Ezra-Nehemiah

Desktop size presentation on top

Scroll down for the mobile size presentation and the reading guides

NOTE: To see the speaker notes for the presentation, click the three dots and then select "Open speaker notes".

Reading Guide

Ezra-Nehemiah


Note a parallel pattern in each of the three sections below:


1. Ezra 1-6 Zerubbabel - The temple is rebuilt (539 BC)

A large group of people go to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.

What opposition did they encounter and why? 

Was there a resolution? What was it?

Ezra 3:10-13 When the foundation to the temple was laid there were two reactions: shouts of joy and weeping. Who was weeping? Who was joyous? Why?

Ezra 6:16-22 What was different about this temple dedication as compared to the dedication of the tabernacle (Leviticus 9:22-24) and Solmon’s temple (2 Chronicles 7:1-3)?


2. Ezra 7-10 Ezra - Teach the Torah (458 BC)

Ezra comes to Jerusalem with priests, levites, attendants, gatekeepers, servants for the temple.

Ezra was a priest and a scribe (Torah scholar); his goal: spiritual and social renewal

What was the main issue they confronted during this period?

Was their proposed solution consistent with the Torah? (Malachi 2:13-16)


3. Nehemiah 1-7 Nehemiah - Rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls (444 BC)

What was Nehemiah’s position with the king of Persia?

What did Nehemiah want to go to Jerusalem?

What opposition did Nehemiah encounter and why? How was it resolved?


Nehemiah 8-12 Ezra and Nehemiah and spiritual renewal

What events occur during this time?

How do the people respond? What pledge do the people make?


Nehemiah 13 How do the people respond to their commitments and pledges?

What were the people doing that violated the Torah?

What was Nehemaih’s response?

What do you think of Nehemiah’s prayers? (13:14, 22b, 29, 30b)


Would you say the book of Ezra-Nehemiah ends on a positive note or a negative note?