Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther

What was Ezra’s profession?

A priest and a scribe

What two main eras does the book of Ezra speak about?

The time of the original exile and Ezra’s day

What book was combined with Ezra for much of its history?

Nehemiah

What book was the equivalent of Ezra in the LXX?

2 Esdras

What was the name of the artifact that was Cyrus’s account of the Jews return?

The Cyrus Cylinder

Who was the first governor of the Jews who laid the foundation of the Temple? What was

the name of the first high priest?

Zerubbabel Joshua

What prevented the Temple from being built? Who rose up to encourage the people to

rebuild?

The Samaritans were mad that they couldn’t help with the temple and so bribed higher officials to get the work on the temple stopped for like 15-16 years. Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people.

What is found that convinces Darius, the Persian king, to let the Temple construction

continue?

The original decree by Cyrus to rebuild the temple.

What is the date for Ezra’s return? Who was the Persian Ruler?

457-458 B.C. Artaxerxes.

What major issue did Ezra have to deal with the people?

Intermarriage and pagan worship

What was Ezra praying and fasting for on the journey back to Jerusalem?

He was praying for protection over the people, their goods, and a safe journey

Who was Esther?

Esther was a young Jewish girl, real name Hadassah

Who was Mordecai?

Jewish official, cousin and caretaker of Esther

Who was Ahaseurus (Xerxes)?

Persian King

Who was Haman?

Main antagonist of Esther, prime minister of the Persian Empire

Who was Vashti?

Ahaseurus (Xerxes) wife

The approximate dates of when the events of Esther happen?

Between 483 B.C. and 473 B.C.

Historicity in Esther

The writer writes as one who is intending a historical narrative.

The lack of God in Esther

The Providence of God works out here a lot.

Canonicity in Esther

Two different Greek Versions each with different parts

The Text in Esther

Two different Greek Versions each with different parts

Two possible theological ideas in Esther

the hiddenness of divine providence and the interplay between human agency and divine destiny

Why was Vashti was deposed? What did Xerxes want from her?

Xerxes wanted to parade her around, she said no.

How long were the beauty treatments for the girls? What did Esther “Find” with Henai?

Twelve Months, she found favor with Henai

Esther 4:14

For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Origin of the term “purim”

It means lots

The risk involved in Esther’s intervention, what was it?

If the king did not grand you entry, you could be killed.

What happens that forces Haman to have Mordecai honored?

The Kings Chronicles are read aloud and finds that Mordecai was never honored for that.

What was Esther’s original request?

For the king and his official Haman to attend a banquet she had prepared

Why couldn’t the king simply countermand the original death order? What is allowed

instead?

Because of the Law of the Medes and Persians. Instead, he makes a new law saying the Jews can fight back.

What happens to Haman? Who takes over his position?

Haman is hanged on a pole. Mordecai takes over his position.

Date of Nehemiah?

444 B.C.

What was Nehemiah’s role in the Persian court? Why was this position official? What will

his position be in Jerusalem?

The king’s cupbearer. It was one of the most trusted, because very close proximity to the king. Governor of Judea

How did Nehemiah come to know about the situation in Jerusalem?

Through Hanai

What was the great task that Nehemiah was trying to accomplish.

Rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem.

Who are Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem?

Three prominent regional leaders who strongly opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem

How was the wall built?

The Wall is built with each section being repaired at the same time.

Be able to describe in detail the attempts by Nehemiah’s enemies.

Mockery and Psychological Discouragement (Even if a fox climbed on it, it would break)

Military Conspiracy and Treachery.

Trying to get Nehemiah alone to kill him.

What was the problem that the poor farmers were having? What was the solution?

They had mortgaged out their lands to wealthy landowners and were even having to borrow money to pay the king’s tax.

The landowners were charging interest. He stops this from happening and tells then to pay the interest back.

How long did it take to finish the wall?

The wall is completed in 52 days.

What problem concerning the defense of Jerusalem existed after the wall was completed?

The problem of a lack of population.

Who reads the Law on the 1st month for the people? Explain what “translated” might

mean? How did the people respond? What festival did they celebrate happily?

Ezra read the Law. Maybe interpreting the law, or translating from Hebrew to Aramaic. They are moved to tears. They discover and celebrate the Feast of the Tabernacle.

List three spiritual problems that Nehemiah was still dealing with at the end of the book.

Problems with tithe collecting, Sabbath keeping, and intermarriage.