Ezra And Nehemiah Analysis

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God is the One controlling the action from behind the scenes in these books. God had punished the disobedient Jews for their rebellion, but He was now giving them another opportunity to be faithful. The first verse of Ezra states that the only reason for Cyrus’ decree to let the Jews return to Jerusalem was that the Lord “stirred up” his heart. Further, the Jews had to return in keeping with Jeremiah’s prophecy that they would be captive in Babylon for 70 years. That time had passed so God fulfilled the prophecy. Both Ezra and Nehemiah recognize God’s sovereign hand in all they are trying to accomplish (Ez 7:9; 8:18; Neh 2:8). God moved kings and overcame varied opposition to reestablish Israel as Abraham’s seed, nationally and individually,