.C.

Ezra and Nehemiah originally one composition – Josephus (A.D. 37-100) Jewish

Historian• Origin (A.D. 185 -253) – first writer known to

distinguish the books as I Ezra and II Ezra• Jerome, translator of the Latin Vulgate

(fifteen years) called Nehemiah the second book of Ezra

• Hebrew Manuscript (Hebrew Bible) separation first occurred in 1448

Timeline of Ezra and Nehemiah

• 538-515 B.C. – First return under Zerubbabel

• 483-473 B.C. – The Book of Esther• 456 B.C. – Second return under Ezra• 444-425 B.C. – Third return under Nehemiah

Ezra• Great figure in Jewish History• Descendent of Israel’s High Priest Aaron• Studied, practiced and taught the law as an

educated scribe (7:1-12)• Founder of the Great Synagogue where the

canon of the OT Scripture was settled

Contemporaries of Ezra

• Guatama Buddha (560-480 B.C.) in India

• Confucius (551-479 B.C.) in China• Socrates (470-399 B.C.) in Greece

Structure and History:Ezra 1-6: The First Return

• Return of a Remnant (49,897 of 2 or 3 million)

• Leader was Zerubbabel – means “descended from Babylon”

oLineage of David

• Names of the heads of Remnanto Judah, Benjamin and Levi

Structure and History:Ezra 1-6: The First Return

• Rebuild the TempleoAltaroReligious Feasts – PassoveroDedication of the Building

• Prophetic Ministry of Haggai and Zechariah

Structure and History:Ezra 7-10: The Second Return under

Ezra• 81 years after the first return – 456 B.C.• 2000 Israelites• Intercessory Ministry of Ezra (9:1-15)• Renewal of the Covenant (Confession of Sin

and Reformation)

Confession and response to the Word of God brings about a

great revival and changed lives.

Nehemiah

• Cupbearer for King Artaxerses I, a prominent position of authority and influence

• Man of courage, integrity, godliness, selflessness and prayer

• Complete dependence upon God

Structure and History:Nehemiah 1-6: Reconstruction of the

Wall• 13 years after the second return (Ezra) and

94 years after the first return• Malachi prophesied during this time• The end of the historical account of the OT

(400 years before the birth of Christ)

Structure and History:Nehemiah 1-6: Reconstruction of the

Wall• Practical and Spiritual applications in

relationshipo Prayer (1:4-11)o Secret Survey (2:11-20)

• Opposition (3-6)

Structure and History:Nehemiah 7-13: Reinstruction/

Restoration of the People

• Renewal of the Covenant (8-11)• Dedication of the Walls (12)• Reformation of the People (13)

Theological Themes of Ezra and Nehemiah

Faithfulness of God (Forgiveness and Restoration)

• Isaiah 44:28 – 45:13 (200 years before)

• Jeremiah 29:10-14

Sovereignty of God

Ezra 1:1-8Ezra 6:1-13

Favor

• Nehemiah 2:7-9 –Favor with the KingoResourcesoSecurity

• Nehemiah 5:15-19 – Favor because of Justice

Opposition to the will of God

• Ezra 4• Nehemiah 4-6

“There is no opportunity without opposition”

Alan B. Stringefellow

Nehemiah 6:15-16