1. Survey of the Old Testament
Chapter 17
Ezra-Nehemiah

2. The Writing of the Book Post-exilic chronicler Theologically motivated
Jewish tradition ascribes authorship to Ezra
Anonymous Complier
Photo: This is the tomb of Cyrus II of Persia, the ruler who released the Jewish people to return to Judah with goods for the trip and rebuilding (Ezra 1).

3. The Background Troubled post-exilic community in Jerusalem
Social and spiritual decay
Hostile Enemies threatened existence of community
Photo: After the attempt to stop the temple construction, King Darius I of Persia decreed that the Jews were allowed to resume construction (Ezra 6:1-12). This relief shows Darius seated, with Xerxes I, his son and successor (the Ahasueras in the book of Esther), standing behind him.

4. Purpose and Message Historical Theological
Stylized accounts of key events
Historiographic
Theological
Covenant renewal in the postexilic community
God’s sovereign rule in human history
Photo: "Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly… He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women, and othe
rs who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law" (Neh. 8:2-3). That scene is depicted in this wall painting from the Dura Europos, one of the earliest surviving synagogues (AD 245).

5. Structure and Organization
Overlapping accounts Ezra and Nehemiah ministering in Jerusalem
Various literary genres
Map: The Three Returns

6. Major Themes Yahweh as Covenant Keeper
Restoration Period Reforms and Seeds of Pharisaism
Photo: "In the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was brought for him, I took the wine and gave it to the king" (Neh. 2:1). For protection from assassination by poisoning, the king had a cupbearer. This was a high administrative position that Nehemiah held for King Artaxerxes of Persia.