Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah

Ezra Teaches The Law Nehemiah Builds The Walls Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah A Renewed Remnant

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra gets settled in 8:32-36 • Princes approach him re: some of the remnant intermarrying pagans 9:1-2a • The pagans’ “abominations” (idolatry) • Most troubling was the leaders were primarily guilty 9:2b 10:18 Lk 12:48

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • In jeopardy was the “holy race” 9:2 • They were intermingled with those who were not in covenant with God • God has always demanded separateness in His people Ex 19:5b-6 Deut 7:6

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s reaction 9:3 • He tore his garments…he pulled hair from his head & beard…he sat down appalled • Others react, too 9:4 • Those who “trembled at the words of God” joined him in his grief

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s prayer 9:5-15 • He was ashamed, embarrassed v. 6 • Israel’s guilt had grown…she had a long history of transgression v. 7 • God had “revived the remnant”…given her a “present grace” v. 8

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s prayer 9:5-15 • Their marriages were a direct violation of the Law of Moses v. 12 Deut 7:1-5 • Why these marriages were so troubling… it would lead right back to where they just came from (captivity due to idolatry) • God’s grace was threatened vv. 13-14

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s prayer 9:5-15 • Their punishment was less than they deserved v. 13 • They were before God in guilt v. 15 • They could not stand before God v. 15 • Ezra made no excuses…he did not even ask for forgiveness

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The effectiveness of Ezra’s prayer 10:1 • The people also wept bitterly…joined him in displaying grief • An outward sign of remorse, contrition • Their sorrow was godly…would help bring them to repentance 2 Cor 7:9-11

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Shecaniah encourages Ezra 10:2-4 • He also admits Israel’s guilt • He recognized the need for a covenant with God re: putting unlawful wives away • He exhorted Ezra to courageously lead… he and the others would follow him

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • Ezra’s actions 10:5-8 • He first dwelt with the leaders 9:2 10:18 • He made them take an oath to do as he instructed • He ordered all exiles to Jerusalem… whoever didn’t come in 3 days would lose possessions & be excommunicated

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The exile’s assembly 10:9-12 • They sat in the open square, trembling due to this matter & a cold rain [December] • Ezra’s public rebuke vv. 10-11 • “You have added to Israel’s guilt” • “Make confession and do His will” • “Put away your foreign wives”

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The exile’s assembly 10:9-12 • The people’s response to Ezra vv. 12-14 • “You are right! It is as you have said.” • “It is our duty to do so.” • “But, there are many people…it is the rainy season…it cannot be done in 1 or 2 days.”

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The exile’s assembly 10:9-12 • The people’s response to Ezra vv. 12-14 • “Let our leaders appoint times when each one may come for investigation.” • Other factors re: this situation… • There was some opposition v. 15 • Emotional…it affected whole families v. 44

Ezra Deals With Sin Ezra 9-10 • The “investigation” 10:16-17 • Despite the “difficulties” the exiles complied with Ezra’s orders • The “investigations” on each marriage were completed in 3 months, 10 days

Some Modern-Day Applications… • Repentance = somewhat of a “process” • Very rarely does it occur instantly • Sometimes, it takes time to bring people around through convincing Bible teaching • We’re not dealing with raw materials in a manufacturing process…we’re working with people in emotional situations

Some Modern-Day Applications… • Repentance = somewhat of a “process” • The demands of repentance may even be requiring people to leave life-long relationships v. 44 • It will take gentleness & patience in trying to convince some of their need to repent 2 Tim 2:24-26

Some Modern-Day Applications… • Help for elders & local churches • Bringing people to repentance often involves emotional situations requiring some “investigation” • Sometimes, it takes time to sift through details impacting the situation to arrive at the necessary Biblical solution

Some Modern-Day Applications… • Help for parents & their children • It is critical to marry someone that meets with God’s approval • Parents must stress to their children the importance of dating & marrying someone who will help them faithfully serve God according to His word Deut 7:4

Biblical Lessons From Ezra & Nehemiah