Journey Through the Bible

1
Cyrus Cylinder .As to the region from . . . as
far as Ashur and Susa, Akkad . . . , as well as
the towns of the Gutians, . . . . I also gathered
all their former inhabitants and returned to them
their habitations. Photo British Museum
2
Journey Through the Bible

• 3rd Cycle Return from Captivity

3
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Overview Timeline
• 53938 - Cyruss decree permitting the Jews to
  return to Palestine
• 53836 - First group of exiles returns to
  Jerusalem. Work on reconstruction of the temple
  began and was soon stopped.
• 520 Work on the temple was resumed
• 515 Temple completed and rededicated
• 484 Story of Esther began
• 479 Esther became queen
• 458 Ezras return
• 444 Nehemiah returned and rebuilt the walls of
  Jerusalem
• 435 Malachis preaching and the end of the Old
  Testament.

Reference Ezra-Esther, Malachi
4
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Background to Jews returning to Jerusalem
• 539 B.C. Persia overthrew Babylon
• 538 B.C. Cyruss decree Jews to repopulate
  their land. Ez. 11-3
• Cyrus acknowledges God. cp. Isa. 4428
• Lets people go to (re)build the house of the
  Lord in Jerusalem.
• Persian neighbors charged to help returnees with
  silver, gold, goods, livestock, freewil
  offerings.
• Cyrus returned temples treasures. 17

Reference Ezra 1-2
5
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• 536 B.C. 42,360 Jews return. Ez. 264 Neh.
  766 (70 yrs since first Jews were deported in
  Babylonian captivity). cp. Jer. 2511-12
• Appointed governors Sheshbazzar and Zerubbabel
  took the temple treasures and people
  (respectively) back to Jerusalem. 111 22 (cp.
  Hag. 11)
• Priests not registered in the genealogy were
  excluded from the priesthood. 262

Reference Ezra 1-2
6
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• After the Jews settled into their cities
• Jerusalem/temple completely destroyed
• Not even the foundation was left.
• The Jews feared the people of the land. V. 3
• 7th month (probably Jewish calendar) gathered
  together in Jerusalem.
• This was a very important month for the Jews
  Feast of Trumpets Day of Atonement Feast of
  Tabernacles. Lev. 23
• They built the bronze altar. V. 2-6
• Freewill offerings made. V. 5

Reference Ezra 3
7
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• 2nd month 2nd yr 38-13
• Zerubbabel and Jeshua (high priest) led the
  Levites in laying the temple foundation. V. 8
• While the builders laid the foundation praise
  offered w/ vss. 10-11
• Priests in their garments w/ trumpets.
• Levites w/ cymbals.
• There was a great cry when the foundation was
  laid vss. 12-13
• The old men who saw the first temple wept.
• The rest shouted for joy.

Reference Ezra 3
8
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Resistence to rebuilding the temple. vss. 1-5
• Enemies (those who displaced the Israelites
  during Assyrian captivity) heard the temple was
  being rebuilt they asked to help
• We seek your God as you do. v. 2
• We have sacrificed to Him since Esarhaddon (king
  of Assyria) brought us here.
• Zerubbabel (and heads) reject their offer. V. 3
• People of the land hindered the work from then
  till king Darius Hired counselors against them.

Reference Ezra 4
9
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• NOTE Reign of Ahasuerus
• If this Ahasuerus was a.k.a. Cambyses II then
  this would have taken place about somewhere
  between 530-522 B.C.
• If this this the Ahasuerus (Xerxes) of the book
  of Ester, than this opposition for the
  rebuilding of the walls took place some thirty
  years later. 486-465 B.C.
• Artaxerxes followed. 464 B.C.
• But, the work was only stopped until Darius (522
  B.C.). Ezra 424

Reference Ezra 4
10
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Resistance to rebuilding Jerusalem. vss. 6-24
• Accusation (letters) made against inhabitants of
  Judah and Jerusalem.
• Written in the days of Artaxerxes
• The Jews will not pay taxes once the city is
  built. V. 13
• History of Jews rebellion against. V. 14ff
• Persian kingdom threatened. V. 16
• Artaxerxes heeded the letters warning against
  the Jews.

