Bible Stories for Kids: The Powerful Bible Story of Ezra and Nehemiah

Summary

The video script narrates the story of the Jewish people's return to Jerusalem after 70 years of Babylonian captivity. Cyrus, the Persian king, issues a decree to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem, prompting many to leave their homes and face a dangerous journey. Despite challenges, the temple is completed in 20 years. Ezra, a devoted priest, returns to Jerusalem to serve in the new temple, granted by King Artaxerxes. Later, Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the king, learns of the broken walls of Jerusalem and, with God's favor, receives permission to rebuild them. Despite opposition from enemy nations, the walls are reconstructed in 52 days, marking a significant achievement. Nehemiah becomes the governor, and Ezra teaches the people God's laws, leading to a period of spiritual revival.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ The Persian King Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple of God.
• 🌐 Despite the Persians not knowing or worshipping God, Cyrus was inspired by God to make this proclamation.
• 👥 Many Jewish families, after hearing the decree, decided to leave their homes and return to Jerusalem to help rebuild the Temple.
• 🚸 The journey back to Jerusalem was long and dangerous, with the constant threat of attacks from surrounding enemies.
• 🏗️ It took nearly 20 years to complete the Temple, with many challenges and threats from enemies.
• 📜 Ezra was a scribe and priest who dedicated his life to studying and teaching God's laws to the Jewish people.
• 👑 King Artaxerxes granted Ezra's request to return to Jerusalem to serve as a priest and administrator of the new Temple.
• 💼 Ezra was given the authority to appoint magistrates and judges to teach and enforce God's laws.
• 💰 The king also provided Ezra with gold, silver, and money from his kingdom to support the Temple and its people.
• 🧱 Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, learned of the broken walls and gates of Jerusalem and felt compelled to help.
• 🙏 Nehemiah prayed for God's favor and asked the king for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the walls.
• 🛠️ The rebuilding of the walls was a community effort, with each family working on their portion of the wall despite opposition.
• ⏱️ The walls were rebuilt in an astonishing 52 days, showcasing the power of unity and divine favor.
• 📚 After the walls were rebuilt, Nehemiah became the governor of Jerusalem, and Ezra taught the people God's laws and commandments.

Q & A

Who conquered the Babylonian Kingdom and released the Jewish people from captivity?

The Persians and the Medes conquered the Babylonian Kingdom and released the Jewish people who had been held captive for 70 years.

Who was appointed King over all the people by God according to the script?

Cyrus was appointed King over all the people by God.

What decree did Cyrus issue that was astonishing to the Persians?

Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Israelites to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of God, which was astonishing because the Persians did not know or worship the God of Israel.

What was the difficult journey that the men of Judah had to undertake?

The men of Judah had to travel a long and dangerous journey to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of God.

How long did it take to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem?

It took nearly 20 years to rebuild the Temple of God in Jerusalem, despite constant interference and threats of attack from surrounding enemies.

Who was Ezra and what was his role after the Temple was completed?

Ezra was an important scribe and priest of God who devoted his life to studying and teaching God's laws and statutes to the Jewish people. After the Temple was completed, he requested to return to Jerusalem to be a priest and administrator of the new Temple.

What did King Artaxerxes allow Ezra to do in his kingdom?

King Artaxerxes allowed Ezra to appoint magistrates and judges to judge the people and teach the laws of God to anyone who did not know them.

What was Nehemiah's role in the Persian kingdom before being sent to Jerusalem?

Nehemiah was a cupbearer to the Persian king before being sent to Jerusalem.

What was the condition of Jerusalem that caused distress among its people?

The walls surrounding Jerusalem were broken down and the gates had been burned to the ground, leaving the people without protection and in constant fear of attacks from surrounding enemy nations.

How did Nehemiah respond to the news of Jerusalem's walls being in disrepair?

Nehemiah was very sad and fell down before the Lord to pray and fast for God's favor before approaching the king to request permission to rebuild the walls.

How long did it take to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership?

The rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem was completed in an astonishing 52 days under Nehemiah's faithful leadership.