His Servants' Ministry

We do not copyright anything. All material on this web site is here to provide free Biblical information. Anyone may freely use any or all the information present, to honor and glorify our awesome Triune God. All material here must remain free to "whosoever."

<><><><><><>

Last Days Prophecy

HIS SERVANTS' MINISTRY

www.lastdaysprophecy.org

Welcome to our website

Gospel Briefs on Nehemiah and Esther

NEHEMIAH
The Book of Nehemiah was most likely written between 445 and 420 B.C. Author: Nehemiah.
Ezra spent time bringing spiritual restoration to the people in war-torn Jerusalem. Nehemiah now becomes a leader to rebuild the city wall. There are many things we can learn from Nehemiah. We can learn about leadership, for Nehemiah displays some outstanding leadership skills when he comes to rebuild the wall. We can also learn about trust in this Book. The people have to trust Nehemiah to lead them, as Nehemiah puts his trust in GOD, and he also leads the people to put their trust in GOD, through his example.
Nehemiah came from Persia to rebuild the wall. That is the link between Nehemiah and Esther.

In Jewish tradition the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah are regarded as one book, and it appears that they were originally two books because of the similar material in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7. Nehemiah made his journey to Jerusalem in about 445 BC. He was not a priest or a scribe like Ezra was but he was a governor with authority given to him by the Persian king Artaxerxes to rebuild the walls and the city of Jerusalem for the Jewish people. He was originally cupbearer for the king of Persia (Neh.2:1). Nehemiah completed the task in 52 days in spite all the disapproval from the foreigners who it settled in the land of Judah during the captivity.

The Book of Nehemiah shows how GOD fulfilled His Words written by the prophets concerning the return of the people of Israel from 70 years of captivity, and returned to the land of their inheritance. To accomplish GOD’S divine will, the LORD God changes the hearts of the great kings of the ancient world, Cyrus Darius and Artaxerxes of Persia . . . and those in today’s world as well! He also worked through leaders like Joshua, Zerubbabel, Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra and Nehemiah so that the wall was rebuilt, and wall of the city of Jerusalem and it reestablishes the Law of Moses. The Books of Ezra and Nehemiah reveal to us the history of the Jews between 536 BC and 430 BC. The Book of Nehemiah covers the period from 445 BC for the next 12 years.
To gain a complete picture of the history of this period, these two books should be examined, and too, the writings of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi.

Reason for Writing: The Book of Nehemiah, one of the history books of the Bible, continues the story of Israel’s return from the Babylonian captivity and the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem.

Brief Summary: Nehemiah was a Hebrew in Persia when the word reached him that the Temple in Jerusalem was being reconstructed. He grew anxious knowing there was no wall to protect the city. Nehemiah asked GOD to use him to save the city, and GOD answered his prayer by softening the heart of the Persian king, Artaxerxes, who gave not only his blessing, but also supplies to be used in the project. Nehemiah is given permission by the king to return to Jerusalem, where he is made governor.

In spite of opposition and accusations the wall was built and the enemies silenced. The people, inspired by Nehemiah, gave tithes of much money, supplies and manpower to complete the wall in a remarkable 52 days, in spite of great opposition. But this united effort does not last long, and very soon Jerusalem falls back into apostasy when Nehemiah left for a while. When he returned to Jerusalem, Nehemiah found the walls strong but the people weak. He was bound and determined to teach the people morality and he spoke boldly. Nehemiah 13:25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. (KJV)
He reestablished TRUE worship through prayer and encouraged the people to restore their relationship with the LORD by reading and obeying the Word of GOD.

Prophesy: Nehemiah was a man of prayer, praying passionately for his people (ch.1). His passionate intercession for GOD’S people foreshadowed our great Intercessor, Christ Jesus, who prayed fervently for His people in His high-priestly prayer in John 17. Both Nehemiah and Jesus had a burning love for GOD’S people which they poured out in prayer to GOD, interceding for them before the throne.

How can we apply this Book to our lives today? Nehemiah led the Israelites into a respect and love for the Word of GOD. Nehemiah, because of his love for GOD and his desire to see God honored and glorified, led the Israelites to faith and obedience that GOD had so desired for them . . . for so long. Dear one, it is the same way that we Christians are to love and respect the Truths of the Bible. We should commit them to memory, meditate on them day and night, and turn to them for the fulfillment of our every need. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (KJV)
If we really want and expect to have the spiritual revival like that of the Israelites (Neh.8:1-8), it must start with loving respect and honor for the LORD God, and His Word!

