12.0 The Postexilic Period: Judah Revived

(For an explanation of the codes used in this document, click on Explanation of Terms.) (Last revised: 11/30/99)
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12.1 The International Situation (538-522 B.C.E.)

12.1.1 Cyrus the Great
12.1.2 The Reign of Cambyses (530-522 B.C.E.)
12.1.3 Darius I (522-486 B.C.E.)
12.2 The Restored Community
12.2.1 Cyrus's Decree (Ezra 1:1-4)
  1. Explain how Cyrus' conquest of the Babylonians affected the Jews in exile.
  2. Describe the content of Cyrus' decree allowing the Jews to return to their homeland, as defined in Ezra 1:1-4.
12.2.2 The Returners (Ezra 1:5-2:70)
  1. Describe what happened to the Jews in the first group of returning exiles under Sheshbazzar in 538 B.C.E.


    2. 12.2.2.1 Haggai: Promoter of Temple-Building (Hag. 1:1-2:23)

    1. Summarize the message of Haggai to the returning Jewish exiles in the second group in 520 B.C.E.


      2. 12.2.2.1.1 If you expect the Lord's blessings, then do his will (Hag. 1:1-15)
      12.2.2.1.2 If the Temple is built, you will prosper (Hag. 2:10-19)
      12.2.2.1.3 Zerubbabel, you are the chosen one (Hag. 2:20-23)


    12.2.2.2 Zechariah: Man of Visions

    1. Contrast the messages of Haggai and Zechariah both in form and content.
    2. Describe the means by which Zechariah proclaimed God's message to the returning Jewish exiles in 520 B.C.E.


      3. 12.2.2.2.1 Return from your evil ways (Zech. 1:1-6)
      12.2.2.2.2 The first vision: The four horsemen (Zech. 1:7-17)
      12.2.2.2.3 The second vision: The four horns and four smiths (Zech. 1:18-21)
      12.2.2.2.4 The third vision: The man with the measuring line (Zech. 2:1-5)
      12.2.2.2.5 A call to flee from Babylon (Zech. 2:6-13)
      12.2.2.2.6 The fourth vision: Satan and Joshua (Zech. 3:1-10)
      12.2.2.2.7 The fifth vision: The golden lampstand and the two olive trees (Zech. 4:1-14)
      12.2.2.2.8 The sixth vision: The flying scroll (Zech. 5:1-4)
      12.2.2.2.9 The seventh vision: The woman in an ephah (Zech. 5:5-11)
      12.2.2.2.10 The eighth vision: The four chariots (Zech. 6:1-8)
      12.2.2.2.11 Concluding oracles (Zech. 7:1-8:23)


    12.2.2.3 The Effect of Haggai and Zechariah's Work (Ezra 5:1-6:22)

    1. Describe the effect of Haggai and Zechariah's work.
12.3 The Time of Silence
12.4 Ezra and Nehemiah
12.4.1 Ezra the Priest
12.4.1.1 The Date of Ezra
  1. Evaluate the issue regarding the dating of Ezra's ministry.
12.4.1.2 The Work of Ezra (Ezra 7:1-10:44; Neh. 8:1-9:37)
12.4.1.2.1 Ezra's reforms (Ezra 9:1-10:44; Neh. 8:1-9:37)
12.4.1.2.1.1 The problem of foreign wives (Ezra 9:1-10:44)
  1. Explain how the principles regarding mixed marriages in Ezra 9:1-10:44 relates to contemporary Christian experience.
12.4.1.2.1.2 The renewing of the covenant (Ezra 8:1-9:38)
  1. Describe the situation of how the Torah was read to the Jewish people during the covenant renewal ceremony.
  2. Define the meaning of Targum, using a Bible dictionary.
12.4.2 Nehemiah the Builder (Neh. 1:1-7:73; 13:1-31)
12.4.2.1 Event Leading to Nehemiah's Return (Neh. 1:1-2:8)
12.4.2.2 The Rebuilding of the Walls (Neh. 2:9-7:73; 12:44-47)
  1. Summarize Nehemiah's organizational principles in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
12.4.2.3 Nehemiah's Second Term as Govenor (Neh. 13:1-31)
  1. Describe the opposition to Nehemiah's leadership.
  2. Summarize the problems Nehemiah faced during his second term as govenor.