Ezra and Nehemiah

This week we finish up Ezra and read through most of Nehemiah.  Both books are concerned with rebuilding.  Both books detail how God's people repented after returning from exile.  Both books show a gracious response from the king who was holding the people captive.

Whether rebuilding the temple (Ezra) or the wall around Jerusalem (Nehemiah), rebuilding was a key theme during this season of the life of Israel.  The bigger purpose was restore the people of Israel/Judah. Being taken away into exile was a significant and life-changing event. It was punishment, to be sure, but it was also designed to lead God's people back to himself.

Twice in these two books we read about times when the people of Israel repented.  We can be thankful for God's grace to us when we repent of sin.  But what will be next for Israel?  Will the temple and the wall endure forever?  Will the people remain faithful to God?

Enjoy your reading!  Please share your reflections and questions.  Be sure to use the guiding questions as you read.


Our guiding questions are these: 
  • What stood out to you in the reading?
  • Was there anything confusing or troubling?
  • Did anything make you think differently about God?
  • How might what you read change the way you live?

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