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The Theology of Ezra-Nehemiah

The Purposes of Ezra-Nehemiah: Since the author seems to have used the Ezra Memoirs (EM) and Nehemiah (NM), the question arises about the purpose of each of these writings. The reasons may be somewhat different for the memoirs; for example, the NM may constitute, at least in part, Nehemiah’s report to the Persian king. When we try to determine the comprehensive motives for the book, however, we find that the EM and NM are quite in accord with the purposes of the final compiler and author.

The Continuity of God’s Plan and People: One of the primary objectives of Ezra-Nehemiah was to show that the Israelite community that had existed before the exile (see the commentary on Jeremiah Gu – Seventy Years of Imperial Babylonian Rule) would continue to exist after the exile. Thus, they would continue to see ADONAI’s redemptive works. This was a new exodus. As soon as the new Temple, which took the place of Solomon’s Temple, was completed (see Ba – The Completion of the Temple), they celebrated the festival of Passover (Ezra 6:19-22). Later, after reading the Torah Scroll of Moses, the people celebrated the festival of Sukkot (Nehemiah 8:13-18). These feasts remember Ha’Shem’s great saving acts in the exodus.

This new exodus proved to the exiles that they represented the continuation of Ha’Shem’s redemptive plan. Hence, God’s providential care is repeatedly emphasized. It was YHVH who was responsible for the decree of Cyrus (see the commentary on Isaiah Ia – The Deliverance by Cyrus the Great). He also secured the permission for construction to continue (Ezra 5:5, 6:14 and 6:22), and for Ezra and his group of exiles to return to Yerushalayim (Ezra 7:27). He even protected them on the way (Ezra 8:22). It was the LORD who secured Nehemiah’s appointment (Nehemiah 2:8) and guided all the details of the construction of the wall (Nehemiah 4:14 and 20). ADONAI frustrated the plans of the Jewish enemies and preserved the Jewish community (see Cc – Samaritan Opposition to the Building of the Walls of Jerusalem). Just as we find throughout the writings of the prophets, the Chronicler interpreted history in terms of God’s actions.

In fact, the author emphasized that YHVH can even use foreign rulers to fulfill His purposes for the Jewish community. This can be seen in the edict of Cyrus (Ezra 1:6), in Artaxerxes’ letter to Ezra (Ezra 7:11-27), and in the many details of Nehemiah’s mission (Nehemiah Chapters 1-6). The LORD’s sovereignty encompasses the entire world, all the nations, to ensure the continuation of His redemptive plan through the Jewish people.

This continuation of the people of God also meant the continuation of the covenant of God. The little Jewish community that returned from the exile was receiving the blessings of that covenant as described in the scroll of Deuteronomy (see Bm – Ezra Read the Torah Scroll of Moses). The prayers of Ezra 9:6-15; Nehemiah 1:5-11, and Nehemiah 9:5-37 demonstrate their deep understanding of that covenant. You are Adonai, the God who chose Abram . . . and You made the covenant with him . . . You have fulfilled Your words, for You are righteous (Nehemiah 9:7-8). Both Ezra and Nehemiah recognized and confessed that the people broke the covenant, and for that reason suffered the Babylonian exile. However, they appealed to Ha’Shem’s covenant mercy and promises for the reestablishment of the covenant community.

In fact, the new situation under foreign rule meant that the Jewish people became again more strictly a covenant community, and not a nation as they were in the monarchy. The identity of the Israelites in exile did not depend on their political institutions or identity as a nation but on their special covenant relationship with ADONAI.9 In God’s providence, this was a step in the preparation for the coming of Yeshua, the start of the Messianic Community (see the commentary on Acts Al – The Ruach Ha’Kodesh Comes at Shavu’ot) where Ha’Shem will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more (see the commentary on Jeremiah Eo – The Days are Coming, declares the LORD, When I Will Make a New Covenant with the People of Isra’el).