Michelle Smit1 Ezra and Nehemiah
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Concordia University Texas *
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1311
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Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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docx
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2
Uploaded by MegaCrow15939
Michelle Smith REL 1311
02/21/24
Short Essay on Ezra & Nehemiah
1.
The video shows how the structure of these books, which summarize the Return from Exile history, are focused on 3 main leaders, and the same 3-part outline. Summarize who each leader was, which Persian King sanctioned their , work, what type of opposition each one faced, what their main objectives or accomplishments were, and what was the anticlimax for each of them.
Within the video featuring Ezra and Nehemiah, the primary figures of leadership prominently include
Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. Each leader encountered unique forms of opposition and achieved various accomplishments in the video. Zerubbabel spearheaded a substantial assembly of individuals
to Jerusalem with the purpose of reconstructing the temple. Ezra came to Jerusalem with the purpose of imparting knowledge of the Torah and revitalizing the community. Nehemiah spearheaded the construction of the city walls of Jerusalem. Each leader had similar ambitions, initially inspired by the King of Persia and driven by divine guidance, which provided resources and assistance. Every leader faced opposition in their endeavors. Zerubbabel, under the patronage of the Persian King Cyrus, has been urged to journey to Jerusalem to oversee the construction of a temple, with the freedom to select his companions for the task. Zerubbabel spearheaded the Israelites' expedition into Jerusalem to construct the temple. The descendants of Israelites extend their assistance for the reconstruction of the temple, although Zerubbabel declines their offer. Ezra, a prominent figure among the exiled Israelites in Babylon, demonstrates leadership qualities alongside his expertise as a Torah scholar and educator. Ezra is sent by Artaxerxes, the King of Persia, to lead a new group of individuals to Jerusalem with the
aim of fostering spiritual and social rejuvenation among the populace. Ezra discovers that some exiled Israelites have returned and married non-exiles who had been residing in Jerusalem. Certain residents of Jerusalem were non-Israelites. According to the Torah, Israel was instructed to maintain a distinct separation from the ancient Canaanites. However, the majority of individuals in Jerusalem exhibit similarities to the Canaanites, who are perceived as potentially influencing exiles negatively. Ezra thereafter mobilizes all the leaders and implements the dissolution of these marriages, given that they were invalidated, asserting that the women and children ought to be repatriated. This scenario presents a complex dynamic where Ezra was not directly compelled by God to act, yet the Jerusalem leaders influenced his decision to issue the decree. Ezra's efforts faced challenges due to individuals who were transgressing the Torah. Nehemiah is an Israelite officer who has a position inside the Persian administration. Artaxerxes, the Persian monarch, grants Nehemiah authorization to reconstruct the walls of Jerusalem. The King provides the guy with military escort and all the necessary resources to reconstruct the walls of
Jerusalem. Encountering resistance from the local inhabitants of Jerusalem due to the influence of the Prophet Zachariah, he persevered in constructing those walls. Prophet Zachariah proclaimed that
the future New Jerusalem in God's dominion will lack physical walls, with the divine presence encompassing it instead. It is anticipated that individuals from various nationalities would unite with the covenant people. Upon Nehemiah's declaration of abstaining from involvement in Jerusalem, the
local populace exhibited hostility. In order to resume the construction of the walls, it was necessary to deploy armed guards within the city to ensure their protection. It was first assumed that the populace would adhere to the Commands of Torah. However, Nehemiah discovered that the temple had been neglected, Ezra's efforts were being undermined, the Torah was being violated, and marketplaces were being established on the wall during the Sabbath. Nehemiah's emotional response led to his expressing anger towards the people, followed by a prayer affirming his efforts, trusting that God is aware of his intentions
2.
The video lists the prophetic hopes for Israel after Exile. List those hopes the books of Ezra and Nehemiah make it clear that these hopes were not accomplished during this Post Exile period. The book seems to end in a depressing way. According to the end of the video, what was the core problem of the Israelites and what needs to happen for the people to obey God in the future? According to Christians, how has this been accomplished?
By the conclusion of the film, the prophetic expectations following the exile centered on the anticipation that a future Messianic King, descending from the lineage of David, would undertake the
reconstruction of the temple where God's presence would reside among His people. God has made a
commitment to bestow blessings onto all individuals and to establish His reign over all nations, ultimately fulfilling the promise made to Abraham. The fundamental issue faced by the Israelites stemmed from a lack of receptiveness and instruction regarding the forthcoming transformation. Individuals ought to be instructed as God's people and strive to dedicate their time to God, allowing His love and protection to encompass them. The task was successfully completed by Jesus, our Messianic Monarch. Jesus has successfully united all nations, imparted the teachings of God and emphasized the importance of love and forgiveness among individuals.
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