In Ezekiel chapter 37, the prophet saw these come to life in a famous vision symbolizing restoration.
What are dry bones (the valley of dry bones)?
Nehemiah’s job in the Persian court that gave him access to the king.
What is cupbearer?
Esther’s cousin who raised her and challenged her to act.
Who is Mordecai?
Haggai’s main message was to rebuild this.
What is the (second) temple?
This Persian king issued the decree allowing the Jews to return and rebuild (Ezra 1).
Who is Cyrus?
Daniel 2:21 says God changes times and seasons and removes and sets up kings, showing this key attribute.
What is sovereignty?
Ezra’s primary task was teaching this to the returned exiles.
What is the Law (of Moses / the Torah)?
The book of Esther never mentions this directly, yet His protection is clear.
Who is God? (or What is God’s name?)
This prophet gave visions of the Messiah called the “Branch.”
Who is Zechariah?
The leader who brought the first group of exiles back to rebuild the altar and temple foundation.
Who is Zerubbabel?
This Babylonian king was humbled by God and ate grass like cattle (Daniel 4).
Who is Nebuchadnezzar?
The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in this many days despite opposition.
What is 52 days?
Haman cast these to choose the day to destroy the Jews.
What are lots (pur)?
Malachi rebuked the people for robbing God in this area.
What are tithes (and offerings)?
These two prophets encouraged the people during the temple rebuilding.
Who are Haggai and Zechariah?
Ezekiel saw God’s glory depart the temple and move in this direction.
What is the east?
This high priest worked with Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple.
Who is Joshua (or Jeshua)?
Mordecai’s line: “for such a time as this.”
What is divine providence?
Haggai criticized the people for living in paneled houses while this lay in ruins.
What is the Lord’s house (the temple)?
This book shows God’s protection of the Jews without ever using God’s name.
What is Esther?
These three friends were thrown into the fiery furnace yet protected by God.
Who are Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?
Ezra and Nehemiah both led reforms concerning these marriages with foreigners.
What are foreign (or pagan) wives?
The king of Persia in the book of Esther (also known as Xerxes).
Who is Ahasuerus?
Malachi prophesied that this figure would come before the day of the Lord.
Who is Elijah?
The major theme of all these books: God faithfully brings His people back from exile.
What is restoration? (or God’s faithfulness)