Bible Study Lessons 12
Lesson 12 Lesson Objectives 1. To finish reading the Old Testament (from Ezra to Malachi) and to read with understanding. 2. To understand the broad outlines of the history of Israel in light of God's covenant with Abraham. 3. To appreciate the crucial importance of God's everlasting covenant with David. Lesson Outline I. After the Exile a. Restoration and Rebuilding b. Persecution and Revolt c. Hasmonean Times d. The Consolation of Israel II. Study Questions for Lesson 12 I. After the Exile a. Restoration and Rebuilding Jeremiah prophesied that the exile in Babylon would last 70 years (see Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10). It actually lasted a little more than half that long. In 538 B.C. Babylon was defeated by the Persians, led by King Cyrus. Cyrus issued an edict to let God's people return to Jerusalem and even helped fund the rebuilding of the Temple destroyed by Nebuchadnezzer (see Ezra...