The Jewish people had been captives in Babylonia for about 70 years. They had lost Jerusalem and the temple, and many had forgotten their commitment to God’s law. But God had not forgotten them. In fact, He had declared through His prophet, “I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return” (Jeremiah 29:10). True to this prophecy, the Lord made a way for His people to return—both to Jerusalem and, more importantly, to their covenants. And He raised up servants who accomplished “a great work” (Nehemiah 6:3): A governor named Zerubbabel oversaw the rebuilding of the house of the Lord. Ezra, a priest and scribe, helped the people turn their hearts back to the Lord’s law. And Nehemiah led the rebuilding of the protective walls around Jerusalem. They met opposition, but they also got help from unexpected sources. Their experiences can inform and inspire ours because we too are doing a great work. And like theirs, our work has much to do with the house of the Lord, the law of the Lord, and the spiritual protection we find in Him.
For an overview of the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, see “Ezra” and “Nehemiah” in the Bible Dictionary.
Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church
Ezra 1 — The Lord inspires people to accomplish His purposes.
After Persia conquered Babylonia, the Lord inspired the Persian king, Cyrus, to send a group of Jews to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. As you read Ezra 1, note what Cyrus did to support the Jews in this important work. How do you see the Lord working through men and women around you, including people who are not members of His Church? What does this suggest to you about the Lord and His work?
Ezra 3:8–13 ; 6:16–22 — The house of the Lord is a place of joy.
When the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem, they plundered the temple and burned it to the ground (see 2 Kings 25:1–10; 2 Chronicles 36:17–19). How do you think you might have felt if you had been one of the Jews who witnessed this? (see Psalm 137). Notice how the Jews felt, decades later, when they were allowed to return and rebuild the temple (see Ezra 3:8–13; 6:16–22). That might prompt you to ponder your own feelings about the Lord and His house. Why is the building of a temple a reason to celebrate?
Ezra 4–7 ; Nehemiah 2 ; 4 ; 6 — God has an important work for me to do.
The Lord’s work rarely goes unopposed. This was true of the efforts led by Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. Here’s a simple approach that can help you learn from these stories and consider how you can do the Lord’s work despite opposition:
What do you think it means to have “a mind to work” in the service of the Savior? (Nehemiah 4:6). What might it mean to have “the good hand of … God upon [you]” as you do His work? (Nehemiah 2:8; see also Nehemiah 2:18; Ezra 7:6, 9, 27–28). How have you seen His hand in your efforts to serve Him?
Nehemiah 8 — I am blessed when I study the scriptures.
For generations in captivity, the Jews had limited access to “the book of the law of Moses” (Nehemiah 8:1). In Nehemiah 8, Ezra read the law to the people. What do you find in this chapter that shows how Ezra and his people felt about God and His word? (see especially verses 1–12). What in your life shows how you feel about God and His word?
See also Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson (2014), 115–24.
01 Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and made him king in his father’s stead in Jerusalem.02 Jehoahaz was twenty and three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem.03 And the king of Egypt put him down at Jerusalem, and condemned the land in an hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.04 And the king of Egypt made Eliakim his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem, and turned his name to Jehoiakim. And Necho took Jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypt .05 ¶ Jehoiakim was twenty and five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God.06 Against him came up Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and bound him in fetters , to carry him to Babylon.07 Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon.08 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim , and his abominations which he did, and that which was found in him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin his son reigned in his stead.09 ¶ Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord .010 And when the year was expired, king Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought him to Babylon , with the goodly vessels of the house of the Lord , and made Zedekiah his brother king over Judah and Jerusalem.011 ¶ Zedekiah was one and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem.012 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord his God, and humbled not himself before Jeremiah the prophet speaking from the mouth of the Lord .013 And he also rebelled against king Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God: but he stiffened his neck, and hardened his heart from turning unto the Lord God of Israel.014 ¶ Moreover all the chief of the priests, and the people, transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the Lord which he had hallowed in Jerusalem.015 And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by his messengers , rising up betimes , and sending; because he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place:016 But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his prophets , until the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy.017 Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young man or maiden, old man, or him that stooped for age: he gave them all into his hand.018 And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord , and the treasures of the king, and of his princes; all these he brought to Babylon.019 And they burnt the house of God, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem , and burnt all the palaces thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels thereof.020 And them that had escaped from the sword carried he away to Babylon ; where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:021 To fulfil the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath , to fulfil threescore and ten years.022 ¶ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,023 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.
2 Kings 25
01 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came, he, and all his host, against Jerusalem, and pitched against it; and they built forts against it round about.02 And the city was besieged unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah.03 And on the ninth day of the fourth month the famine prevailed in the city, and there was no bread for the people of the land.04 ¶ And the city was broken up , and all the men of war fled by night by the way of the gate between two walls, which is by the king’s garden: (now the Chaldees were against the city round about:) and the king went the way toward the plain.05 And the army of the Chaldees pursued after the king, and overtook him in the plains of Jericho: and all his army were scattered from him.06 So they took the king , and brought him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment upon him.07 And they slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound him with fetters of brass, and carried him to Babylon .08 ¶ And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which is the nineteenth year of king Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, came Nebuzar-adan , captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, unto Jerusalem:09 And he burnt the house of the Lord , and the king’s house, and all the houses of Jerusalem, and every great man’s house burnt he with fire.010 And all the army of the Chaldees, that were with the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.011 Now the rest of the people that were left in the city, and the fugitives that fell away to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the multitude, did Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard carry away.012 But the captain of the guard left of the poor of the land to be vinedressers and husbandmen.013 And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the Lord , and the bases , and the brasen sea that was in the house of the Lord , did the Chaldees break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon .014 And the pots , and the shovels, and the snuffers , and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass wherewith they ministered, took they away.015 And the firepans, and the bowls, and such things as were of gold, in gold, and of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.016 The two pillars, one sea, and the bases which Solomon had made for the house of the Lord ; the brass of all these vessels was without weight.017 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the chapiter upon it was brass: and the height of the chapiter three cubits; and the wreathen work, and pomegranates upon the chapiter round about, all of brass: and like unto these had the second pillar with wreathen work.018 ¶ And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:019 And out of the city he took an officer that was set over the men of war, and five men of them that were in the king’s presence, which were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the host, which mustered the people of the land, and threescore men of the people of the land that were found in the city:020 And Nebuzar-adan captain of the guard took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah:021 And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land.022 ¶ And as for the people that remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler.023 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, there came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Careah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maachathite, they and their men.024 And Gedaliah sware to them, and to their men, and said unto them, Fear not to be the servants of the Chaldees: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon; and it shall be well with you.025 But it came to pass in the seventh month, that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the seed royal, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldees that were with him at Mizpah.026 And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies, arose, and came to Egypt: for they were afraid of the Chaldees.027 ¶ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evil-merodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison;028 And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon;029 And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.030 And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.
Ezra 1
01 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,02 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.03 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.04 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.05 ¶ Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.06 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.07 ¶ Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord , which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;08 Even those did Cyrus king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them unto Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah.09 And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand chargers of silver, nine and twenty knives,010 Thirty basins of gold, silver basins of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels a thousand.011 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up with them of the captivity that were brought up from Babylon unto Jerusalem.
