EZRA + NEHEMIAH
READING PLAN + STUDY QUESTIONS
READING PLAN
THE RETURN TO JERUSALEM + TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
EZRA’S INFLUENCE IN JERUSALEM
NEHEMIAH REBUILDS THE CITY WALLS OF JERUSALEM
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS + THE ISRAELITES’ REBELLION
HOW TO USE
READ THE CHAPTERS IN THE BIBLE FOR EACH SESSION
READ THE CHAPTER SUMMARIES FOR EACH CHAPTER OF EZRA + NEHEMIAH
ANSWER THE QUESTIONS + REFLECT ON THE READING
This study encourages going at your own pace, allowing each session to be a day, a week, or however long you need. Each session contains questions to be used for individual reflection or small group discussion.
This study was made to be used alongside Bible reading. Although we have created chapter summaries, there is no substitute for reading God's Word.
SESSION ONE: EZRA 1-5
THE RETURN TO JERUSALEM + TEMPLE CONSTRUCTION
In Ezra 1:1, the Lord stirred the king of Persia’s heart, and Ezra 1:5 mentions that God stirred the hearts of the people of Judah. What do you think it means for God to “stir someone’s heart”? Can God change people’s hearts?
In Ezra 1, how did Cyrus, the king of Persia, provide for the Israelites? Given their recent captivity, why would this be surprising to the people of Judah?
How does Ezra 2 highlight the important role of the Levites and the significance of rebuilding the temple?
Read Ezra 3:10-13. How did the Israelites respond when the temple’s foundation was laid? How did the response of the older generation differ from the response of the younger generation?
In Ezra 4:3, Zerubbabel and the other leaders did not allow the enemies of Judah to participate in the rebuilding of the temple. Do you think this decision was wise and prudent or exclusive and foolish?
Why do you think the Israelites faced opposition when rebuilding the temple? Consider how even God-ordained efforts face resistance and obstacles.
Ezra 5:1 mentions the prophet Haggai. How did Haggai prophesy and teach about the importance of rebuilding the temple (see Haggai 1:1-11)?
SESSION TWO: EZRA 6-10
EZRA’S INFLUENCE IN JERUSALEM
King Cyrus made the original decree to rebuild the temple, but opposition from local officials caused the work to be halted for a time. How did King Darius use Cyrus’ initial decree to allow the Israelites to continue their work on the temple (Ezra 6:1–12)?
Read Ezra 6:21. Who was included in the Passover celebration? Why is this significant?
After the rebuilding and dedication of the temple, Ezra led another group of exiles back to Jerusalem. How did both God and Artaxerxes bless Ezra’s efforts?
What do Ezra 7:6 and 7:10 reveal about Ezra? How would this serve him well in his leadership?
Read Ezra 8:21-23. What did Ezra do instead of requesting an army? Do you think this was a genuine act of faith or a desperate plea for help?
How could Ezra’s prayer come across as problematic or racially insensitive? What was Ezra’s purpose in wanting the Israelites to remain separated from other nations?
Read Malachi 2:15-16. How might Ezra’s decision regarding intermarriage contradict God’s design for marriage (Ezra 10:10-11)?
In Ezra 10:2, how did Shekaniah show understanding of God’s mercy and grace?
SESSION THREE: NEHEMAIH 1-7
NEHEMIAH REBUILDS THE CITY WALLS OF JERUSALEM
In Nehemiah 1:3-4, what report did Nehemiah receive from Jerusalem? How did he respond to this news?
What promise of God did Nehemiah recall in Nehemiah 1:8-9? How is this relevant to the exile and the return to Jerusalem?
In Nehemiah 2, what did King Artaxerxes notice about Nehemiah? What did Nehemiah request of the king?
Read Nehemiah 2:11-12. Why do you think Nehemiah kept a low profile during his visit to Jerusalem?
Nehemiah 3 recalls the many gates around Jerusalem. Do you think there is any significance behind the names of these gates? Use a Study Bible or internet search for help.
Why were Sanballat and Tobiah opposed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem? What perception did they have of the Jewish people?
In Nehemiah 5, how did Nehemiah show generosity and compassion to those in need? What was his motivation for doing this?
In Nehemiah 6, how did Nehemiah respond to Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem’s schemes (Nehemiah 6:3, 6:12)?
Read Nehemiah 6:15-16. How did Jerusalem’s neighboring nations react to the finished city wall?
SESSION FOUR: NEHEMAIH 8-13
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS + THE ISRAELITES’ REBELLION
Ezra was known for his knowledge of the books of the Law. In our modern Bibles, what books are included in the Law?
When the Israelites were listening to the books of the Law, what was the role of the leaders and priests (Nehemiah 8:6-8)?
What did the Israelites do in response to hearing the books of the Law in Nehemiah 8–9?
What historical events were referenced in Nehemiah 9? How might these stories have been encouraging or faith-building to the Israelites?
Read Nehemiah 10:39. How did the Israelites plan to maintain the rebuilt temple? Based on their previous actions, are you hopeful that they will be diligent in following through on this plan?
In Nehemiah 12:43, how did the Israelites celebrate the dedication of the city wall? Why was this a significant event in Israel’s history?
In Nehemiah 13, how did the Israelites disrespect the temple, the Sabbath, and the city walls? How do you think Ezra and Nehemiah felt knowing that much of their hard work had been undone?
Way to go! You finished the books of Ezra + Nehemiah!
Thank you for reading through the Bible with Everyday Scripture.
Keep going — the story continues in Esther!