Where are we?
The Book of Nehemiah opens in the Persian city of Susa in the year 444 BC. Later that year, Nehemiah traveled to Israel, leading the third of three returns by the Jewish people following their seventy years of exile in Babylon. Most of the book centers on events in Jerusalem. The story concludes about 430 BC, and scholars believe the book was written shortly thereafter.

Nehemiah is the last historical book of the Old Testament. Even though the Book of Esther comes after Nehemiah, the events in Esther occurred in the time period between Ezra 6 and 7, between the first and second returns of the people to Israel. The prophet Malachi was a contemporary of Nehemiah.

Why is Nehemiah so important? Nehemiah was a layman, not a priest like Ezra, not a prophet like Malachi. He served the Persian king in a nonspiritual position before leading a group of Jews to Jerusalem in order to rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah’s know-how in the king’s court adequately equipped him for the political and physical reconstruction necessary for the remnant to survive.
Under Nehemiah’s leadership, the Jews withstood terrible opposition and came together to accomplish their goal. Nehemiah led by example, giving up a respected position in a palace for hard labor in a politically unimportant district. He partnered with Ezra, who also appears in this book, provided an example for the people to solidify the political and spiritual foundations of the people. Nehemiah’s humility before GOD (read his heart-rending intercessory prayers in chapters 1 and 9). He never claimed glory for himself, but always gave GOD the credit for his successes.

The Book of Nehemiah shows us how one lone person can have such an impression on a whole nation. Nehemiah served in secular offices, using his position to bring back to the Jews order, stability and proper focus on God. Let us all have this attitude in our lives: Colossians 3:17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. (KJV)

ESTHER
Date written – 450-430 Author – Unknown
Esther was a Jewish woman who through a contest becomes queen of Persia (the greatest empire in the world at the time). The central theme of the book is how that preordained situation led her to a position of influence to save the Jewish people from extermination. Esther is used most in teaching about providential circumstances (Esther 4:14). It is also an explanation of where the Jewish feast of Purim came from.

Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther deal with the time after GOD’S people came out of Babylonian captivity. While, Ezra and Nehemiah deal with those who came back to Israel/Jerusalem; Esther deals with people who decided not to come home and to stay in the land of their captivity.
Genesis through Esther is more or less chronological. Once you get to Job things are more out of order in history.

The Book of Esther does not precisely name its author. The most popular guesses are Mordecai (a major character in the Book of Esther), Ezra and Nehemiah (who would have been familiar with Persian customs).

Reason for Writing: The purpose of the Book of Esther is to display the providence (foresight or wisdom) of GOD, especially in regard to His chosen people, Israel. The Book of Esther records the institution of the Feast of Purim and the obligation of its everlasting observation. The Book of Esther was read at the Feast of Purim to commemorate the great deliverance of the Jewish nation brought about by GOD through Esther. Jews today still read Esther during Purim.

Brief Summary: The Book of Esther can be divided into three main parts: (1). Chapters 1:1-2:18 Esther replaces Vashti; 2:19-7:10. (2). Mordecai overcomes Haman; 8:1-10:3. (3). Israel survives Haman’s attempt to destroy them.
The noble Esther risked her own death as she realized what was at stake. She willingly did what could have been a fatal move and took on the second-in-command of her husband’s kingdom, Haman. She proved a wise and most worthy opponent, while all the time remaining humble and respectful of the position of her husband/king.

Esther’s story is much like the story of Joseph in Genesis 41. Both stories involve foreign monarchs who control the destiny of the Jews. Both accounts show the heroism of Israelite individuals who provide the means for the salvation of their people and nation. The Hand of GOD is obvious, in that what appears to be a bad situation is indeed very much under the control of the Almighty GOD, who always has the good of the people at heart. At the center of this story is the ongoing division between the Jews and the Amalekites, which was recorded to have begun in the Book of Exodus. Haman’s goal is the final effort recorded in the Old Testament period of the complete eradication of the Jews. His plans eventually end up with his own demise, and the elevation of his enemy Mordecai to his own position, as well as the salvation of the Jews.