Ezra 3
01 And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.02 Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God.03 And they set the altar upon his bases; for fear was upon them because of the people of those countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord , even burnt offerings morning and evening.04 They kept also the feast of tabernacles , as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required;05 And afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated, and of every one that willingly offered a freewill offering unto the Lord .06 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord . But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.07 They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.08 ¶ Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord .09 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.010 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord , they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord , after the ordinance of David king of Israel.011 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord ; because he is good , for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord , because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.012 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:013 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
Ezra 4
01 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the Lord God of Israel;02 Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esar-haddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.03 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the Lord God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.04 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,05 And hired counsellors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus king of Persia, even until the reign of Darius king of Persia.06 And in the reign of Ahasuerus , in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.07 ¶ And in the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions, unto Artaxerxes king of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian tongue, and interpreted in the Syrian tongue.08 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the king in this sort:09 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions; the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites,010 And the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Asnappar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and the rest that are on this side the river, and at such a time.011 ¶ This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto him, even unto Artaxerxes the king; Thy servants the men on this side the river, and at such a time.012 Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations.013 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set up again, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, and so thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings.014 Now because we have maintenance from the king’s palace, and it was not meet for us to see the king’s dishonour, therefore have we sent and certified the king;015 That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed.016 We certify the king that, if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof set up, by this means thou shalt have no portion on this side the river.017 ¶ Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions that dwell in Samaria, and unto the rest beyond the river, Peace, and at such a time.018 The letter which ye sent unto us hath been plainly read before me.019 And I commanded, and search hath been made, and it is found that this city of old time hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.020 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, which have ruled over all countries beyond the river; and toll, tribute, and custom, was paid unto them.021 Give ye now commandment to cause these men to cease , and that this city be not builded, until another commandment shall be given from me.022 Take heed now that ye fail not to do this: why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?023 ¶ Now when the copy of king Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem unto the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.024 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia.
Ezra 5
01 Then the prophets , Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them.02 Then rose up Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem: and with them were the prophets of God helping them.03 ¶ At the same time came to them Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and their companions, and said thus unto them, Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up this wall?04 Then said we unto them after this manner, What are the names of the men that make this building?05 But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.06 ¶ The copy of the letter that Tatnai, governor on this side the river, and Shethar-boznai, and his companions the Apharsachites, which were on this side the river, sent unto Darius the king:07 They sent a letter unto him, wherein was written thus; Unto Darius the king, all peace.08 Be it known unto the king , that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.09 Then asked we those elders, and said unto them thus, Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls?010 We asked their names also, to certify thee, that we might write the names of the men that were the chief of them.011 And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up.012 But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.013 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon the same king Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God.014 And the vessels also of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought them into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered unto one, whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor;015 And said unto him, Take these vessels, go, carry them into the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be builded in his place.016 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished.017 Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.
Ezra 6
01 Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls , where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.02 And there was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a roll , and therein was a record thus written:03 In the first year of Cyrus the king the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, Let the house be builded, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let the foundations thereof be strongly laid; the height thereof threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof threescore cubits;04 With three rows of great stones, and a row of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the king’s house:05 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought unto Babylon, be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem, every one to his place, and place them in the house of God.06 Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river , Shethar-boznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:07 Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.08 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.09 And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:010 That they may offer sacrifices of sweet savours unto the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the king, and of his sons.011 Also I have made a decree, that whosoever shall alter this word, let timber be pulled down from his house, and being set up, let him be hanged thereon; and let his house be made a dunghill for this.012 And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.013 ¶ Then Tatnai, governor on this side the river, Shethar-boznai, and their companions, according to that which Darius the king had sent, so they did speedily.014 And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus , and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.015 And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar , which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.016 ¶ And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,017 And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.018 And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses , for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.019 And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.020 For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.021 And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat,022 And kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them joyful, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.
Ezra 7
01 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah ,02 The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,03 The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,04 The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,05 The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:06 This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.07 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.08 And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.09 For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.010 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord , and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.011 ¶ Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord , and of his statutes to Israel.012 Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.013 I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.014 Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;015 And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,016 And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:017 That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.018 And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.019 The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.020 And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.021 And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,022 Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.023 Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?024 Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims , or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.025 And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges , which may judge all the people that are beyond the river , all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.026 And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death , or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.027 ¶ Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem:028 And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.
Isaiah 44
01 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant ; and Israel, whom I have chosen:02 Thus saith the Lord that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, which will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun , whom I have chosen.03 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty , and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:04 And they shall spring up as among the grass, as willows by the water courses.05 One shall say, I am the Lord ’s ; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord , and surname himself by the name of Israel.06 Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first , and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.07 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them.08 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God ; I know not any.09 ¶ They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not , nor know; that they may be ashamed.010 Who hath formed a god, or molten a graven image that is profitable for nothing?011 Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.012 The smith with the tongs both worketh in the coals, and fashioneth it with hammers, and worketh it with the strength of his arms: yea, he is hungry, and his strength faileth: he drinketh no water, and is faint.013 The carpenter stretcheth out his rule; he marketh it out with a line; he fitteth it with planes, and he marketh it out with the compass, and maketh it after the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man; that it may remain in the house.014 He heweth him down cedars, and taketh the cypress and the oak, which he strengtheneth for himself among the trees of the forest: he planteth an ash, and the rain doth nourish it.015 Then shall it be for a man to burn: for he will take thereof, and warm himself; yea, he kindleth it, and baketh bread; yea, he maketh a god, and worshippeth it; he maketh it a graven image, and falleth down thereto.016 He burneth part thereof in the fire; with part thereof he eateth flesh; he roasteth roast, and is satisfied: yea, he warmeth himself, and saith, Aha, I am warm, I have seen the fire:017 And the residue thereof he maketh a god, even his graven image: he falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and prayeth unto it, and saith, Deliver me; for thou art my god.018 They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts , that they cannot understand.019 And none considereth in his heart, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, I have burned part of it in the fire; yea, also I have baked bread upon the coals thereof; I have roasted flesh, and eaten it: and shall I make the residue thereof an abomination? shall I fall down to the stock of a tree?020 He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?021 ¶ Remember these , O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant : I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me.022 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions , and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.023 Sing , O ye heavens; for the Lord hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing , ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel.024 Thus saith the Lord , thy redeemer , and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;025 That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;026 That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof:027 That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers:028 That saith of Cyrus , He is my shepherd , and shall perform all my pleasure : even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built ; and to the temple , Thy foundation shall be laid.
Jeremiah 29
01 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the residue of the elders which were carried away captives, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon;02 (After that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs , the princes of Judah and Jerusalem, and the carpenters, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem;)03 By the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah king of Judah sent unto Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon) saying,04 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, unto all that are carried away captives, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon;05 Build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens , and eat the fruit of them;06 Take ye wives, and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons, and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; that ye may be increased there, and not diminished.07 And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.08 ¶ For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your prophets and your diviners , that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed.09 For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord .010 ¶ For thus saith the Lord , That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.011 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end .012 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you .013 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart .014 And I will be found of you, saith the Lord : and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord ; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.015 ¶ Because ye have said, The Lord hath raised us up prophets in Babylon;016 Know that thus saith the Lord of the king that sitteth upon the throne of David, and of all the people that dwelleth in this city, and of your brethren that are not gone forth with you into captivity;017 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; Behold, I will send upon them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil .018 And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth, to be a curse, and an astonishment, and an hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations whither I have driven them:019 Because they have not hearkened to my words, saith the Lord , which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but ye would not hear, saith the Lord .020 ¶ Hear ye therefore the word of the Lord , all ye of the captivity, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon:021 Thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, which prophesy a lie unto you in my name; Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon; and he shall slay them before your eyes;022 And of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captivity of Judah which are in Babylon, saying, The Lord make thee like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire;023 Because they have committed villany in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbours’ wives, and have spoken lying words in my name, which I have not commanded them; even I know, and am a witness, saith the Lord .024 ¶ Thus shalt thou also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying,025 Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, Because thou hast sent letters in thy name unto all the people that are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying,026 The Lord hath made thee priest in the stead of Jehoiada the priest, that ye should be officers in the house of the Lord , for every man that is mad, and maketh himself a prophet, that thou shouldest put him in prison, and in the stocks.027 Now therefore why hast thou not reproved Jeremiah of Anathoth , which maketh himself a prophet to you?028 For therefore he sent unto us in Babylon, saying, This captivity is long: build ye houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.029 And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet.030 ¶ Then came the word of the Lord unto Jeremiah, saying,031 Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus saith the Lord concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite; Because that Shemaiah hath prophesied unto you, and I sent him not, and he caused you to trust in a lie :032 Therefore thus saith the Lord ; Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: he shall not have a man to dwell among this people; neither shall he behold the good that I will do for my people, saith the Lord ; because he hath taught rebellion against the Lord .
