Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

by John F. Brug

Brug, John F.

201 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books bring to a close the canonical history of God’s people in the Old Testament. They take place as the Jews return to Jerusalem after 70 years in captivity in Babylon. The first returnees under Zerubbabel the priest who rebuilt the temple; the second under Ezra the priest who reformed religious life; the third under Nehemiah the governor (Persian king’s cupbearer) who rebuilt the physical city walls, then their spiritual walls. Esther saved the Jewish remnant from genocide. Ezra was instrumental in gathering together the books of the Old Testament. Each leader played an important role in God’s plan for preserving His people until the Savior would come. “To understand God’s plan of salvation we must understand how He used real people who lived at definite times and in real places to carry out His plans.” The author references historians like Josephus and Persian historical documents, and he explains some of the customs, including the new Feast of Purim. He includes an excellent chart/timeline that includes dates/events/prophets/kings, maps, background information and introductions.
-Ezra 8:31 The hand of our god was upon us. (the contrast between God’s grace and human sinfulness)
-Nehemiah 1:5-11 If you return to me and obey my commands…I will gather them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name. (Nehemiah’s Prayer)
-Esther 4:14 And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this. (Mordecai encouraging her to speak truth to power)

[Scyller · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author/commentator consistently gives the benefit of the doubt to Ezra and Nehemiah and consistently does not to Esther. I’m generally a fan of the PBC series, this one leaves a bit to be desired in terms of the author’s distaste for the book of Esther.

[Spacek Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd Reading - After return of Israel from Babylon, there were needed reforms so that God's faithful could return to their original relationship. Ezra and Nehemiah worked to remind everyone of those needed changes in attitude. Esther is a shining example of how God used a secular kingdom to assure the protection of his own.

Ezra was a priest and teacher of God's Word. He led Israel back to worship. Nehemiah led the construction of the walls around Jerusalem. When the protective wall was complete, Israel committed to worshiping their God of deliverance from Egypt. Esther was granted her request by King Xerxes to spare her people and punish the one that would like to see her people wiped from the face of the earth.