Theology 7372, Fall 2009

During my readings of Ezra-Nehemiah the past week, I had plenty of time to contemplate the books in line with the Chronicles. These treatises also look at the Israeli history through a divine perspective. However, in contrast to the Chronicles, there seems to be more emphasis on the direct actions of the imperial kings and politicians: Emperors write edicts, retract them, halt the work, allow it to be resumed. Politicians write to emperors to oppose the rebuilding based on the history of Jerusalem as a rebellious place; others write to the emperors to resume rebuilding based upon the political history and edict of Cyrus.

What also seems to be in contrast from the books of Chronicles, is the diminishing role of the Davidic monarchy. With Ezra, the King of Persia himself sends the scribe back to Jerusalem to teach the law to the people (7:11-28). Of course, this is still seen as a providential work of the God of Israel. In Nehemiah, the cupbearer to Artaxerxes, finds favor in the king’s presence and is commissioned to return and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Both of these examples show that there seems to be more emphasis on the imperial power rather than the Davidic ideal.

There are a couple FAQ questions that I think would be beneficial for the quiz:  1.) Which king in the book of Ezra discontinues the work of the Temple?                               (Artaxerxes)

2.) Which king in the book of Ezra allows the rebuilding to be resumed?                                (Darius)

3.) What were the occupations of Ezra and Nehemiah? (Scribe, and Cupbearer)

4.) What practice was abolished in Nehemiah 5? (Usury)

In Ezra 1:2, it is recorded that king Cyrus the king of Persia, attributed his move to allow the Jews to go and rebuild the Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem to the God of heaven who is the God of the Jews. It is this same God that Nebuchadnezzar said he did not fear. Does not mean that God or Yahweh is not the God of only the Jews? We also read that it is this same who instructed Jonah to go and proclaim the message of repentance to the people of Nineveh. Is this God the exclusive God for the Jews. Because it fascinating to note that God can chose an idol worshiper like Cyrus to execute His plans. We also read that king Darius actually asked prayers be offered for him and his children…… Ezra 6:10. In 7:11, we also read of king Artaxerxes sponsoring the reaching of the word of God in Jerusalem. There so much evidence to support the claim that Yahweh is not the God of Israel only but for all people who choose to serve him. Is not an encouragement for the continued spread of the gospel wherever possible?

In Ezra 8: 24, we read that when the king Artaxerxes was sending Ezra and the leaders off to Jerusalem, he gave them gold and resources for the building of the Temple. Some of the Israelite also gave resources for the work in Jerusalem. When they finally arrived in Jerusalem, it was reported in 8: 34, they weighed all the money and accounted for every money that was given them. Does this not mean that there should be proper accountability in the ministry of God. We also recall that Daniel was a good administrator in Babylon to admiration of Darius the king. Does it give credence to demanding good accountability on the part of minister of God?

Michael Gelly