Choice 1: Ezra 1–10; Nehemiah 1–13. The Jews Delivered from Babylonian Captivity
Cyrus, king of Persia, captured Babylon and announced that captive Jews in Babylon could return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple (see 2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1). There were three major returns to Jerusalem: one, approximately 538 BC, under the direction of Zerubbabel (Haggai and Zechariah’s ministry), a second, approximately 458 BC, under the direction of Ezra, and a third, 444 BC, under the direction of Nehemiah.


(a) Read Ezra 1 and list all that Cyrus did to help the Jews in Babylon return to Jerusalem. Read Isaiah 44:24, 26, 28: 45:1–3, 13; JST, Genesis 50:29, 33; 2 Nephi 3:6–7, 15, 17; 10:3 and write a summary of everything the Lord revealed through the prophet Isaiah nearly 200 years earlier. Who else has had his name revealed in scripture before his birth?

Cyrus commanded that the temple should be built, he had people work on things for the temple, he returned things that the previous king had stolen from the temple.
It was revealed that the Lord had created everything, that Jerusalem would be inhabited again and the cities would be rebuilt, and the temple would be built. It was also revealed that Joseph Smith would come from the lineage of Joseph who was sold into Egypt, and that Christ would be slain for his people. And so many people have had his name revealed that it's nearly impossible for them to all be names.

(b) Read the chapter headings for Ezra 2–9. Write at least three insights or impressions that come to as you read Ezra’s prayer as found in Ezra 9:4–15. Write a few sentences about the congregation’s reaction to Ezra’s prayer found in 10:1–5.
It's really interesting that he prayed for everyone, even those who hadn't sinned in that form. It's good that he remembers the sins of his and Israel's father. And it's interesting that he asks why the Lord isn't so angry that He wants to consume them in His anger.
As to the congregation's reaction, it's good to note that they know exactly what they did wrong. They know how to repent of this sin. They also do it right away.


(c) Nehemiah, like Ezra, pleaded with the Lord concerning his brethren, the Jews. Read Nehemiah 1 and the institute student manual commentary “Where Do the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah Fit in the Old Testament?” (pg. 319). Then add two additional insights or impressions to those you wrote from studying Ezra’s prayer.
The other insights from the prayer earlier is that it's significant that the troubles Israel had and deserved were remembered for so long. It's also interesting that Ezra is pleading when he himself did nothing wrong.



(d) Read in the student manual Enrichment J–3, “The First Return of the Jews” (pgs. 312–13), and the commentary for Ezra 4:1–10, “Who Were the Samaritans Who Hindered the Work on the Temple?” (pgs. 320–21). In addition read Ezra 4:1–5; Nehemiah 2:10–20; 4:1–20. For additional understanding, read “Samaritans” in the Bible Dictionary (pg. 768). From your understanding, write several paragraphs describing the origins of the Samaritans and the animosity between the Samaritans and the Jews. Include any experience you may have witnessed with opposition to the building of modern temples.

The Samaritans were Assyrians, whether by birth or some other way. They offered to help the Jews rebuild the temple, but they were refused due to their idolatrous ways, which offended the Jews. So when they refused, the Samaritans became angry.



(e) The book of Nehemiah contains the account of someone who did a great work to protect himself and his people from enemies. He faced opposition (in various forms and from various sources), but when enticed to leave his work he responded that he was doing a great work and would not “come down” and let the work cease (Nehemiah 6:3). Reflect on what “wallbuilding” efforts you are making in your life. Then answer the following questions:

• What “walls” of protection has the Lord commanded we have in place to guard against temptation? He's told us to visit the Temple often, to go to Church, to read the scriptures, to pray each night and morning.
• What are you trying to build for your future? I'm not completely sure what this question is asking.
• In what ways are you tempted to leave that good work and “come down” to less worthy pursuits? Telling us we don't have enough time, telling ourselves that we go to church so often that we don't need to go this week.
• How can Nehemiah’s example help you? We can tell ourselves that we do indeed have time and that we need to go each week for the blessings we get at church.