Reference Ezra 4
11
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Temple restoration resumed
• 2nd yr of Darius (520 B.C.) Haggai and Zechariah
  prophesied to the people of Judah Hag. 11
  Zech. 11
• Zerubbabel and Jeshua began building the temple.
  51-2
• Prophets encouraged the people. Ez. 614 Hag. 24

Reference Ezra 5-6
12
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• While the temple restoration continued More
  hindrances 53-17
• Tattenai (governor beyond the river)
  Sheth-Boznai and their companions Who has
  commanded you to build this temple and finish
  this wall? V. 3
• Hindrance seen through the eyes of God
• God reveals Satans work behind this hindrance.
  Zech. 31-5
• But God is w/ them. V. 5

Reference Ezra 5-6
13
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Letter to/from king Darius 56612
• Letter to the king (from Shethar-boznai) vss.
  6-17
• History of the Jews sin, exile, returnrebuild of
  temple.
• Search for Cyrus decree.
• Kings reply letter 61-12
• Cyrus decree found.
• Keep yourselves from hindering the work. 66
• Building at kings expense.
• Destroy all who hinder the work of the temple.

Reference Ezra 5-6
14
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Temple completed
• Tattenai Shethar-Boznai fulfilled the kings
  command diligently. V. 13
• Temple completed in the 6th year of Darius (516
  B.C.)
• 70 years completed
• 605 535 B.C. first Jews taken captive till
  first Jews return to Jerusalem.
• 586 516 B.C. Temple destroyed temple
  rebuilt.
• Passover celebrated. 619-22

Reference Ezra 5-6 Temple completed Ezra 613-18
15
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• NOTE
• There is a period of silence (57-58 yrs) in the
  book of Ezra, between chapters 6 and 7.
• The book of Esther reveals the timeframe via in
  the days of Ahasuerus (a.k.a Xerxes who
  reigned over 127 provinces from India to
  Ethiopia).
• The book of Esther most of it focuses on the
  12th year (the plot against the Jews) 474 B.C.

Reference Ester
16
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Context to Vashti being dethroned.
• 3rd year of his reign (483 B.C.)
• Another feast (7 days) for all people in Shushan.
  vss. 5-8
• Vashti also made a feast for the royal women. V.
  9
• She refuses to come before the people to show her
  beauty as the king charged angers the king. vss.
  10-12

Reference Esther 1 Queen Vashti dethroned
Esther 11-12
17
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Vashti dethroned.
• The king consults his closest wise rulers
  (according to law) what shall we do with Queen
  Vashti vss. 13-15
• Reply make a decree
• Reason for the decree lest women despise their
  husbands. vss. 16-18
• Vashti to be replaced by one who is better than
  she. v. 19
• All wives (great/small) will give honor to their
  husbands. V. 20-22

Reference Esther 1 Queen Vashti dethroned
Esther 1
18
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Esther becomes Queen
• After the kings anger settled most beautiful
  virgins from all provinces brought to Shushan.
  vss. 1-4
• Esther also chosen and found favor with the
  kings eunuch over the women. vss. 8-9
• She found favor with all, as well as the king,
  and made queen. V. 15-18
• NOTE Mordecai instructed Esther not to reveal
  people or family. V. 10

Reference Esther 2 Esther chosen to replace
Vashti as queen. Esther 2
19
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Plot Against the King
• In those days 221
• While Esther was queen, but before the 12th yr of
  Ahasuerus reign.
• Two of the kings eunuchs sought to lay hands
  on the king.
• Mordecai informs Esther who informed the king.
• After verifying the plot, the men were hanged on
  a gallows (tree)
• The account was written in the kings book of
  chronicles.

Reference Esther 2 Mordecai uncovers plot
against the king (Est. 221-23)
20
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Haman promoted
• After these events 31
• After Mordecais help to the king in uncovering
  the plot.
• Haman was promoted over all the princes. cp.
  113-14
• The king commanded his servants to bow and pay
  homage to Haman
• Mordecai refused to pay homage.
• The servants tell Haman

Reference Esther 3 Haman promoted
21
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Hamans plot against the Jews.
• Haman filled with rage that Mordecai would not
  pay homage to him. V. 5
• Instead of killing Mordecai, Haman thought to
  kill all the Jews in the kingdom. V. 6
• He cast lots (Pur) to determine what day and
  month he would have the Jews killed 13th day of
  12th month. V. 7, 13
• He spoke evil against the Jews to the king so
  that the king would authorize their annihilation.
  vss. 8-15
• Decree sent throughout kingdom. V. 14

Reference Esther 3 Hamans plot to kill the Jews
throughout the kingdom
22
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Esthers help needed
• Mordecai hears of the edict and mourns wailed
  loudly and bitterly. V. 1
• Esther learns of Hamans plot and Mordecais plea
  for her to intercede. vss. 2-12
• Her initial reaction is the potential loss of her
  life
• She hears Mordecais rebuttal potential loss of
  life for all Israel (vss. 13-14)
• She concludes if I perish, I perish. V. 16