Nehemiah 2
01 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.02 Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,03 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad , when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?04 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.05 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.06 And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.07 Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river , that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;08 And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.09 ¶ Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.010 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.011 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.012 ¶ And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.013 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley , even before the dragon well , and to the dung port , and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.014 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.015 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.016 And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.017 ¶ Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste , and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.018 Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.019 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn , and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?020 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 4
01 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.02 And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?03 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.04 Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:05 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.06 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work .07 ¶ But it came to pass, that when Sanballat , and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,08 And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.09 Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.010 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.011 And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.012 And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.013 ¶ Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.014 And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible , and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives , and your houses.015 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.016 And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons ; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.017 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.018 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.019 ¶ And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.020 In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.021 So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.022 Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.023 So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.
Nehemiah 6
01 Now it came to pass, when Sanballat , and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)02 That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief .03 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?04 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.05 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;06 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.07 And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.08 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.09 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.010 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.011 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there , that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.012 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.013 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid , and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report , that they might reproach me.014 My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.015 ¶ So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul , in fifty and two days.016 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.017 ¶ Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.018 For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.019 Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
Nehemiah 8
01 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate ; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel.02 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.03 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.04 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.05 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:06 And Ezra blessed the Lord , the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground.07 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.08 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly , and gave the sense , and caused them to understand the reading.09 ¶ And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha , and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept , when they heard the words of the law.010 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry ; for the joy of the Lord is your strength .011 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.012 And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth , because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.013 ¶ And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.014 And they found written in the law which the Lord had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:015 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.016 ¶ So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim .017 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths , and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.018 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly , according unto the manner.
Psalms 137
01 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.02 We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof.03 For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.04 How shall we sing the Lord ’s song in a strange land?05 If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning.06 If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.07 Remember, O Lord , the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem; who said, Rase it, rase it, even to the foundation thereof.08 O daughter of Babylon , who art to be destroyed; happy shall he be, that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.09 Happy shall he be, that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones.
My dear brethren, I have known for a few months the message I want to give to you today. During that time, I have searched for a story that would illustrate what I want to say. I looked for a story about farming. I looked for a story about animals. In honor of Elder Scott, I looked for a story about nuclear engineering, and in honor of President Monson, one about raising pigeons.
In the end, one story kept coming back to me—a story that has been imprinted on my memory for many, many years. It isn’t about farming, animals, nuclear engineering, or pigeons. It is—as you might have guessed—about aviation. I call it “The Story of the Lightbulb.”
On a dark December night 36 years ago, a Lockheed 1011 jumbo jet crashed into the Florida Everglades, killing over 100 people. This terrible accident was one of the deadliest crashes in the history of the United States.
A curious thing about this accident is that all vital parts and systems of the airplane were functioning perfectly—the plane could have easily landed safely at its destination in Miami, only 20 miles (32km) away.
During the final approach, however, the crew noticed that one green light had failed to illuminate—a light that indicates whether or not the nose landing gear has extended successfully. The pilots discontinued the approach, set the aircraft into a circling holding pattern over the pitch-black Everglades, and turned their attention toward investigating the problem.
They became so preoccupied with their search that they failed to realize the plane was gradually descending closer and closer toward the dark swamp below. By the time someone noticed what was happening, it was too late to avoid the disaster.
After the accident, investigators tried to determine the cause. The landing gear had indeed lowered properly. The plane was in perfect mechanical condition. Everything was working properly—all except one thing: a single burned-out lightbulb. That tiny bulb—worth about 20 cents—started the chain of events that ultimately led to the tragic death of over 100 people.
Of course, the malfunctioning lightbulb didn’t cause the accident; it happened because the crew placed its focus on something that seemed to matter at the moment while losing sight of what mattered most.
The tendency to focus on the insignificant at the expense of the profound happens not only to pilots but to everyone. We are all at risk. The driver who focuses on the road has a far greater chance of arriving at his destination accident free than the driver who focuses on sending text messages on his phone.
We know what matters most in life—the Light of Christ teaches this to everyone. We as faithful Latter-day Saints have the Holy Ghost as a “constant companion” to teach us the things of eternal value. I imagine that any priesthood holder listening to my voice today, if asked to prepare a talk on the subject “what matters most,” could and would do an excellent job. Our weakness is in failing to align our actions with our conscience.
Pause for a moment and check where your own heart and thoughts are. Are you focused on the things that matter most? How you spend your quiet time may provide a valuable clue. Where do your thoughts go when the pressure of deadlines is gone? Are your thoughts and heart focused on those short-lived, fleeting things that matter only in the moment or on things that matter most?
What grudges do you bear? What excuses do you cling to that keep you from being the kind of husband, father, son, and priesthood holder you know you should be? What are the things that distract you from your duties or hinder you from magnifying your calling more diligently?
Sometimes the things that distract us are not bad in and of themselves; often they even make us feel good.
It is possible to take even good things to excess. One example can be seen in a father or grandfather who spends hours upon hours searching for his ancestors or creating a blog while neglecting or avoiding quality or meaningful time with his own children and grandchildren. Another example could be a gardener who spends his days pulling weeds from the soil while ignoring the spiritual weeds that threaten to choke his soul.
Even some programs of the Church can become a distraction if we take them to extremes and allow them to dominate our time and our attention at the expense of things that matter most. We need balance in life.
When we truly love our Heavenly Father and His children, we demonstrate that love through our actions. We forgive one another and seek to do good, for “our old [self] is crucified with [Christ].” We “visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,” and we keep ourselves “unspotted from the vices of the world.”
My dear brethren of the priesthood, we live in the latter days. The gospel of Jesus Christ is restored to the earth. The keys of the priesthood of God are given again to man. We live in an era of anticipation and preparation, entrusted by God to prepare ourselves, our families, our world for the approaching dawn—the day when the Son of God will “descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God” and usher in His millennial reign.
We have been entrusted with the holy priesthood and charged with the responsibility, power, and right to act as agents of our Heavenly King.
These are the things that matter most. These are the things of eternal value that deserve our attention.
We cannot and we must not allow ourselves to get distracted from our sacred duty. We cannot and we must not lose focus on the things that matter most.
Nehemiah of the Old Testament is a great example of staying focused and committed to an important task. Nehemiah was an Israelite who lived in exile in Babylon and served as cupbearer to the king. One day the king asked Nehemiah why he seemed so sad. Nehemiah replied, “Why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ [graves], lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?”
When the king heard this, his heart was softened, and he gave Nehemiah the authority to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. However, not everyone was happy with this plan. In fact, several rulers who lived near Jerusalem grieved exceedingly “that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.” These men “took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.”
Fearless, Nehemiah did not allow the opposition to distract him. Instead, he organized his resources and manpower and moved forward rebuilding the city, “for the people had a mind to work.”
But as the walls of the city began to rise, opposition intensified. Nehemiah’s enemies threatened, conspired, and ridiculed. Their threats were very real, and they grew so intimidating that Nehemiah confessed, “They all made us afraid.” In spite of the danger and the ever-present threat of invasion, the work progressed. It was a time of stress, for every builder “had his sword girded by his side, and so builded.”
