Ezra-Nehemiah: An Introduction and Study Guide


Book Description

This guide to Ezra and Nehemiah showcases the latest developments and most up-to-date scholarship on these important texts. Ezra and Nehemiah tell the story of the people in Yehud in the 6th and the 5th centuries BCE. This was a time of economic hardship. The people living in and around Jerusalem were scratching out a living in a land that had been devastated by war. It was also a time of soul searching. Having lost their political autonomy and national identity, the people in Yehud had to find new ways of understanding and shaping their identity. Ezra and Nehemiah provide glimpses of these issues by way of an assortment of narratives, lists, letters, and other types of records. The readers encounter different voices and different opinions. Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer provides an overview of the various texts and the topics, concerns, and disputes that they reflect. The guide also zooms in on select key issues pertaining to the development of the text, its historical background(s), the quest for identity, and its afterlife in Jewish and Christian traditions.




Ezra and Nehemiah


Book Description

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God's Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic components: (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) "Gospel Glimpses" highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) "Whole-Bible Connections" show how any given passage connects to the Bible's overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) "Theological Soundings" identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God's grace on every page of the Bible. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of God's steadfast love toward Israel after their return from exile. The Lord rasied up Ezra and Nehemiah to reestablish the nation by rebuilding the temple and city walls and by turning the people back to his Word. In this 12-week study, Kathleen Nielson shows readers God's mercy and faithfulness demonstrated in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, encouraging Christians toward sincere repentance and persevering hope. Part of the Knowing the Bible series.




Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther


Book Description

According to this well-known author, today's readers find much that is familiar in Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther, including the message of God's faithfulness in the face of prejudice, sexism, and patriarchy. Books in the Westminster Bible Companion series assist laity in their study of the Bible as a guide to Christian faith and practice. Each volume explains the biblical book in its original historical context and explores its significance for faithful living today. These books are ideal for individual study and for Bible study classes and groups.




Ezra-Nehemiah


Book Description

Studies in the books of Ezra-Nehemiah have tended to become bogged down with such questions as, "Who came first, Ezra or Nehemiah, and were they contemporaries? When did Ezra make his journey to Jerusalem, how many trips did he make, and which route did he take?" In this commentary, the author undertakes a theological reading which emphasizes its character as narrative and story. He avoids rearranging the text and, with the exception of chapter five of Nehemiah, he seeks to understand the narrative as it was received. In general, Mark Throntveit avoids an overly historical approach to the text and presents a clear picture of Ezra and Nehemiah.




The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah


Book Description

Providing clear exposition based on solid contemporary scholarship, this commentary by F. Charles Fensham examines the books of Ezra and Nehemiah--two books of Scripture that are especially important for understanding the last century of Old Testament Jewish history and for marking the beginnings of Judaism. A biblical scholar well known for his expertise in ancient Near Eastern studies, especially Ugaritic, Fensham places Ezra and Nehemiah against the ancient Near Eastern environment. In his introduction Fensham discusses the original unity of the books as well as the problems of authorship. He then treats the historical and religious background of the books, taking special note of the development of a Jewish religious society in postexilic times. Text and language are examined next, followed by a thorough bibliography. The commentary proper, based on Fensham's own fresh translation of the biblical texts, is richly documented and displays cautious good judgment, willingness to consider different options, a sensible approach, and keen insight into the religious meaning of these key Hebrew texts.




Ezra and Nehemiah


Book Description

The people of Israel were carried away to Babylon, where they lived as exiles and outcasts. God sent this judgment on His people because of their continued unfaithfulness to His word—but the day came when He called them to return to Jerusalem. However, when they arrived there, they discovered things had dramatically changed for the worse. The Temple was destroyed, the city walls were torn down, and the land had been taken over by people who did not want them back. There was work to be done, and it was not going to be easy. In this study, pastor John MacArthur will guide you through an in-depth look at the historical period beginning with Ezra's early return to Jerusalem, continuing through the teachings of Israel's prophets during the time, and concluding with Nehemiah and the people's rebuilding efforts in the city. Studies include close-up examinations of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and others, as well as careful considerations of doctrinal themes such as "Unequally Yoked" and "Worshiping God." —ABOUT THE SERIES— The MacArthur Bible Study series is designed to help you study the Word of God with guidance from widely respected pastor and author John MacArthur. Each guide provides intriguing examinations of the whole of Scripture by examining its parts and incorporates: Extensive, but straight-forward commentary on the text. Detailed observations on overriding themes, timelines, history, and context. Word and phrase studies to help you unlock the broader meaning and apply it to your life. Probing, interactive questions with plenty of space to write down your response and thoughts.




