Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah: Persian Period and Restoration

This module takes us into the lives of three remarkable people who served God as exiles in the Persian Empire. This is the beginning of the period of restoration for God’s people. Esther served in the Persian court and was providentially positioned to reverse a plot to exterminate the Jews. Out of this comes the annual festival of Purim. Ezra helps restore covenant living and worship when it was on the verge of being lost. Nehemiah leverages his position as royal cup-bearer to lead a wall-rebuilding effort in Jerusalem in record time. All of this was under the threat of assassination and revolt. 

We’ll find something in common about each of these leaders even though Esther, like Daniel, stays in the Diaspora and Ezra and Nehemiah make their mark back home in Jerusalem.

Let’s start with an overview of Diaspora stories to see how they make their unique contribution to the Bible.

If this is your first course in the Bible Journey curriculum, you must first visit the Journey Prep page to understand the background, history, and terminology we will use in the courses.