Reference Esther 4 Esthers help needed
23
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Esthers intercession
• Esther prepares consecutive banquets for the king
  and Haman. 51-8
• Haman still upset at Haman has gallows made for
  his death. 59-14
• Chronicles read to the king
• Learned of Mordecais aid. 61-9
• Decides to honor him.
• Has Haman to honor Mordecai. 610-14

Reference Esther 5-7 Esther intercedes
24
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Esthers intercession (cont.)
• 2nd night of banquet
• Esther pleas on behalf of the Jews. 71-4
• In response to the king, Esther reveals Hamans
  plot. 75-6
• Haman hanged on the gallows prepared for
  Mordecai. vss. 9-10

Reference Esther 5-7 Esther intercedes
25
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Mordecai promoted (Ch. 8)
• Esther reveals her relationship to Mordecai.
• The king gives Mordecai Hamans place of
  authority
• Given the kings signet ring.
• Esther makes him head over Hamans house.
• Esther plead with the king to revoke his
  (earlier) decree against the Jews. 83-7
• King also decree for Jews to avenge themselves
  and plunder those who attack them. vss. 8-17

Reference Esther 8 Mordecai promoted
26
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Feast of Purim (Ch. 9-10)
• On the appointed day (13th day of 12th month)
  the Jews gained victory over their enemies. vss.
  1-15
• However, the Jews did not plunder their enemies.
  V. 9
• Mordecai records the event and declares a holiday
  (12th month 14-15th days) Feast of Purim. vss.
  16-32
• Days of feasting.
• Exchange food.
• Give gifts to the poor.
• Mordecais greatness. Ch. 10

Reference Esther 9-10 Feast of Purim (ch. 9)
Mordecais greatness (ch. 10)
27
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• 2nd return from captivity - Background
• It is now 458 B.C. 58 yrs since the temple was
  completed.
• It has been 16 yrs since Hamans plot against the
  Jews (feast of Pur celebrated annually)
• The city of Jerusalem still did not have its
  walls repaired still at the mercy of their
  enemies.

Reference Ezra 7-10
28
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Summary Ezra requests to return to Jerusalem.
  71-10
• Ezra priest and scribe, requests to go to
  Jerusalem
• Year 458 B.C.
• Journey (exactly 4 months) started on the 1st
  day of the 1st month till the 1st day of the 5th
  month
• Some from Israel, Levites, singers, gatekeepers,
  temple servants also went with him.
• Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the
  Lord and to practice it, and to teach His
  statutes and ordinances in Israel. V. 10

Reference Ezra 7-10 Summary of Ezras return to
Jerusalem (Ezra 71-10)
29
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Artaxerxes decree
• In the 7th yr of his reign (458 B.C.) decree
  issued for the return of Jews. 711-26
• All willing Jews could return with Ezra. V. 13
• King (and counselors) have provided gold and
  silver as a free offering.
• Money to be used for buying bulls, rams, grain,
  etc. for burnt/drink offerings.
• Remainder of money used at Ezras discretion.
• Whoever does not observe the decree punished. V.
  26
• Ezra praises God. 727-28

Reference Ezra 7-10 Artaxerxes decree (Ezra
711-26)
30
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• The Journey from Babylon
• Genealogy of those who journeyed. 81-14
• Ezra sends for Levites (to minister at the temple
  in Jerusalem). 815-20
• Fast proclaimed at river of Ahava before they
  left 821-23
• They desired for protection from their enemies.
• Ezra didnt want to ask the king for help when he
  spoke of how his God was with Israel.
• God answers their prayers and provides safety.
  824-32

Reference Ezra 7-10 Journey to Jerusalem (Ezra
81-32)
31
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Ezra hears of mixed marriages
• After settling in with the temple
  responsibilities rulers approached Ezra regarding
  the mixed marriages. 91-2
• They intermingled with foreign wives. cp. Lev.
  1824-30
• They also took their own daughters to be their
  wives or had their sons marry their sisters.
• Rulers are foremost trespassers in this sin.

