Unveiling the Riches of Ezra and Nehemiah
In the grand tapestry of Scripture, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah form a crucial part of the Old Testament narrative. These two books offer a compelling account of the final piece of Old Testament history, where God’s people are restored to the land he promised them after suffering exile due to their sinful rebellion.
A Story of Restoration and Conflict
The story of Ezra and Nehemiah is one of restoration, but it is also marked by intense struggle. The prospects for God’s people seem bleak: they are a poor remnant serving a foreign king, Jerusalem and its temple lie in ruins, enemies threaten from outside the walls, and sin arises among them. Yet, despite these challenges, the sovereign God directs the action, moving the hearts of the Persian kings to enable the restoration of his people.
The Main Character: The Lord God
Throughout the narrative, the writers consistently point to the Lord God as the main character. Other central characters, such as Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, serve God by leading his people, but it is God who guides kings, delivers from enemies, and restores his people to his promised place.
Holding the Bible’s Story Together
Ezra and Nehemiah hold the Bible’s story together, forming the final Old Testament episode in a narrative that began in Eden. This post-exilic history is a testament to God’s mercy and faithfulness, as he keeps his hand on his people, forgives them when they repent, and remains faithful to his promise to bless all nations through their seed.
Drawing Us to Jesus
The redemption from exile is marvelous, yet inadequate; reading Ezra and Nehemiah makes us yearn for a greater redemption. At the close of Old Testament history, there is light, but it is still dim. Only with the coming of Jesus does the light break forth, illuminating our privileged part in salvation history.
A Call to Live as God’s People
Ezra and Nehemiah help us hear the call to live as God’s people under his good hand, listening to his Word, and believing the revelation of God’s promises. As we follow the Lord Jesus Christ, we are reminded of our part in the ongoing story of salvation history.
Why Study Ezra and Nehemiah?
There are three compelling reasons to study Ezra and Nehemiah:
- They offer a captivating narrative that draws us into the story of God’s people.
- They hold the Bible’s story together, providing a crucial link between the Old and New Testaments.
- They draw us to Jesus, highlighting our privileged part in salvation history and encouraging us to live as God’s people under his good hand.
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