As the work continued, Nehemiah’s enemies became more desperate. Four times they entreated him to leave the safety of the city and meet with them under the pretense of resolving the conflict, but Nehemiah knew that their intent was to do him harm. Each time they approached him, he responded with the same answer: “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down.”
What a remarkable response! With that clear and unchanging purpose of heart and mind, with that great resolve, the walls of Jerusalem rose until they were rebuilt in an astonishing 52 days.
Nehemiah refused to allow distractions to prevent him from doing what the Lord wanted him to do.
I am encouraged and inspired by the many faithful priesthood holders today who are of similar heart and mind. Like Nehemiah, you love the Lord and seek to magnify the priesthood you bear. The Lord loves you and is mindful of the purity of your hearts and the steadfastness of your resolve. He blesses you for your fidelity, guides your path, and uses your gifts and talents in building His kingdom on this earth.
Nevertheless, not all are like Nehemiah. There is room for improvement.
I wonder, my dear brethren of the priesthood, what could be accomplished if we all, like the people of Nehemiah, “had a mind to work.” I wonder what could be accomplished if we “put away childish things” and gave ourselves, heart and soul, to becoming worthy priesthood bearers and true representatives of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Think for a moment what could be accomplished in our personal lives, in our professional lives, in our families, in our wards and branches. Think of how the kingdom of God would progress throughout the earth. Imagine how the world itself could be transformed for good if every man who bears the priesthood of God were to gird up his loins and live up to his true potential, converted in the depth of his soul, a true and faithful priesthood man, committed to building the kingdom of God.
It is easy to become distracted—to become focused on one burned-out lightbulb or the impolite acts of unkind people, whatever their motive may be. But think of the power we would have as individuals and as a body of the priesthood if, in response to every temptation to lose focus or lower our standards—the standards of God—we responded, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”
We live in times of great challenges and great opportunities. The Lord is seeking men like Nehemiah—faithful brethren who fulfill the oath and covenant of the priesthood. He seeks to enlist unfaltering souls who diligently go about the work of building the kingdom of God—those who, when faced with opposition and temptation, say in their hearts, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”
When faced with trial and suffering, they respond, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”
When faced with ridicule and reproach, they proclaim, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”
Our Heavenly Father seeks those who refuse to allow the trivial to hinder them in their pursuit of the eternal. He seeks those who will not allow the attraction of ease or the traps of the adversary to distract them from the work He has given them to perform. He seeks those whose actions conform to their words—those who say with conviction, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down.”
I bear solemn testimony that God lives and is mindful of each one of us. He will stretch forth His hand and uphold those who rise up and bear the priesthood with honor, for in these latter days He has a great work for us to do.
This gospel does not come from man. The doctrine of the Church is not someone’s best guess as to the meaning of ancient scripture. It is the truth of heaven revealed by God Himself. I testify that Joseph Smith saw what he said he saw. He truly looked into the heavens and communed with God the Father and the Son and with angels.
I bear witness that Heavenly Father speaks to those who seek Him in spirit and in truth. I have witnessed with my own eyes and joyfully testify that in our day, God speaks through His prophet, seer, and revelator, even Thomas S. Monson.
My dear brethren, like Nehemiah, we have a great work to do. We stand overlooking the horizon of our age. It is my fervent prayer that in spite of temptations, we will never lower our standards; that in spite of distractions, wherever they may come from, we will not lose focus on what matters most; that we will stand resolute and together, shoulder to shoulder, as we valiantly bear the banner of the Lord Jesus Christ.
I pray that we may be worthy of the holy priesthood of Almighty God and, to a man, lift our heads and with unwavering voice proclaim to the world, “We are doing a great work, and we will not come down.” In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents, with a divine nature and eternal destiny.
As a disciple of Jesus Christ, I strive to become like Him. I seek and act upon personal revelation and minister to others in His holy name.
I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places.
As I strive to qualify for exaltation, I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day. With faith, I will strengthen my home and family, make and keep sacred covenants, and receive the ordinances and blessings of the holy temple.
1.As sisters in Zion, we’ll all work together; The blessings of God on our labors we’ll seek. We’ll build up his kingdom with earnest endeavor; We’ll comfort the weary and strengthen the weak.
Verse
2.The errand of angels is given to women; And this is a gift that, as sisters, we claim: To do whatsoever is gentle and human, To cheer and to bless in humanity’s name.
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3.How vast is our purpose, how broad is our mission, If we but fulfill it in spirit and deed. Oh, naught but the Spirit’s divinest tuition Can give us the wisdom to truly succeed.
1.Ye elders of Israel, come join now with me And seek out the righteous, where’er they may be— In desert, on mountain, on land, or on sea— And bring them to Zion, the pure and the free.
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2.The harvest is great, and the lab’rers are few; But if we’re united, we all things can do. We’ll gather the wheat from the midst of the tares And bring them from bondage, from sorrows and snares.
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3.We’ll go to the poor, like our Captain of old, And visit the weary, the hungry, and cold; We’ll cheer up their hearts with the news that he bore And point them to Zion and life evermore.
Chorus
O Babylon, O Babylon, we bid thee farewell; We’re going to the mountains of Ephraim to dwell.
“The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.”
When President Thomas S. Monson was serving as President Ezra Taft Benson’s Second Counselor in the First Presidency, he observed: “President Benson grasps quickly matters which come to his attention. He doesn’t need to consider an item at great length before he finds the inspiration of the Lord directing him in a decision. With the expansive nature of the Church today, throughout the world, and with the multitude of matters that come before the First Presidency, this ability to cut through detail and get to the heart of the issue is vital to carrying out the administrative work of the Church.”
On April 4, 1986, in connection with his first general conference as President of the Church, President Benson presided over a special meeting for priesthood leaders. The brethren in attendance saw his ability to “cut through detail and get to the heart of the issue.” When he addressed the congregation, he mentioned many of the challenges that Latter-day Saints faced—such as temptation, family struggles, and difficulties with keeping the commandments and fulfilling Church duties—and he shared what he saw as the solution to these challenges.
President Benson gave only a portion of his talk in that priesthood leadership meeting, so he requested that the entire sermon be included in the conference issue of the Church magazines. This chapter contains that talk in its entirety. Although President Benson directed his remarks to priesthood leaders, he taught principles that apply to all members of the Church.
1
As we face the great challenges of our time, we need to hold fast to the word of God.
My dear brethren, what a thrilling sight it is to look out over this body of priesthood leadership and to know how many thousands of Saints you serve and how much dedication and faithfulness you collectively represent! There is no other body anywhere in the world today that meets for the same righteous purpose as does this group, nor is there any other group—political, religious or military—that holds the power that you do here tonight.
We live in a day of great challenge. We live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, “Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.” (D&C 1:35.) We live in that day which John the Revelator foresaw when “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17.) The dragon is Satan; the woman represents the Church of Jesus Christ. Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments. And while many of our members are remaining faithful and strong, some are wavering. Some are falling. Some are fulfilling John’s prophecy that in the war with Satan, some Saints would be overcome. (See Rev. 13:7.)
The prophet Lehi also saw our day in his great visionary dream of the tree of life. He saw that many people would wander blindly in the mists of darkness, which symbolized the temptations of the devil. (See 1 Ne. 12:17.) He saw some fall away “in forbidden paths,” others drown in rivers of filthiness, and still others wander in “strange roads.” (1 Ne. 8:28, 32.) When we read of the spreading curse of drugs, or read of the pernicious flood of pornography and immorality, do any of us doubt that these are the forbidden paths and rivers of filthiness Lehi described?
