Exile and Return

This module goes from the time of Judah's exile to the end of the Old Testament period spanning over 160 years from 586 BC to around 420 BC.

You will study the rest of the Old Testament prophets through exile and right up to the 400 years of silence - a time period when no prophets are sent from God. You will see where each prophet fits into the rest of the Old Testament narrative as well as the important messages they declare to God's people.

You will study the restoration and return of God's people to the Promised Land after their captivity and the rebuilding of the Temple of Jerusalem along with the challenges faced and opposition encountered on the way.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module you should:

  • Understand the events in Israel's history from the time of exile to the end of the Old Testament period
  • Have a good understanding of the Prophetic books of Obadiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi, and know the context and situation into which each prophet spoke out God's messages and where they fit in the timeline of the Old Testament
  • Have studied the Old Testament Narrative books of 1 and 2 Chrinicles, Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther and the highs and lows experienced by God's people
  • Have reviewed the Old Testament Timeline pages of the prophets, narratives and events in this era
  • Have a basic understanding of the ruling empires and predicted world powers such as Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman

Module 8, Unit 1: Obadiah

Obadiah prophesies against the nation of Edom who sided with Babylon at Judah's fall and betrayed their brother at his greatest time of need.

Module 8, Unit 2: Ezekiel

Ezekiel proclaimed God's messages to His people and the nations from exile in Babylon. He communicated through words, visions, oracles, parables, enacted symbols and laments. He used every means possible to faithfully, obediently and powerfully communicate God's messages of judgement and restoration to a world of turmoil.

 

Module 8, Unit 3: Daniel

Daniel faithfully follows the Lord in exile as he serves with godly wisdom and integrity in the courts of pagan kings. God uses Daniel to interpret dreams and see visions foretelling the coming and going of earthly kingdoms, and to proclaim God's eternal Kingdom which stands forever.

 

Module 8, Unit 4: Chronicles

1 and 2 Chronicles were originally one book and therefore we will study them together. The 65 chapters of Chronicles reminds the returned exiles of their identity, purpose and calling as a nation. God's people are encouraged to seek God first and foremost in their lives, to build a society centred on God and true worship, and to stay faithful to their Covenantal relationship with the LORD.

Module 8, Unit 5: Ezra

In the book of Ezra, God faithfully brings His people home to Judah fulfilling His promise of their return. The Jews overcome opposition and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. Several decades later, Ezra returns to Judah with a second wave of exiles and brings reforms among God's people through the studying, doing and teaching of the Law of the LORD.

Module 8, Unit 6: Nehemiah

In the book of Nehemiah, a third wave of exiles return to Judah with Nehemiah. The walls of Jerusalem are rebuilt despite opposition, the Covenant is renewed, and reforms are made among God's people.

Module 8, Unit 7: Haggai

In the book of Haggai, the prophet Haggai tells the first group of returned exiles to obey and finish rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Haggai challenges them to put God first, be faithful, undefiled and experience God's blessings. Haggai also foretells the promise of God's coming glory.