The Bible OverBrew - Bible in a Yearنموونە
Week 35. Day 1. Ezra 1-6.
Introduction to Ezra and Nehemiah
Ezra and Nehemiah recount the return from exile, and continue the narrative from the end of Kings, which ended with the people in exile in Babylon. But Babylon itself was conquered by Persia in 539BC (recorded in Dan 5:30), so by the end of the exile, the people are living under Persian rule. Ezra 1-6 recounts the first return from the exile in Babylon, led by Zerubbabel. Ezra 7-10 and Nehemiah occur 70 years later in in the reign of Darius (Artaxerxes) and recount Ezra’s return to teach the law, and then Nehemiah’s return to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Before reading Ezra-Nehemiah, remind yourself of why the exile was so significant for God’s people. They had not just lost their land: think what else they had lost. Also think back to the prophets and what they promised about the return from exile.
Ezra 1-6.
Ezra 1-3 The first return and rebuilding of the temple
Ch 1 Why did Cyrus let the exiles go?
Note: with the references to bringing gold and silver, and also the reference to coming ‘up’, this is portrayed in similar language to the Exodus.
Ch 3 What happens?
Notice there are two different responses of the people. Why is this?
Ezra 4-6 Opposition to the rebuilding
The first 4 verses of ch4 recount opposition in the time of Zerubbabel. Then there is an interruption (4:6-23) recounting 2 later examples of hostility from peoples of the land. Then in 4:24 we return to the main story in the time of Zerubbabel.
NOTE: Days 1-5 of each week contain the scripture reading for that week. Day 6 has just the 'key chapters'. If you want a briefer version of this plan that still takes you through the whole Bible, you could just read the key chapters featured on day 6. Day 7 has the podcast video where we discuss the week's reading.
About this Plan
The Bible OverBrew is a friendly virtual book group, helping you read the Bible in big chunks, preferably with a mug of tea! Maybe you've tried to read through the Bible before, but gave up when it felt confusing or too intense? We are here to help you! We provide notes and questions to guide your reading, and note ‘key chapters’ if you don’t have time to read it all. In our podcast at the end of each week we draw out the key themes, and how it all points to Christ. We’d love you to join us!
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