God's Word for Today: Ezra and Nehemiah

Ezra and Nehemiah describe the final events of the Old Testament period, approximately four centuries before the birth of Christ. Ezra begins with the decree of Cyrus, then recounts the return of the exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Jerusalem temple. Nehemiah records his return to Jerusalem with the third wave of returning exiles and concludes his book with the rebuilding of the city's walls.

Together, Ezra and Nehemiah cover approximately a century of Israel's history, during which God prepared His people for the coming of the Messiah.

In this book you will learn about:

• the meaning and importance of true worship;
• the connection between Confession and Absolution and amending one's life; and
• the fulfillment of the temple in Christ, and through Christ, God's people. 

Contents

• An Outline of Ezra
• An Outline of Nehemiah
• The Lists of Ezra-Nehemiah
• The Letters of Ezra
• Introduction  
• Lesson 1—Prophecy, Promise, and Fulfillment 
• Lesson 2—Return from Exile
• Lesson 3—Rebuilding the Temple
• Lesson 4—Completion of the Temple
• Lesson 5—Return of Ezra
• Lesson 6—Ezra's Reforms
• Lesson 7—Return of Nehemiah
• Lesson 8—Rebuilding the Wall
• Lesson 9—Internal and External Problems
• Lesson 10—Restoration of the Divine Service
• Lesson 11—Nehemiah's Final Acts
• Leader Notes

Each study in the God’s Word for Today series provides an in-depth exploration of a book of the Bible. Each session includes the following:

• Background information on the book of the Bible, its author, audience, occasion, and purpose
• Learning experiences that promote exciting and challenging discussions
• Notes for leaders that answer questions, suggest a learning process, and provide additional information
• Discussion starters that help participants apply God’s Word to their daily lives