Not all of those Lehi saw perishing were of the world. Some had come to the tree and partaken of the fruit. In other words, some members of the Church today are among those souls Lehi saw which were lost.
The Apostle Paul also saw our day. He described it as a time when such things as blasphemy, dishonesty, cruelty, unnatural affection, pride, and pleasure seeking would abound. (See 2 Tim. 3:1–7.) He also warned that “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Tim. 3:13.)
Such grim predictions by prophets of old would be cause for great fear and discouragement if those same prophets had not, at the same time, offered the solution. In their inspired counsel we can find the answer to the spiritual crises of our age.
In his dream, Lehi saw an iron rod which led through the mists of darkness. He saw that if people would hold fast to that rod, they could avoid the rivers of filthiness, stay away from the forbidden paths, stop from wandering in the strange roads that lead to destruction. Later his son Nephi clearly explained the symbolism of the iron rod. When Laman and Lemuel asked, “What meaneth the rod of iron?” Nephi answered, “It was the word of God; and [note this promise] whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.” (1 Ne. 15:23–24; italics added.) Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is desirable above all others, but in the word of God and through it we can find the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his emissaries.
Paul’s message is the same as Lehi’s. After portraying the terrible wickedness of future times—future to him, but present to us!—he said this to Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned. …
“From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation.” (2 Tim. 3:14–15; italics added.)
My dear brethren, this is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.
President Ezra Taft Benson frequently testified of the power of God’s word.
2
When individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures, other aspects of Church activity automatically come.
Now to you priesthood leaders we say, look to the prophetic counsel of Lehi and Paul and others like them. In that counsel you will find the solution to the challenges you face in keeping your flocks safe from the “ravening wolves” that surround them. (See Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29.) We know that you too have great anxiety for the members of your wards and stakes and expend great time and effort in their behalf. There is much that we ask of you who have been chosen for leadership. We place many loads upon your shoulders. You are asked to run the programs of the Church, interview and counsel with the members, see that the financial affairs of the stakes and wards are properly handled, manage welfare projects, build buildings, and engage in a host of other time-consuming activities.
While none of those activities can be ignored and laid aside, they are not the most important thing you can do for those you serve. In recent years, time and again we have counseled you that certain activities bring greater spiritual returns than others. As early as 1970, President Harold B. Lee told the regional representatives:
“We are convinced that our members are hungry for the gospel, undiluted, with its abundant truths and insights. … There are those who have seemed to forget that the most powerful weapons the Lord has given us against all that is evil are His own declarations, the plain simple doctrines of salvation as found in the scriptures.” (In Regional Representatives’ Seminar, 1 Oct. 1970, p. 6.)
Great blessings come “when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures.”
In a First Presidency message in 1976, President [Spencer W.] Kimball said:
“I am convinced that each of us, at least some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again. …
“The Lord is not trifling with us when he gives us these things, for ‘unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ (Luke 12:48.) Access to these things means responsibility for them. We must study the scriptures according to the Lord’s commandment (see 3 Ne. 23:1–5); and we must let them govern our lives.” (Ensign, Sept. 1976, pp. 4–5.)
In April 1982, Elder Bruce R. McConkie spoke to the regional representatives about the priority the scriptures should take in our labors. He said: “We are so wound up in programs and statistics and trends, in properties, lands and mammon, and in achieving goals that will highlight the excellence of our work, that we have ‘omitted the weightier matters of the law.’ … However talented men may be in administrative matters; however eloquent they may be in expressing their views; however learned they may be in the worldly things—they will be denied the sweet whisperings of the Spirit that might have been theirs unless they pay the price of studying, pondering, and praying about the scriptures.” (In Regional Representatives’ Seminar, 2 Apr. 1982, pp. 1–2.)
That same day, Elder Boyd K. Packer spoke to the stake presidents and regional representatives. He said: “Buildings and budgets, and reports and programs and procedures are very important. But, by themselves, they do not carry that essential spiritual nourishment and will not accomplish what the Lord has given us to do. … The right things, those with true spiritual nourishment, are centered in the scriptures.” (In Meeting with Stake Presidents and Regional Representatives, 2 Apr. 1982, pp. 1–2.)
I add my voice to these wise and inspired brethren and say to you that one of the most important things you can do as priesthood leaders is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends to your calling. There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration as you serve.
But that alone, as valuable as it is, is not enough. You must also bend your efforts and your activities to stimulating meaningful scripture study among the members of the Church. Often we spend great effort in trying to increase the activity levels in our stakes. We work diligently to raise the percentages of those attending sacrament meetings. We labor to get a higher percentage of our young men on missions. We strive to improve the numbers of those marrying in the temple. All of these are commendable efforts and important to the growth of the kingdom. But when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently, these other areas of activity will automatically come. Testimonies will increase. Commitment will be strengthened. Families will be fortified. Personal revelation will flow.
3
As we study God’s word, we receive guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul, and power to avoid deception and resist temptation.
The Prophet Joseph Smith said that “the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.” (Book of Mormon, Introduction, italics added.) Isn’t that what we want for the members of our wards and stakes? Aren’t we desirous that they get nearer to God? Then encourage them in every way possible to immerse themselves in this marvelous latter-day witness of Christ.
You must help the Saints see that studying and searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon them by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity. Note what the Lord Himself has said about the benefits of studying His word. To the great prophet-leader Joshua, He said:
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Josh. 1:8; italics added.)
The Lord was not promising Joshua material wealth and fame, but that his life would prosper in righteousness and that he would have success in that which matters most in life, namely the quest to find true joy. (See 2 Ne. 2:25.)
Do you have members in your stakes whose lives are shattered by sin or tragedy, who are in despair and without hope? Have you longed for some way to reach out and heal their wounds, soothe their troubled souls? The prophet Jacob offers just that with this remarkable promise: “They have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul.” (Jacob 2:8; italics added.)
Today the world is full of alluring and attractive ideas that can lead even the best of our members into error and deception. Students at universities are sometimes so filled with the doctrines of the world they begin to question the doctrines of the gospel. How do you as a priesthood leader help fortify your membership against such deceptive teachings? The Savior gave the answer in His great discourse on the Mount of Olives when He promised, “And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived.” (JS—M 1:37; italics added.)
The scriptures are replete with similar promises about the value of the word. Do you have members who long for direction and guidance in their lives? The Psalms tell us, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105), and Nephi promises that feasting upon the words of Christ “will tell you all things what ye should do.” (2 Ne. 32:3.)
Are there members of your flock who are deep in sin and need to pull themselves back? Helaman’s promise is for them: “Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil.” (Hel. 3:29.)
Success in righteousness, the power to avoid deception and resist temptation, guidance in our daily lives, healing of the soul—these are but a few of the promises the Lord has given to those who will come to His word. Does the Lord promise and not fulfill? Surely if He tells us that these things will come to us if we lay hold upon His word, then the blessings can be ours. And if we do not, then the blessings may be lost. However diligent we may be in other areas, certain blessings are to be found only in the scriptures, only in coming to the word of the Lord and holding fast to it as we make our way through the mists of darkness to the tree of life.
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The word of the Lord is a valuable gift, and we must not treat it lightly.
And if we ignore what the Lord has given us, we may lose the very power and blessings which we seek. In a solemn warning to the early Saints, the Lord said this of the Book of Mormon: “Your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
“Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
“And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
“And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon.” (D&C 84:54–57.)
Oh, my brethren, let us not treat lightly the great things we have received from the hand of the Lord! His word is one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. I urge you to recommit yourselves to a study of the scriptures. Immerse yourselves in them daily so you will have the power of the Spirit to attend you in your callings. Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them. Then prayerfully and in counsel with others, seek every way possible to encourage the members of the Church to follow your example. If you do so, you will find, as Alma did, that “the word [has] a great tendency to lead people to do that which [is] just—yea, it [has] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which [has] happened unto them.” (Alma 31:5.)
