James K Crews

Prophets of the Old Testament, Volume 5 James K Crews

Still the Father called. After 70 years of captivity, a remnant of the Jews returned to Jerusalem (in 537 BC) to rebuild the temple and city walls. It was 22 years before the temple was built (516 BC) and another 72 years before the walls were completed (444 BC). EZRA (536-458 BC) stirred the Jews to rebuild the Temple and pleaded with the people to align themselves once again with God's Word. HAGGAI (520-507 BC) -- Within a year of their return, the Jews had put off temple work in order to build their own houses. Haggai began prophesying and preaching against their self-centered priorities. The people completed the temple four years later. ZECHARIAH (520-507 BC) -- Zechariah joined Haggai and Ezra in urging the remnant to rebuild the temple. His message focused on God's help, the coming Messiah and the future glories of Israel. NEHEMIAH (445-430 BC) described the efforts to build the walls of Jerusalem. His narrative established principles of his leadership skills which are widely in use today. ESTHER (480-475 BC) portrayed life and subterfuge in the Persian citadel in Susa. Mordecai (cheer, yea) discovered a plot to destroy the Jews. Queen Esther wisely trapped the wicked Haman (boo, hiss), the villain was vanquished, the destroyers were destroyed and the Jews were saved. MALACHI (450-443 BC) -- After the wall of the city was built, the busyness and triviality of life overtook the remnant in Jerusalem. Malachi listened in as God confronted their hard and uncaring hearts. After his prophecies, God was silent for over 400 years until John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Messiah and Lamb of God.