Bible Enagement Wk 25
Day 1
June 30, 2025

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Focus Scripture:

And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” —Esther 4:14b (NIV)

Bible Engagement: Week 25, Exile/Return

Book of Ezra

Author: probably the same author of Chronicles, perhaps Ezra the priest
Audience: Israelites in Jerusalem after they returned from exile, about the events of the return
Genre: court documents, lists, and narrative
When: around 430 B.C. about events that happened around 538 B.C.
Why: to remind the people of the fulfillment of God’s promise of return and provision

Tier 1: Psalm 137; Ezra 1, 3-4 Return from Babylon
Tier 2: Psalm 137; Ezra 1-4
Tier 3: Psalm 137; Ezra 1-4

Tier 1 Questions

  1. What does Psalm 137 reveal about the Israelites’ thoughts of Jerusalem while captives in Babylon?

  2. The book of Ezra introduces King

    Reveal Answer
    of Persia whom God used to fulfill the prophecy of
    Reveal Answer
    regarding the return of exiles to rebuild the temple. (see Ezra 1:1, 5)

  3. What was the first part of the temple that the people rebuilt and why? (Ezra 3:2, 6)

  4. The people responded to the building of the foundation with

    Reveal Answer
    and shouts of
    Reveal Answer
    . Why both emotions? (Ezra 3:13)

  5. How did Israel’s enemies treat the exiles when they began to rebuild the temple? (Ezra 4:4-5, 23-24)

Tiers 2-3 Questions

  1. What does Psalm 137 reveal about the Israelites’ thoughts of Jerusalem while captives in Babylon?

  2. The book of Ezra introduces King

    Reveal Answer
    of Persia whom God used to fulfill the prophecy of
    Reveal Answer
    regarding the return of exiles to rebuild the temple. (see Ezra 1:1, 5)

  3. What was the first part of the temple that the people rebuilt and why? (Ezra 3:2, 6)

  4. The people responded to the building of the foundation with

    Reveal Answer
    and shouts of
    Reveal Answer
    . Why both emotions? (Ezra 3:13)

  5. How did Israel’s enemies treat the exiles when they began to rebuild the temple? (Ezra 4:4-5, 23-24)

Application

  1. Think of a time when God restored a broken part of your life. Do you respond like the Israelites with joy and/or sadness?

  2. Do you, like the Israelites, feel like you are facing opposition in a task that God has called you to? If so, keep turning to the Lord for His encouragement.