Like Alma, I say unto you, “It [is] expedient that [you] should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5).
Questions
Consider what President Benson said was “an answer to the great challenge of our time” (section 1). In what ways can this answer help us meet the challenges we face?
Review the results that President Benson said will come “when individual members and families immerse themselves in the scriptures regularly and consistently” (section 2). Why do you think scripture study leads to such results?
President Benson said that scripture study is a blessing, not a burden (see section 3). What blessings have come to you and your family through scripture study? What advice might you give to someone who feels that scripture study is a burden?
What are some dangers of treating the word of God lightly? (See section 4.) What are some things we can do to give the word of God greater attention?
“Many find that the best time to study is in the morning after a night’s rest. … Others prefer to study in the quiet hours after the work and worries of the day are over. … Perhaps what is more important than the hour of the day is that a regular time be set aside for study” (Howard W. Hunter, “Reading the Scriptures,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 64).
Thomas S. Monson, in Sheri L. Dew, Ezra Taft Benson: A Biography (1987), 487–88.
In 539 BC, Persia conquered the kingdom of Babylon. About a year later, the Lord inspired King Cyrus of Persia to issue a decree allowing many exiled Jews in Babylon to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. During the rebuilding efforts, conflict with the Samaritans delayed the work. The temple was finished and dedicated in 515 BC. About 60 years later, King Artaxerxes of Persia appointed Ezra to lead another group of exiled Jews to Judah. He provided Ezra with money and supplies to beautify the temple. Nehemiah was also allowed to travel to Jerusalem about a decade later to rebuild its walls and gates. As they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, the Jews faced more opposition and worked with weapons in hand to protect themselves until the wall was finished.
Note: The citation of a source not published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not imply that it or its author is endorsed by the Church or represents the official position of the Church.
What is the book of Ezra?
The book of Ezra provides an account of two groups of Jews returning from Babylon to Jerusalem after the Persian King Cyrus conquered the Babylonian empire in 539 BC. The first group of returning Jews rebuilt the temple and their community in Jerusalem. The book is named after Ezra the scribe, who led the second group to Jerusalem about 60 years after the temple was dedicated. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah were once a single book. They may have been written as a sequel to the books of Chronicles. Ezra and Nehemiah are the last two historical books of the Old Testament that focus on Jerusalem and its inhabitants.
The book of Ezra has two main parts:
Ezra 1–6: The first group of Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Although they faced great opposition, they eventually completed and dedicated the temple.
Ezra 7–10: Ezra later led another group of Jews to Jerusalem. Ezra sorrowed when he learned that some of the Jews in Jerusalem had married out of the covenant. He counseled the people to repent, and they made a covenant to repent of their sins.
The Babylonians captured the Southern Kingdom of Judah in 597 BC and exiled thousands of Israelites to Babylon. Later, in 539 BC, Babylon was itself defeated by Cyrus, the first king of the Persian empire. After conquering Babylon, Cyrus permitted many exiled people to return to their homelands. This included the exiled Jews, who were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Cyrus’s actions fulfilled prophecies that Isaiah and Jeremiah made many years earlier.
Though Cyrus was not a follower of Jehovah, the opening verse of Ezra points out that his actions were inspired. Referring to Cyrus, President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “God, the Father of us all, uses the men of the earth, especially good men, to accomplish his purposes. It has been true in the past, it is true today, it will be true in the future.”
Zerubbabel was a descendant of King Jehoiachin, who was carried away captive into Babylon. Zerubbabel was appointed as the governor of Judah, making him the last descendant of David mentioned in the Bible to hold a leadership position in Jerusalem. The temple that the formerly exiled Jews built in Jerusalem is sometimes called the temple of Zerubbabel.
Why did the Jews reject the Samaritans’ offer to help rebuild the temple?
The “adversaries” identified in Ezra 4:1 were the Samaritans, who lived north of Jerusalem in the region of Samaria. The Samaritans originated from a mix of Israelites and foreign settlers following the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Because of the Samaritans’ mixed ancestry, the Jews did not consider them to be pure Israelites or true worshippers of Jehovah. These factors likely influenced Zerubbabel and his group to reject the Samaritans’ offer to help rebuild the temple. The Samaritans began to oppose the construction of the temple, which was a major factor in delaying its completion for several years. Eventually, the Samaritans built their own temple on Mount Gerizim. The animosity between the Jews and Samaritans persisted over centuries and remained evident during the Savior’s mortal ministry.
How was Zerubbabel’s temple different from Solomon’s temple?
The temple of Zerubbabel was completed around 515 BC, more than 20 years after the first group of exiles returned from Babylon. It was about the same size as Solomon’s temple and likely had a similar layout. Many of the sacred items that had been taken to Babylon from Solomon’s temple were returned to furnish the new temple. However, the ark of the covenant was not among these items, leaving the Holy of Holies empty. When the foundation for the temple was laid, the people rejoiced. However, many of the older generation who could remember the temple of Solomon wept. This sorrow may have been because the new temple would not be as grand as the first.
Around 500 years later, Herod the Great rebuilt and enlarged the temple on a grander scale. This was the temple that operated in Jerusalem during the mortal ministry of Jesus Christ.
Illustration of the temple of Zerubbabel, by Sam Lawlor
About 80 years after the first group of exiles returned to Jerusalem, King Artaxerxes of Persia granted Ezra permission to lead another group of exiles back to the city. Ezra was both a scribe and a priest. Because scribes could read and write, they played significant roles in many ancient cultures. Many Israelite scribes produced and copied scripture texts. From Ezra’s day onward, scribes were also often teachers of the law. Ezra’s roles as scribe and priest, along with his commission from the Persian king, made him an influential leader in Jerusalem. Ezra’s reforms made a lasting impact on the people and contributed to the religious climate that existed during the life of Jesus Christ.
What is the book of Nehemiah?
The book of Nehemiah is the continuation of the account that begins in the book of Ezra. Nehemiah held the position of cupbearer in the court of King Artaxerxes of Persia. After learning that the walls of Jerusalem had still not been rebuilt, Nehemiah asked the king for permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild them. The king granted Nehemiah’s request and provided him with needed supplies. Under Nehemiah’s direction, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in about 444 BC.
The book of Nehemiah can be outlined as follows:
Nehemiah 1–6: The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.
Nehemiah 7–13: The restoration of the community in Jerusalem and dedication of the walls.
Why was it so important to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls?
Rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls was essential for safeguarding the city against potential attackers and military threats. It also helped reestablish Jerusalem’s religious, economic, and political influence in the region. Many neighbors in the surrounding area opposed Nehemiah’s project because they feared the impact it would have on their power and control.
Despite many attempts by Nehemiah’s enemies to hinder the work, Nehemiah and his group finished rebuilding the walls in only 52 days. The speed and quality of the work were so remarkable that even their adversaries admitted that “this work was wrought of … God.”
Nehemiah Inspects the Walls of Jerusalem, by Robert T. Barrett
Sanballat was the governor of Samaria. Tobiah was an Ammonite official and an influential member of the community in Jerusalem. These men were threatened by Nehemiah’s arrival because they were worried that their influential positions might be compromised.
Why did Shemaiah want Nehemiah to meet him in the temple?
Shemaiah claimed that there was a plot to kill Nehemiah and advised him to seek refuge in the holy place of the temple. Under the law of Moses, Nehemiah was forbidden to enter the holy place because only priests holding the Aaronic Priesthood were allowed to do so. Knowing that Shemaiah had been hired by Sanballat and Tobiah to deceive him and undermine his integrity, Nehemiah rejected the offer.
