Category Archives: Bible

NEHEMIAH’S REFORMSNehemiah 8–13 “Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God” (Neh. 8:18). Nehemiah had restored the walls of the city. He then turned to his most important task: restoring the relationship of the people of Judah with God. OverviewEzra read and explainedContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

OPPOSITION TO REBUILDINGNehemiah 4–7 “They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ’Their hands will get too weak for the work and it will not be completed’ ” (Neh. 6:9). Nehemiah faced serious opposition. The way he met various challenges serves as a model for us today. OverviewNehemiah faced ridicule (4:1–5) and the threat ofContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

Nehemiah INTRODUCTIONThis 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., almost 100Continue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

A SECOND GROUP RETURNSEzra 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 who was dedicated toContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”

Ezra INTRODUCTIONDuring 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 enthusiastic groupContinue reading “The 365-Day Devotional Commentary”