Feasting is a major theme of this book: there are seven recorded banquets (Esther 1:3, 9; 2:18; 5:4–5; 7:1–2; 8:17; and 9:17–22), and many of the events were planned, plotted or exposed at these banquets. Although the Name of GOD is never mentioned in this Book, it is apparent that the Jews of Susa sought His intervention when they fasted for three days (Esther 4:16). In spite of the fact that the law allowing their destruction was written according to the laws of the Medes and Persians, rendering it unchangeable, the way was cleared for their prayers to be answered. Esther risked her life by going not once uninvited before the king, but twice, (Esther 5:1–2; 8:3). She was not content with the destruction of Haman; she was intent on saving her people. The institution of the Feast of Purim is written and preserved for all to see and is still observed today. GOD’S chosen people, without any direct mention of His Holy Name, were granted a stay of execution through the wisdom and humility of Esther.

Prophesy: In Esther, we are given a look at the ongoing struggle of Satan against the purposes of GOD and especially against His Promised Messiah. The entrance of Christ into the human race was predicated upon the existence of the Jewish race. Just as Haman plotted against the Jews in order to destroy them, so has Satan set himself against Christ and GOD’S people. Just as Haman is defeated on the gallows he built for Mordecai, so does Christ use the very weapon that his enemy devised to destroy Him and His spiritual seed. For the cross, by which Satan planned to destroy the Messiah, was the very way through which Christ gave us victory.
Colossians 2:14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. (KJV)
Just as Haman was hanged on the gallows he built for Mordecai, so too was the devil crushed by the cross he erected to destroy Christ.

How can we apply the Book of Esther to our life? The Book of Esther shows the choice we can make . . . we can SEE the Hand of GOD in our circumstances in life OR we can see things as only chance. The LORD God is the sovereign Ruler of the Universe and we can rest assured that His plans will NOT be changed by what evil men try to do. Although His Name is not mentioned in the Book, His providential care for His people, both individuals and the nation, is very clear throughout. We can clearly see the Almighty LORD as He applies power over King Xerxes’ timely insomnia. Through the example of both Mordecai and Esther, the silent love language our Father often uses to communicate directly to our spirits is shown in this Book.

Esther had a godly and teachable spirit that showed great strength and willing obedience. Esther’s meekness was so different from the attitude of those around her, which caused her to be raised into the position of queen. We can learn from her to remain respectful and humble, even in difficult circumstances, which can bring untold blessings for both ourselves and others. We would do well to match her godly attitudes in all areas of our life, but especially in trials. Not once is there a complaint or bad attitude exposed in the writing. Many times, we read she won the favor of those around her. It was this favor that eventually saved her people. We can be granted such favor when we accept unfair persecution and follow Esther’s example of maintaining a positive attitude, joined with humility and firm determination to lean on GOD. We never know if the LORD has put us in a difficult situation, to try us.

Important Themes
(1). God works behind the scenes. The main theme in the book of Esther is that God is working behind the scenes. There was a divine purpose for all the decisions and details documented in this story, but none of that becomes clear until the end. God was arranging all these “secular” events to bring about His divine purpose to save the Jews.
(2). All things work together for good to those who love the LORD. Things turned out really well for Mordecai and very badly for Haman. The text does not explicit say that Mordecai loved GOD, but we see him adopting his younger cousin when she lost her parents (Est. 2:7), he grieved and mourned at the news of the undecided Jewish extermination (Est. 4:1-2), exhorting Esther to intervene (Est. 4:13-14), and fasting (Est. 4:17). Not only was he used to save the Jewish people, he also was promoted to a position of prominence in the Persian kingdom.
(3). The Jews, as GOD’S people, are often persecuted. Haman had an intense hatred for the Jews. He wanted to exterminate them. It was only when Haman learned of Mordecai’s ethnic identity that it seemed unacceptable to him, to do away with only Mordecai. His plan was to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews (Est. 3:6). The law drawn up by Haman told the officials to: Esther 3:13 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. (KJV)
The Jewish people have always been persecuted in an incomparable fashion. Maybe the devil has a stronger hatred for them because of their important place in GOD’S plan. Haman joins the likes of Pharaoh, Hitler and a crowd of anti-Semitic personalities. This should be kept in mind as we observe world events and in our personal efforts to show kindness and love to Jewish people. Genesis 12:2-3 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. (KJV)
DO YOU BLESS OR CURSE THE JEWS?
(4). Promotion comes from the LORD. Both Esther and Mordecai were promoted (Est. 3:17; 8:2). Neither one formally or informally sought their position. Instead, the LORD arranged the events to put them in the places of prominence where they could be used by Him to accomplish His purpose.