What was significant about Ezra reading the law to the people?
After the walls of Jerusalem were completed, the people asked Ezra to read the book of the law to them. It is unclear whether Ezra read the entire Pentateuch (the five books of Moses) or selected portions of it. As Ezra read the law, the Levites helped the people understand it, which likely involved explaining it and perhaps even translating it from Hebrew to Aramaic. The people wept when they heard the law being read—likely because they felt remorse for their own failures and those of their ancestors in keeping God’s commandments.
This gathering and the celebration that followed was a significant occasion in Israelite history. The spiritually reformed community, completed walls, and reconstructed temple marked the end of a restoration that began nearly a century earlier when the exiled Jews returned to Jerusalem.
Illustration of Ezra reading scriptures to the people at Jerusalem, by H. Willard Ortlip
See Haggai 2:2; Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament: An Illustrated Reference for Latter-day Saints (2009), 363.
The Savior took many opportunities during His ministry to break down cultural barriers between Jews and Samaritans (see Luke 9:51–56; John 4:1–42; Acts 1:8).
See Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament, 366.
The pillars of brass and the brazen sea from Solomon’s temple were broken into pieces and carried to Babylon along with other vessels from the temple (see 2 Kings 25:13–15). It is not fully known which items were preserved and returned and which were lost (see Ezra 1:7–11).
See Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament, 366.
See Adele Berlin and Marc Zvi Brettler, eds., The Jewish Study Bible, 2nd ed. (2014), 1669, note on Ezra 3:12–13.
See Bible Chronology, “Chronology of the Old Testament,” Gospel Library. Artaxerxes tasked Ezra’s group with appointing government leaders in Jerusalem and presenting an offering to beautify the temple (see Ezra 7:11–28).
See Douglas and Tenney, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary, “Ezra,” 458; Berlin and Brettler, The Jewish Study Bible, 1663–64.
The position of cupbearer was one of great responsibility and trust. The king’s cupbearer ensured that the king’s food and drink were not poisoned. The position also allowed access to the king on a regular basis (see Earl D. Radmacher and others, eds., NKJV Study Bible, 3rd ed. (2018), 693, note on Nehemiah 1:11).
See Kenneth L. Barker and others, eds., NIV Study Bible: Fully Revised Edition (2020), 780–81, note on Nehemiah 2:10; Andrew E. Hill and John H. Walton, A Survey of the Old Testament (2023), 231.
See Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament, 370.
See Radmacher and others, NKJV Study Bible, 698, note on Nehemiah 6:10.
Oral readings of the law were a common practice in ancient Israel because many people were illiterate and did not have personal copies of the scriptures (see John H. Walton and others, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament [2000], 221, note on Joshua 8:34).
See Barker and others, NIV Study Bible, 790, note on Nehemiah 8:1.
See Nehemiah 8:7–8. See also Kenneth L. Barker and John R. Kohlenberger III, The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Abridged Edition: Old Testament (1994), 714–15, note on Nehemiah 8:7–8.
See Barker and others, NIV Study Bible, 790, note on Nehemiah 8:9.
See Coogan and others, The New Oxford Annotated Bible, 703, note on Nehemiah 8:1–13:3.
1.An open door, a warm embrace Call us to worship and share God’s grace. All can gather safely here, Partake of emblems, feel Jesus near.
Verse
2.The temple doors invite each guest To feel God’s presence and in Him rest. Humble souls at altars kneel, Make cov’nants sweet, bring hearts to heal.
Verse
3.The gates of heaven blaze with light. The Savior beckons in robes of white— Arms outstretched, His table spread. Come to His feast; with love be fed.
Chorus
As weary trav’lers on life’s road, When the world is dark and cold, Where’er we wander, where’er we roam, We’re always welcome, welcome home.
Text and music:Andrea Christensen Brett, 2017 |DEMETRIUS WADE
Nehemiah was a Jew who lived in Persia. He was the king’s trusted servant. One day Nehemiah heard that the Jews in Jerusalem were suffering. The walls protecting Jerusalem were destroyed and had never been rebuilt. Jerusalem was in danger. Nehemiah fasted and prayed for the Lord’s help.
The king asked Nehemiah why he was so sad. He told the king about the danger in Jerusalem. The king said he could help. Nehemiah asked to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall. The king made Nehemiah a leader and gave him the supplies he needed.
Nehemiah told his people not to be scared. They placed guards at the wall to keep it safe. The Jews kept building the wall. The Lord gave the Jews strength, and they finished the wall in 52 days. Jerusalem was safe again.
Although Jesus grew in wisdom and knowledge throughout His life, He was not formally educated like other religious leaders of His day. And yet when He taught, the people marveled, saying, “How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?” Why were His teachings so powerful? “My doctrine is not mine,” the Savior explained, “but his that sent me” (John 7:15–16). Doctrine is eternal truth—found in the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets—that shows us the way to become like our Father in Heaven and return to Him. Regardless of how experienced you are as a teacher, you can teach with power, as the Savior did, by teaching the Father’s doctrine. You and those you teach will marvel at the blessings God sends when your teaching and learning are grounded in His word.
Learn the doctrine of Jesus Christ for yourself.
Teach from the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets.
Help learners seek, recognize, and understand truths in the scriptures.
Focus on truths that lead to conversion and build faith in Jesus Christ.
Help learners find personal relevance in the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
It seems clear that the Savior learned from the scriptures in His youth as He increased “in wisdom … and in favour with God” (Luke 2:52). His deep understanding of the Father’s doctrine became evident when His parents found Him in the temple at a young age, teaching Jewish teachers and answering their questions (see Joseph Smith Translation, Luke 2:46 [in Luke 2:46, footnote c]). Later, when Satan presented him with extreme temptation in the wilderness, Jesus’s knowledge of the doctrine in the scriptures helped Him resist the temptation (see Luke 4:3–12).
You too can seek to learn true doctrine more deeply before you teach it. As you prepare to teach and learn with others, look carefully for what the Lord has said about the truths you are teaching. Search the scriptures and words of living prophets for explanation and counsel. Living and applying the truths you study will invite the Spirit to teach you the doctrine in even deeper ways and to confirm the doctrine’s truthfulness in the hearts of those you teach.
Questions to Ponder: Why is it important to understand gospel truths for yourself? How have you gained a deeper understanding of the truths of the gospel? What do you feel inspired to do to improve your study of the scriptures and the words of living prophets?
After the Savior’s death, two of His disciples were walking and talking with a mix of sadness and astonishment in their hearts. How could they make sense of what had just happened? Jesus of Nazareth, the man they trusted to be their Redeemer, had been dead for three days now. And then there were the reports that His tomb was empty, with angels declaring that He was alive! At this pivotal point in these disciples’ faith, a stranger joined their journey. He consoled them by “expound[ing] unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning [the Savior].” Eventually, the travelers realized that their teacher was Jesus Christ Himself and that He was indeed risen. How did they recognize Him? “Did not our heart burn within us,” they later reflected, “while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?” (Luke 24:27, 32).
Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “The central purpose of all scripture is to fill our souls with faith in God the Father and in His Son, Jesus Christ” (“The Blessing of Scripture,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 34). Throughout His ministry, Jesus used the scriptures to teach, correct, and inspire others. Be sure that your teaching does not drift away from the scriptures and words of prophets. As you faithfully rely on God’s word in your teaching, you can do for others what the Savior did. You can help them to know Him, for we all need our faith in the Savior strengthened regularly. Your love for the scriptures will be evident to those you teach, and your teaching will invite the Spirit to cause their hearts to burn with a testimony of the Father and the Son.