Nehemiah For You


Book Description

Expository Bible-study guide to Nehemiah. The book of Nehemiah chronicles a key moment in the history of God's people: the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after the return from exile. Understanding this book doesn't just mean knowing about a rebuilt wall. Nehemiah helps us think through any type of rebuilding we might do for God-from our homes and families to our local church, our communities and our world. It teaches us, ultimately, about Jesus and his mission. A pastor with decades of experience in cities, Dr. Eric Mason unpacks this rich book verse by verse. He explains the context, gives plenty of application for our lives today, and shows us what it looks like to get involved in God's work to build his kingdom. This expository guide can be read as a book; used as a devotional; and utilised in teaching and preaching.




Rebuild


Book Description

The Rebuild Leader Kit from Kathleen Nielson contains one Bible Study Book and 2 DVDs for 8 sessions of group study. The Book of Nehemiah tells of God's people returned from exile and rebuilding the broken-down city of Jerusalem. More than that, it tells of God's people being rebuilt according to His Word. As we watch the leader Nehemiah direct the rebuilding, we're watching the Lord God direct history according to His promises--all of which were fulfilled in the promised Christ who came from this people's seed. This study of Nehemiah helps us understand our history as believers in Jesus Christ. It helps us learn to walk in faith according to God's Word, even in times of weakness and rebuilding. Eight lessons draw us into the text, giving background and asking questions that lead us to make fruitful and personal observations. Accompanying videos come from Nielson, Nancy Guthrie, and D.A. Carson (editor). Through this study we peer into the dramatic story of God's people sustained by God's Word, at a crucial point in salvation history. Table of Contents Session 1 Meeting Nehemiah Session 2 Action--In Light of God's Word (Nehemiah 1-2) Session 3 Laboring for a God Who Fights For Us (Nehemiah 3-4) Session 4 Fearing God in a Fallen World (Nehemiah 5-6) Session 5 Coming Together around God's Word (Nehemiah 7-8) Session 6 Responding to God according to his Word (Nehemiah 9-10) Session 7 Celebrating A Moment of Joy in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11-12) Session 8 Leaning Forward in the Dark: A Failed Reformation (Nehemiah 13) Kit Includes: 1 Bible Study Book 2 DVDs with a promotional video and eight 15-minute teaching sessions featuring author Kathleen Nielson, Nancy Guthrie, and D.A. Carson Features: Teaching from Nancy Guthrie, D.A. Carson, and Kathleen Nielson Biblically rooted and gospel-centered teaching Leader material (environment, guides to questions, general leadership, and so on) Fresh commentary for personal study segments 8-session workbook with group and personal component Lessons in leadership from prominent voices of The Gospel Coalition Benefits: Leaders can be assured of a trusted teacher in every group as participants view the video Biblical truth that's reliable Contributes to leader's confidence and preparation, but also contributes to leader training Personal spiritual growth through individual time with content Provocative questions; scriptural support; and text, application, and preparation Understanding Nehemiah as a crucial point in salvation history Author: Kathleen Nielson serves as director of women's initiatives for The Gospel Coalition. She holds MA and PhD degrees in literature from Vanderbilt University and a BA from Wheaton College. Author of the Living Word Bible studies, she speaks often at women's conferences and loves working with women in studying the Bible. She shares a heart for students with her husband, Niel, president of Covenant College from 2002 to 2012 and now leading an enterprise developing resources for Christian schools around the world.




Oxford Bibliographies


Book Description

"An emerging field of study that explores the Hispanic minority in the United States, Latino Studies is enriched by an interdisciplinary perspective. Historians, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, demographers, linguists, as well as religion, ethnicity, and culture scholars, among others, bring a varied, multifaceted approach to the understanding of a people whose roots are all over the Americas and whose permanent home is north of the Rio Grande. Oxford Bibliographies in Latino Studies offers an authoritative, trustworthy, and up-to-date intellectual map to this ever-changing discipline."--Editorial page.




Introduction to the Historical Books


Book Description

Steven McKenzie here surveys the historical books of the Old Testament Joshua through Ezra-Nehemiah for their historical context, contents, form, and themes, communicating them clearly and succinctly for an introductory audience. / By providing a better understanding of biblical history writing in its ancient context, McKenzie helps readers come to terms with tensions between the Bible s account and modern historical analyses. Rather than denying the results of historical research or dismissing its practitioners as wrongly motivated, he suggests that the source of the perceived discrepancy may lie not with the Bible but with the way in which it has been read. He also calls into question whether the genre of the Bible s historical books has been properly understood.