Objective

In this study, we’ll see God’s sovereignty in protecting and providing for His people during their return from exile and beyond.

Key Verse

Nehemiah 8:8: So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.

Introduction

After seventy years of captivity in Babylon, God’s people began returning to their homeland. This was not just a political development or a fortunate turn of events—this was God keeping His promises to His chosen people. The prophets had declared that the exile would end, and now we see those prophecies being fulfilled in remarkable ways.

The last three historical books of the Old Testament tell us the story of this restoration period. Each book focuses on a different aspect of God’s faithfulness during this crucial time in Israel’s history. These books show us that even when God’s people face overwhelming challenges, He remains sovereign over every detail of their lives.

The period covered by these books teaches us vital lessons about trusting God’s timing, being faithful in difficult circumstances, and recognizing His hand even when He seems hidden from view. As we study these three books together, we will discover how God worked through ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

In this lesson, we will examine:

• Ezra’s account of rebuilding the temple and restoring the people spiritually
• Nehemiah’s leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and reviving God’s people
• Esther’s story of God’s hidden protection of His people in a foreign land

Ezra: Rebuilding What Was Lost

The book of Ezra tells us about two great works of restoration. The first was rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem—the place where God’s people could worship Him according to His law. The second was rebuilding the spiritual lives of the people themselves, helping them return to faithful obedience to God’s Word.

Ezra himself was both a priest and a scribe, uniquely qualified to lead this spiritual restoration. He understood that buildings alone could never restore God’s people. They needed their hearts rebuilt as much as they needed their temple rebuilt. The book shows us how God raises up the right leaders at the right time to accomplish His purposes.

We can divide the book of Ezra into two main sections that show us God’s faithfulness in restoration. The first six chapters focus on rebuilding the temple, while the final four chapters focus on rebuilding the people’s spiritual lives.

➤ The Temple Restored

The book begins with a remarkable statement that reminds us who truly controls the course of history. When the time came for God’s people to return home, He moved in the heart of Cyrus, the king of Persia, to make this possible.

Ezra 1:1: In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing.

This verse teaches us something wonderful about God’s sovereignty. He can work through any ruler, even a pagan king who does not know Him, to accomplish His purposes for His people. Cyrus probably thought he was making his own political decisions, but God was directing his heart to fulfill the prophecies spoken through Jeremiah decades earlier.

Cyrus allowed Sheshbazzar (who is also called Zerubbabel) to lead many Jews back to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel was the grandson of Jehoiachin, the last king of Judah, and he came from the royal line of David. God was already working to preserve the family line through which the Messiah would eventually come.

Ezra 1:7-11: Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god. Cyrus king of Persia had them brought by Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. This was the inventory: gold dishes 30, silver dishes 1,000, silver pans 29, gold bowls 30, matching silver bowls 410, other articles 1,000. In all, there were 5,400 articles of gold and of silver. Sheshbazzar brought all these along with the exiles when they came up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Notice how carefully God preserved even the temple treasures during the years of exile. Nothing was lost or forgotten. This teaches us that God protects what belongs to Him, even during the darkest periods of judgment.

The people who returned were filled with desire to serve God and rebuild His temple. The same God who moved Cyrus’s heart also stirred the hearts of His people to return and worship Him again.

Ezra 1:5: Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, these returning exiles demonstrated their commitment through generous giving for the work of restoration.

Ezra 2:68-69: When they arrived at the house of the Lord in Jerusalem, some of the heads of the families gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God on its site. According to their ability they gave to the treasury for this work 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver and 100 priestly garments.

The laying of the temple’s foundation was a moment of great celebration and worship. The people praised God with songs and thanksgiving, remembering His goodness and faithfulness to them.

Ezra 3:10-13: When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel. With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. No one could distinguish the sound of the shouts of joy from the sound of weeping, because the people made so much noise. And the sound was heard far away.

This passage shows us the mixed emotions that often accompany God’s work of restoration. There was great joy because God was rebuilding what had been destroyed. But there was also weeping because this new temple was smaller and less magnificent than Solomon’s original temple. (Notebook Moment: How do you think you would have felt if you had been present at this foundation ceremony? What does this teach us about how people can have different responses to the same blessing from God?)

The work faced significant opposition from enemies who wanted to stop the rebuilding. But God raised up prophets like Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people to continue.

Ezra 5:1-2: Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, who was over them. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Joshua son of Jozadak set to work to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, supporting them.

Despite all the obstacles, the temple was completed and dedicated with great celebration. The people could once again worship God in the way He had commanded them.

Ezra 6:16, 21-22: Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. And the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate the Passover, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the Lord, the God of Israel. For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.

➤ The People Restored

The second half of Ezra’s book introduces us to Ezra himself, who arrived in Jerusalem many years after the temple was completed. He came as both a priest and a teacher of God’s law, bringing with him another group of returning exiles.