Questions to Ponder: How have you been influenced by a teacher who used the scriptures to help you come to better know the Savior? What might you do to rely more on the scriptures and words of prophets as you teach? How can you help those you teach know and love God’s word?
A lawyer once asked Jesus, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” In response, the Savior guided the questioner to the scriptures: “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” This led the man not only to his answer—“Love the Lord thy God … and thy neighbour”—but also to a follow-up question: “And who is my neighbour?” The Savior answered this question with a parable about three men who saw a fellow traveler in need. Only one of the three, a Samaritan, who was hated by the Jews just because of where he came from, stopped to help. Jesus then invited the lawyer to answer his own question: “Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him?” (see Luke 10:25–37).
Why do you think the Savior taught in this way—responding to questions with invitations to search, ponder, and discover? Part of the answer is that the Lord values the effort of seeking truth. “Seek, and ye shall find,” He has invited over and over again (see, for example, Matthew 7:7; Luke 11:9; Doctrine and Covenants 4:7). He rewards the seeker’s acts of faith and patience.
Like the Savior, you can help those you teach recognize and understand truth. The scriptures, for example, are filled with gospel truths, but sometimes it takes conscious effort to find them. As you are learning together from the scriptures, stop and ask those you teach what gospel truths they notice. Help them see how these truths relate to Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. Sometimes eternal truths are stated in the scriptures, and sometimes they are illustrated in the stories and lives of the people we read about. It can also be helpful to explore together the historical background of the verses you are reading, as well as the meaning of the verses and how they apply to us today.
Questions to Ponder: How do you identify eternal truths in the scriptures or words of prophets? How are those truths blessing your life? What are some ways you can help learners recognize and understand truths that will be meaningful to them and bring them closer to God?
We can help those we teach find and recognize truth for themselves.
One Sabbath day, the Savior and His disciples, feeling hungry, passed a field and started eating the grain. The Pharisees, always eager to emphasize the finer points of the law of Moses, pointed out that gathering grain was technically a form of work, which was forbidden on the Sabbath (see Mark 2:23–24). To use the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob’s phrase, the Pharisees were “looking beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). In other words, they were so focused on traditional interpretations of the commandments that they missed the divine purpose of those commandments—to draw us closer to God. In fact, the Pharisees didn’t even realize that the One who gave the commandment to honor the Sabbath was standing before them.
The Savior took this opportunity to testify of His divine identity and to teach why the Sabbath is important. It was created for us as a day to worship the Lord of the Sabbath, Jesus Christ Himself (see Mark 2:27–28). Such truths help us understand that God’s commandments are about more than just our outward behavior. They are meant to help us change our hearts and become more fully converted.
Carefully consider the doctrine and principles you decide to focus on. While there are many truths in the scriptures that can be discussed, it is best to focus on truths of the gospel that lead to conversion and build faith in Jesus Christ. The simple, basic truths the Savior taught and exemplified have the greatest power to change our lives—truths about His Atonement, the plan of salvation, the commandments to love God and love our neighbor, and so on. Invite the Spirit to bear witness of these truths, helping them go deep into the hearts of those you teach.
Questions to Ponder: What are some truths of the gospel that have helped you become more converted to Jesus Christ and have greater faith in Him? How has a teacher helped you focus on the most essential truths of the gospel? What can you teach that will help others become more deeply converted to Jesus Christ?
“This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them,” the Pharisees complained about Jesus—implying that this was not appropriate behavior for a spiritual teacher (Luke 15:2). Jesus saw that this was an opportunity to teach them some profound spiritual truths. How would He do it? How would He help the Pharisees see that it was their hearts—not His—that were impure and needed healing? How would He use His doctrine to show them that their thinking and behavior needed to change?
He did this by speaking to them of a sheep that wandered from the flock and of a coin that went missing. He spoke of a rebellious son who sought forgiveness and of an older brother who refused to receive him or eat with him. Each of these parables contained truths that were relevant to how the Pharisees viewed others, teaching them that every soul has great worth (see Luke 15). The Savior did not tell the Pharisees—or any of us—who to identify with in His parables. Sometimes we’re the anxious father. Sometimes we’re the envious brother. Often we’re the lost sheep or the foolish son. But whatever our circumstances, through His parables, the Savior invites us to find relevance in His teachings—to discover what He wants us to learn and what we may need to change in our own thinking and behavior.
You may notice that some learners don’t see why some truths matter to them. As you consider the needs of those you teach, think about how the truths in the scriptures could be meaningful and useful in their circumstances. One way you can help learners see the relevance of the truths they are discovering is by asking questions like “How can this help you with something you are experiencing now?” “Why is it important for you to know this?” “What difference can this make in your life?” Listen to those you teach. Allow them to ask questions. Encourage them to make connections between the Savior’s teachings and their own lives. You could also share how you have found relevance to your own life in what you are teaching. Doing this can invite the Spirit to teach learners individually how the doctrine can make a difference in their lives.
Questions to Ponder: What is it that makes gospel truths meaningful and useful to you? What helps you find personal relevance as you study the gospel? What are you doing to focus on truths that are relevant to those you teach?
Come, Follow Me Resources for Children: Old Testament 2026
July 27–August 2
You can use these additional resources for children to help teach from each week to study the Old Testament using Come, Follow Me. Choose whichever stories, activities, or videos work best for you.
Ezra 3:8–13 ; 6:16–22 — The house of the Lord is a place of joy.
To teach your children about the joy the Jews felt when their temple was rebuilt, you could show them a picture like the one below. Talk about why these people might be happy to be at the house of the Lord. You could also tell your children why the temple is a place of joy for you. How has the temple helped you feel closer to Heavenly Father and the Savior?
As you read Ezra 3:10–13 with your children, help them find words that show how the Jews felt when the temple was being rebuilt. When you get to the end of verse 13, maybe you could shout for joy together. Help your children think of reasons to be joyful that the Lord has given us temples. How can we show that joy?
Consider singing a song about the temple with your children, such as the second verse of “Welcome Home” (Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library). After each line, you could pause to ask a child to share something he or she loves about the temple. You might also look at pictures of temples while you sing.
Nehemiah 2:17–20 ; 6:1–9 — The Lord will help me do His “great work.”
Share with your children the story of Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9; or “Nehemiah” in Old Testament Stories, 173–74). As you read Nehemiah 2:20, you and your children could “arise” and pretend to help build the walls of Jerusalem. Or your children might enjoy building a wall with blocks or other objects. As they do, you could help them think of important things Heavenly Father wants us to do.
As you read Nehemiah 6:9, invite your children to raise their hands when they hear you say “strengthen my hands.” Tell the children about a time when you felt God strengthen your hands to do His work.
Nehemiah 8:1–12 — The scriptures are a blessing.
Read aloud some phrases from Nehemiah 8:2–3, 5–6, 8–9, 12 that describe what the people did when they heard Ezra read the scriptures. As you read, your children could act out these phrases. Then you could share with each other how you feel when you read or hear the scriptures.
As you read together Nehemiah 8:8, you could ask your children what helps them understand the scriptures. Show them how to use scripture study aids like the Guide to the Scriptures and Topics and Questions (Gospel Library). Invite your children to share something they have learned about the Savior from the scriptures.
Look for eternal truth in the scriptures. “The scriptures … are filled with gospel truths, but sometimes it takes conscious effort to find them. As you are learning together from the scriptures, stop and ask those you teach what gospel truths they notice. Help them see how these truths relate to Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. Sometimes eternal truths are stated in the scriptures, and sometimes they are illustrated in the stories and lives of the people we read about. It can also be helpful to explore together the historical background of the verses you are reading, as well as the meaning of the verses and how they apply to us today” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 22).
For more, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
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