Random Thoughts

Judgement and Covenant Renewal God speaks through Malachi and encourages Israel to follow the laws of Moses. There is a promise that Elijah will appear before the final Day of the Lord

Malachi prophesies the coming of the LORD’s servant who will purify like a refiner’s fire. Breaking Covenant by Withholding Tithes Israel asks what they have done and God answers that they have not honored God or given what He has requested. Israel Speaks Arrogantly Against God Israel asks what is the point and God answers…

Additional Warning to the Priests Malachi warns that the priests have not remained faithful to the house of Levi and their word is no longer trusted because they are not speaking God’s word. Breaking the Covenant Through Divorce Malachi confronts the injustice of unfaithfulness and divorce among Israel Breaking the Covenant Through Injustice Malachi addresses…

Israel Doubts God’s Love Israel questions if God really loves them and God answers through Malachi that He has always loved them and that His sovereignty rules over the entire earth. Breaking Covenant Through Blemished Sacrifices Malachi reveals that Israel has been unfaithful through saying one thing and doing another. They became more concerned with…

Nehemiah’s Final Reforms Nehemiah learns that Tobias has been giving a storeroom in the temple while he was gone. When he returns, he kicks him out. He also ensures there is no selling of goods on the Sabbath by keeping the gates closed and allowing no one to enter the city.

Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem Nehemiah details the celebration of the completion of the wall and the musical details. The people closely followed the pattern set out by David regarding worship.

The Priests and the Levites This lists the names of the priests and Levites who served in Jerusalem.

The New Residents of Jerusalem The people cast lots to see who would inhabit the city of Jerusalem. For the most part, administrators and those who would work in the temple would live in the city while others would live in their ancestral tribes of Judah and Benjamin outside the city walls.

This chapter lists all the people who signed the proclamation and describes how they are committing to bring their tithes into the temple to provide for the priests and. Levites.

The Israelites Confess Their Sins After hearing Ezra read the Law of Moses our loud in front of the Water Gate, the Israelites confess their sins to the LORD and praise Him for His great works in delivering them from Egypt into the Promised Land. The Agreement of the People After hearing the law, the…