Ezra 7:6-10: This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him. Some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers and temple servants, also came up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes. Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. He had begun his journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Ezra provides us with an excellent model for spiritual leadership. Notice the three-part pattern of his ministry described in verse 10. First, he prepared his heart by studying God’s Word carefully. Second, he lived out the truth he had learned, practicing what he taught. Third, he taught others what God had shown him. This is the pattern that every faithful teacher of God’s Word should follow.

Ezra demonstrated the importance of seeking God through fasting and prayer before undertaking any significant ministry.

Ezra 8:21: There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.

When Ezra discovered that many of the people had intermarried with pagan nations in direct violation of God’s law, he was deeply grieved. But instead of responding in anger, he responded with prayer and intercession for the people.

Ezra 9:5-6: Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the Lord my God and prayed: “I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.”

Ezra’s heartfelt prayer led to genuine repentance among the people. They recognized their sin and took concrete steps to correct their disobedience to God’s commands.

Ezra 10:1-4: While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites—men, women and children—gathered around him. They too wept bitterly. Then Shekaniah son of Jehiel, one of the descendants of Elam, said to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel. Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.”

Nehemiah: Rebuilding Under Pressure

While Ezra focused on spiritual restoration, Nehemiah concentrated on the physical and political restoration of Jerusalem. His book tells the remarkable story of how God’s people rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem in just fifty-two days, despite fierce opposition from their enemies.

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the king of Persia, a position of great trust and influence. When he heard about the desperate condition of Jerusalem and its people, his heart was broken, and he was moved to action. His example teaches us important lessons about leadership, prayer, and perseverance in the face of opposition.

We can divide Nehemiah into two main sections. The first seven chapters tell about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, while chapters 8-13 describe the spiritual revival that followed this physical restoration.

➤ Rebuilding the Walls

Nehemiah’s burden for Jerusalem began when he received disturbing news about the condition of the city and its people.

Nehemiah 1:4: When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

This verse shows us the importance of having a godly burden for the needs around us. Nehemiah could have remained comfortable in his position at the Persian court, but his heart was moved by the suffering of his people. True spiritual leadership always begins with this kind of compassionate concern for others.

Before taking any action, Nehemiah spent time in prayer, asking God to prepare the way and grant him favor with the king.

Nehemiah 2:12-13: I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.

Nehemiah’s careful nighttime inspection of the walls shows us the importance of preparation in ministry. He did not rush into action without first understanding the full scope of the challenge he faced. (Notebook Moment: Why do you think Nehemiah chose to examine the walls at night before telling anyone about his plans? What does this teach us about wisdom in leadership?)

The work of rebuilding faced immediate and intense opposition from enemies who did not want to see Jerusalem restored to strength.

Nehemiah 4:7-9: But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.

This passage teaches us about the reality of spiritual warfare. Whenever God’s people attempt to do His work, they will face opposition. But notice Nehemiah’s response: he combined prayer with practical action. He prayed to God for protection, but he also posted guards to watch for danger.

The people worked together with remarkable unity and determination, each family taking responsibility for the section of wall nearest their own home.

Nehemiah 4:15-18: When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work. From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other. And each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked.

This remarkable scene shows us what can be accomplished when God’s people work together with a common purpose. They did not allow fear or opposition to stop them from completing the work God had called them to do.

➤ Spiritual Revival

After the walls were completed, Nehemiah worked with Ezra to bring about spiritual renewal among the people. The foundation of this revival was the public reading and teaching of God’s Word.

Nehemiah 8:5-8: Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, “Amen! Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground. The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

This passage shows us the proper pattern for spiritual revival. It begins with the careful reading and explanation of God’s Word so that people can understand what God expects of them. Notice that the Levites not only read the law but also explained its meaning to the people.

The reading of God’s Word led to genuine repentance and confession of sin. The people spent time acknowledging their failures and praising God for His faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness.

Nehemiah 9:3: They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.

The great prayer recorded in Nehemiah 9:6-38 is one of the most comprehensive prayers in all of Scripture. It combines praise for God’s greatness, confession of the people’s sins, and dedication to serve God faithfully in the future. This prayer shows us the elements that should be present in any genuine spiritual revival: worship, repentance, and commitment to obedience.

Esther: God’s Hidden Protection

The book of Esther tells one of the most dramatic and exciting stories in the entire Bible. It shows us how God protected His people from complete destruction even when they were living as foreigners in a pagan land. The story takes place in Persia among the Jews who chose not to return to Jerusalem when they had the opportunity.

What makes this book unique is that it never directly mentions God’s name. Yet His hand is clearly visible throughout the entire story. Only God could have arranged all the seemingly coincidental events that led to the salvation of His people. The book teaches us that even when God seems absent or hidden, He is still working to protect and provide for those who belong to Him.

The story has many similarities to the earlier account of Joseph in Egypt. In both cases, God’s people faced the threat of destruction while living in a foreign land. In both cases, God raised up someone in a position of influence to save His people. And in both cases, what appeared to be disaster was transformed into deliverance through God’s sovereign control over events.

We can divide Esther into two main sections: chapters 1-4 describe how God’s people were threatened with destruction, while chapters 5-10 tell how God protected and delivered them.

