Author Archives: milo2030

Nehemiah INTRODUCTION This book continues the story of the Jews who came back to Judah after the Babylonian Captivity. Nehemiah, an important official in the Persian Empire, asked for the post of governor of tiny Judah in order to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. He arrived for his first term in that office in 444 B.C., almostContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

APRIL 6 Reading 96 A SECOND GROUP RETURNS Ezra 7–10“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 7:10).Some 80 years after the first group returned, Ezra led a smaller contingent home. Ezra’s return was significant. This man whoContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

Ezra APRIL 5 Reading 95 THE EXILES RETURN Ezra 1–6“Everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem” (Ezra 1:5).The enthusiasm of those who returned to Judah was tested by hardship and by opposition from local peoples. Despite a long delay, the Jerusalem temple was rebuiltContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

Ezra INTRODUCTION During the 70 years of Exile most of the Jews settled into a comfortable life in Babylon and other Eastern cities. Then in 539 B.C. Cyrus the Persian issued a decree permitting any Jew to return to his ancient homeland, to rebuild the temple of the Lord. Only a few responded. This enthusiasticContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”

APRIL 4 Reading 94 JUDAH’S LAST YEARS 2 Chronicles 33–36 “The Lord spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention” (2 Chron. 33:10).After Hezekiah, Judah fell into a sharp spiritual decline that sealed the Southern Kingdom’s destiny. Despite a brief and superficial revival under Josiah, the nation rushed to judgment. Overview ManassehContinue reading “The 365 Day Devotional Commentary”