Ezra 1-3 (Return & Worship)
Who (what King) allowed the Israelites to return to Jerusalem?
King Cyrus
Who tried to stop the rebuilding of the temple?
The enemies of the people
What was Ezra skilled in?
The Law of God
What problem did Nehemiah hear about Jerusalem?
The walls were broken down
How did the enemies try to stop the wall from being built?
They mocked and threatened them
What did the people rebuild first in Ezra 3?
The altar
How did the enemies try to stop the work?
They discouraged the people and wrote letters
What did Ezra do before traveling to Jerusalem?
Prayed and fasted
What did Nehemiah do first after hearing the news?
He prayed to God
What did the workers do while building the wall?
They worked and stood guard (worked with one hand, had a sword in the other)
What were the people able to do again after rebuilding the altar?
Offer sacrifices and worship God
What caused the people to start building again?
God sent prophets to encourage them
Why didn’t Ezra ask the king for soldiers?
He trusted God to protect them
What was Nehemiah’s job?
Cupbearer to the King
How long did it take to finish the wall?
52 days
What happened when the temple foundation was laid?How did the people act?
Some shouted for joy and some wept
Which king confirmed the rebuilding of the temple? (He looked in his archives)
King Darius
What did the people do when they realized their sin in Ezra 10?
Confessed and repented
What things did the cupbearer have to do? Why was it an important job?
He had to serve the King wine, taste the wine to make sure no one was trying to poison him. The King trusted his cupbearer
What did Nehemiah say about his work when enemies tried to stop him?
"I am doing a great work"
He kept trusting and kept working
What does Ezra 1–3 show about God’s relationship with His people?
God forgives, keeps His promises, and brings His people back to Himself
What important event did the people celebrate after finishing the temple?
The Passover
What is one big lesson from Ezra 7–10?
We must obey God’s Word and turn from sin
How do we see God's sovereignty in these beginning chapters of Nehemiah?
He put Nehemiah in his position as cupbearer for a reason.
He allowed Nehemiah to return to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Etc.
What did Nehemiah do after the wall was completed?
He set up guards and chose faithful leaders