➤ The Threat to God’s People

The story begins with Queen Vashti’s refusal to obey King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes), which led to her removal and the search for a new queen. Through a series of events that appeared to be merely political, Esther, a young Jewish woman, was chosen to become the new queen of Persia.

Esther’s uncle Mordecai had raised her after her parents died, and he advised her not to reveal her Jewish identity when she entered the king’s court. This decision would prove to be crucial for the survival of all the Jewish people in the Persian Empire.

The central conflict of the story arose when Haman, the king’s chief advisor, became enraged because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Haman was a descendant of Agag, the Amalekite king whom Saul had failed to kill when God commanded him to destroy the Amalekites completely. This ancient enmity between the Amalekites and God’s people was still playing out centuries later.

Esther 3:1-2: After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.

Haman’s pride was wounded by Mordecai’s refusal to bow, but instead of seeking revenge against Mordecai alone, he decided to destroy all the Jewish people throughout the Persian Empire. He convinced the king to issue a decree calling for the complete annihilation of the Jews on a specific date chosen by casting lots.

When Mordecai learned of this decree, he appealed to Esther to use her position as queen to intercede for her people. Her initial hesitation was understandable—anyone who approached the king without being summoned could be executed unless the king chose to extend his golden scepter.

Mordecai’s response to Esther’s hesitation contains one of the most important verses in the entire book:

Esther 4:14: “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

This verse teaches us several important truths. First, it shows Mordecai’s confidence that God would deliver His people somehow, even if Esther chose not to act. Second, it reminds us that God often places us in specific positions and circumstances so we can serve His purposes. Third, it warns us that refusing to serve God when He calls us may result in missing the blessing He intended for us.

➤ God’s Protection and Deliverance

Esther’s response to Mordecai’s challenge shows the kind of courage and commitment that God honors:

Esther 4:16: “Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

These words reveal Esther’s transformation from a passive participant in events to an active agent of God’s deliverance. She was willing to risk her life to save her people. (Notebook Moment: What do you think gave Esther the courage to make this decision? How might fasting and prayer have prepared her heart for this dangerous mission?)

The climax of the story came when Esther revealed her identity to the king and exposed Haman’s plot to destroy her people. The king was furious that he had been deceived into authorizing the destruction of his own queen’s people. In a dramatic reversal, Haman was executed on the very gallows he had built for Mordecai.

The story teaches us several important lessons about God’s character and His care for His people:

First, we learn that God arranges the details of our lives to accomplish His purposes. What seemed like random events—Vashti’s refusal to obey the king, Esther’s selection as queen, the king’s sleepless night when he read about Mordecai’s earlier service—were all part of God’s plan to deliver His people.

Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Second, we learn what it means to be truly obedient to God. Esther was willing to risk everything for what was right, trusting that God would honor her faithfulness even if it cost her life.

Acts 20:24: However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

Third, we learn about the fierce opposition that God’s people face from their spiritual enemies. Haman represents the ongoing hatred that Satan has for God’s chosen people. This hatred did not end with Haman’s death—it continued through his descendants, including Herod, who tried to kill the infant Jesus.

The story of Esther reminds us that even when we cannot see God’s hand at work, He is still sovereign over every circumstance of our lives. He protects His people and fulfills His promises even when they are unaware of His presence.

Conclusion

These three books demonstrate God’s incredible mercy and faithfulness toward His people during one of the most challenging periods in their history. After seventy years of exile, they returned to a land that had been devastated and a city that lay in ruins. Yet God did not abandon them or forget the covenants He had made with Abraham and David.

Through Ezra, we see God’s commitment to spiritual restoration. The temple was rebuilt, the law was taught, and the people were called back to faithful obedience. Through Nehemiah, we see God’s power to accomplish the impossible through ordinary people who are willing to work together with courage and determination. Through Esther, we see God’s hidden protection of His people even when they are scattered among the nations and facing threats to their very existence.

Each of these books points us forward to the greater restoration that God would accomplish through Jesus Christ. Just as God restored His people from physical exile in Babylon, He restores us from spiritual exile caused by sin. Just as God rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem, He builds His church as a spiritual temple where He dwells among His people. Just as God protected His people from physical destruction, He protects us from spiritual destruction through the sacrifice of Christ.

The same God who was faithful to His people during the restoration period is faithful to us today. He has called us to be His people, and we can trust that He will complete the good work He has begun in us.

1 Thessalonians 5:24: The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

Our responsibility is to be faithful to Him, just as these men and women were faithful in their generation. We may face opposition, discouragement, and seemingly impossible challenges, but we serve the same God who moved the heart of Cyrus, gave strength to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls in fifty-two days, and turned Haman’s evil plot into deliverance for His people.

1 Corinthians 15:58: Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

As we continue our survey of the Old Testament, we will discover that this theme of God’s faithfulness runs throughout every book of Scripture. He keeps His promises, protects His people, and accomplishes His purposes through those who trust in Him. What He did for His people in the past, He continues to do for His people today.

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