Ezra and Nehemiah: A 12-Week Study

Knowing the Bible

by Kathleen Buswell Nielson, J.I. Packer (Editor)

The Knowing the Bible series is a resource designed to help Bible readers better understand and apply God’s Word. These 12-week studies lead participants through books of the Bible and are made up of four basic (1) reflection questions help readers engage the text at a deeper level; (2) “Gospel Glimpses” highlight the gospel of grace throughout the book; (3) “Whole-Bible Connections” show how any given passage connects to the Bible’s overarching story of redemption, culminating in Christ; and (4) “Theological Soundings” identify how historic orthodox doctrines are taught or reinforced throughout Scripture. With contributions from an array of influential pastors and church leaders, these gospel-centered studies will help Christians see and cherish the message of God’s grace on every page of the Bible.

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah tell of God’s steadfast love toward Israel after their return from exile. The Lord rasied up Ezra and Nehemiah to reestablish the nation by rebuilding the temple and city walls and by turning the people back to his Word. In this 12-week study, Kathleen Nielson shows readers God’s mercy and faithfulness demonstrated in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, encouraging Christians toward sincere repentance and persevering hope.

Part of the Knowing the Bible series.

Genres: Theology

98 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2016

About the author

see also: Kathleen B. Nielson

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Kathleen Nielson holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in literature from Vanderbilt University and a B.A. from Wheaton College (Illinois). She has taught in the English departments at Vanderbilt University, Bethel College (Minnesota), and Wheaton College. She is the author of numerous Bible studies, and the book Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word, as well as various articles and poems. Kathleen has directed and taught women s Bible studies at several churches and speaks extensively at conferences and retreats. She serves as director of women s initiatives for The Gospel Coalition and on the board of directors of The Charles Simeon Trust. Kathleen and her husband Niel (president of Covenant College 2002 2012, now leading an enterprise in global Christian education) have three sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and a growing number of grandchildren!

Reviews

[Emma Starcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Joy lights up this scene (Ezra 3, the rebuilding of the temple) because of God’s steadfast love, but the weeping reminds us that the full manifestation of that love has not yet been given.”

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have completed all or some of the Bible studies in Crossway's "Knowing the Bible" series. While they have all been good, I found this study on Ezra and Nehemiah to be the best so far. I hesitated to give it five stars, because what if I do one that is better? But when it came down to it, I had to give it five stars.

Kathleen Nielson's questions were excellent; they were thought-provoking and gospel-centered. She did a very good job of connecting the passages to the Old and New Testaments and having you look up other passages to figure out the connections on your own. I learned and was reminded of a lot - about the power of prayer, God's sovereignty, the unity of God's people, and our need for a Savior.

I read my review on the Philippians study; one complaint I had was that there was not enough space after some of the questions to answer completely. I did not have that problem with this study; could the editor have had anything to do with that? ;-)

I am very pleased with this series and am grateful for Crossway for publishing them. I am looking forward to completing Hebrews in the spring!

[Wilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Old Testament Bible study! It brings the OT to bear on your own walk with God. I especially like the format, because at the end of each lesson the reader is pointed to Gospel Glimpses, Whole-Bible Connections, Theological Soundings, and Personal Implications.
This was my 2nd OT study by Kathleen Nielson, and it definitely will not be my last. I highly recommend these!