Introduction to the Bible

Session 16

The return from Captivity and Messianic Hopes

Note: By 535 BC a number of exiles had returned to Jerusalem with the blessing and support of the Persian (or Medo/Persian) authorities. Under the leaders of Haggai and Zechariah the Temple was rebuilt. Some years later Ezra (a priest) would help restore and strengthen the spiritual life of God’s people by giving thorough instruction in the Law of the Lord. Following his return, Nehemiah would come to Jerusalem and provide leadership to guarantee the security and survival of the city. Nehemiah had served in Persia as a cupbearer to the King and was appointed by him to return to Judea as a governor.

As the Persians established themselves in the land once ruled by the Babylonians, the Jews were generally treated with honor and respect. Daniel was highly regarded because of his condemnation of the last Babylonian King (Daniel 5:24-28) and his ability to govern.

Daniel 6:1-5 / Daniel highly respected
Daniel 6:6-13 / Plot against Daniel
Daniel 6:14-18 / Daniel in the lions den
Daniel 6:19-28 / Daniel delivered

The Medo/Persian rulers acknowledged that the God of the Jews had prepared the way for their victory.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23 / The Lord gave Cyrus victory
Ezra 1:1-8 / God is active in history
Jeremiah 51:11-14 / The Medes will destroy Babylon
Isaiah 44:24-28 / Cyrus will restore God’s people
Isaiah 45:1-6 / The Lord prepared the way for Cyrus

The Book of Esther takes place early in the period of Persian rule. It is the account of how God saved the Jews from annihilation by the courage of a young Jewish woman, Esther, who became Queen of Persia. (See Esther 4 – especially vv. 11-17.)

Upon returning home, the Jews (a term first applied to the exiles from Judah) wrestle with serious issues regarding Messianic hopes and dreams. They were no longer a self-governing nation but only a province of the Medo/Persian Empire. Jewish kings were replaced with Persian appointed governors. What did this mean for Messianic Promises that spoke of a King like David and a Kingdom that would stand forever? Consider what the following passages reveal about Messianic hopes and expectations:

2 Samuel 7 / A King forever from David’s line
Daniel 2 / The Kingdom that will stand forever
Daniel 7:1, 9-14 / One like a Son of Man
Ezekiel 34:11-16 / The Lord will shepherd His flock
Isaiah 7:10-14 / Sign of Immanuel/Virgin born
Isaiah 9:1-7 / To us a Child is born
Isaiah 11:1-5 / A shoot from the stump of Jesse
Isaiah 25:6-9 / Victory over death
Isaiah 40:1-11 / Comfort
Isaiah 42:1-4 / God’s Servant
Isaiah 50:4-9 / Not rebellious
Isaiah 53:1-12 / Suffering Servant
Micah 5:2-4 / Born in Bethlehem—origin from of old
Zechariah 9:9,10 / Your King comes . . . humble . . .
Zechariah 12:10 and 13:1 / One they pierce . . . cleanses from sin