Reference Ezra 7-10 Ezra deals with mixed
marriages (Ezra 9-10)
32
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Ezras reaction to the mixed marriages. 93-4
• Tore his clothing.
• Pulled hair from his beard out.
• Sat appalled.
• Ezras prayer to God. 95-15
• Acknowledges shame and Gods lovingkindness.
  95-9
• You our God have requited us less than our
  iniquities deserve.No one can stand before You
  because of this. 1010-15

Reference Ezra 7-10 Ezra deals with mixed
marriages (Ezra 9-10)
33
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Israel ready to make reconciliation with God
• Large assembly make confession before Ezra We
  have been unfaithful to our God and have married
  foreign women from the peoples of the land yet
  now there is hope for Israel in spite of this.
  101-2
• They make a covenant to put away their (unlawful)
  wives. V. 3
• They encourage Ezra to be courageous and they
  would stand behind him. V. 4

Reference Ezra 7-10 Ezra deals with mixed
marriages (Ezra 9-10)
34
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Ezra demands wives put away according to the law.
  105-44
• Made the leaders to take an oath to fulfill the
  covenant.
• Ezras proclamation assemble at Jerusalem within
  3 days
• Those who did not come their possessions
  forfeited w/drawn from the other exiles.
• Demands their confession and repentance. 1011-12
• They request a means by which to implement the
  putting away of their wives. 1013-17
• List of offenders. 1018-44

Reference Ezra 7-10 Ezra deals with mixed
marriages (Ezra 9-10)
35
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• NOTE Nehemiah brings 3rd return from captivity
• 1st return 535-6 B.C. (Sheshbazzar/Zerubbabel).
  Ezra 1-6
• 2nd return 458 B.C. (Ezra). Ezra 7-10
• 3rd return 445 B.C. (Nehemiah). Nehemiah
• Walls rebuilt (52 days! Neh. 615). Neh. 1-7
• Reforms of the people/worship. Neh. 8-13

36
Ezra-Esther-Nehemiah
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity
Chart Talk Through the Bible. Page 126
37
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Background of Malachi
• Contemporary of Nehemiah (traditional dating
  432-425 B.C.).
• State of Israel
• Corrupt priests
• Hypocrisy
• Infidelity
• Mixed marriages
• False worship
• Book written in a question and answer format.

Reference Malachi Background during days of
Malachi
38
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• God pure love for Israel. (11-5)
• God states His love for Israel. V. 2
• Their response In what way have You loved us? V.
  2
• He illustrates His love for them vss. 2-5
• Jacob (Israel) I have loved.
• Esau (Edom) I have hated.
• There is a contrast between the land of
  wickedness and a land of holiness.

Reference Malachi God loves a defiled nation
(Mal. 11-5)
39
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Corrupt Priests (16-29)
• They despise the name of the Lord. vss. 6-14
• No honor given to God.
• Defiled food offered blind, lame, sick
• Their attitude The table of the Lord is
  contemptible
• They profane His name.
• They are wearied in offering pure sacrifices to
  Him
• Therefore the Lord curses the priests. 21-9
• Descendents taken away. V. 3
• They are contemptible. V. 9

Reference Malachi Israel a corrupt nation (Mal.
16-29)
40
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Corrupt people (210-16)
• They knowingly practiced idolatry. 210-13
• Their idolatry is likened unto a marriage
  covenant that was not respected.
• NOTE vss. 12-16 could also illustrate a parallel
  between their physical marriages that were not
  held to the spiritual marriage their forsook with
  God.

Reference Malachi Ezra deals with mixed
marriages (Ezra 9-10)
41
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• The coming Messenger. Ch. 31-7
• Behold, I send My messenger, and he will prepare
  the way before Me.
• No one will be able to stand before him.
• He will purify the sons of Levi.
• Then the offering will be acceptable before God.
• In fulfillment John the Baptist did as
  prophesied. cp. Matt. 117-10

Reference Malachi Ezra deals with mixed
marriages (Ezra 9-10)
42
Ezra-Esther, Malachi
Silence
Return From Captivity
Captivity

• Jews return to Jerusalem
• Temple foundation laid
• Temple work hindered
• Temple rebuilt
• Book of Esther during this period
• Ezra sent to enforce law
• Malachi rebukes the Jews

• Coming of the Great Day (Ch. 4)
• Coming of the Lord. vss. 1-3
• The day is coming burning like an oven.
• The burning shall leave neither root nor branch
• Healing will come to those who fear His name
• Coming of Elijah. vss. 4-6
• I send you Elijahbefore the coming of the great
  and fearful day of the Lord. V. 5
• Fulfilled by John the Baptist. Matt. 1111-15

Reference Malachi Ezra deals with mixed
marriages (Ezra 9-10)