Group Discussion & Application
An Introduction
In what ways does introductory/background information inform our study
of a Scripture text.
2.
Explain the following statement (attributed to D.A. Carson's father, Tom):
“A text without a context is a pretext for a proof text."
3.
What are the results of failing to understand the background to a Bible
passage before studying it? Give an example.
4.
What kinds of resources are helpful for doing background study?
5.
What are some advantages to studying thru a book of the Bible?
6.
What new information did you learn from our introductory study?
7.
What questions did this background study raise in your mind?
8.
Looking ahead: Ezra 1:1 says, “The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus.”
What does this mean?
How do you think the Lord stirred him?
Personal Reflection & Response
1.
Review the Babylonian captivity from Jeremiah 39-44.
2.
Do your own background study on the book of Ezra.
3.
Read thru the book of Ezra. Write down your observations and questions.
List key themes.
Saul
David
Solomon
931 B.C.
Judah
(2 South)
Israel
(10 North)
722 Deport to Assyria
Deportations to Babylon
605
597
Jerusalem destroyed
586
Cyrus of Persia takes Babylon 539
1st Jews return to Jer (Ezra 1-2) 538
Altar established (Ezra 3)
Temple work begun (Ezra 3-4) 536
Temple work resumed (Ezra 5) 520
Temple completed (Ezra 6)
70 year captivity
1.
Examining Ezra
SERMON
GUIDE
Haggai & Zechariah
516
478
Esther
Ezra with 2nd return (Ezra 7-10) 458
Nehemiah with 3rd return 445
and wall rebuilt
Family Homework
Outline
1.
Locate a time-line of Bible events and review it. Note where Ezra fits in.
2.
Using a Bible dictionary look up the following: Ezra; scribe
3.
Read Nehemiah 8:1-8. What does Ezra do on this occasion?
What does this tell us about Ezra?
4.
At mealtime, begin reading thru the book of Ezra.
Ezra 1-6
Rebuilding the Temple
1st Return
Esther Rescuing the people
Ezra 7-10
Reforming the People
Nehemiah 1-6 Rebuilding the walls
2nd Return
3 rd Return
Nehemiah 7-13 Restoring the people
©2013 Gregory K. Holladay
Audio #1309