The Chronicler's History

Question 0

What elements of Ezra/Nehemiah and Chronicles lead us to believe that they are a single, intentional narrative?

Answer 0

1. Literary clue
   - tail-head linkage or inclusion
2. Common themes
   
   • the temple as a major theme
   • celebration of Passover as part of right of worship
   • the priority of the written word is a theme

Question 1

While the modern consensus is that Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles are separate works with different emphases, our operating assumption is that they are______?

Answer 1

A single, intentional narrative.

Question 2

What are the major themes of Chronicles?

Answer 2

The people of God
The institutions of God
The blessings of God

Question 3

What is the basic outline of Chronicles?

Answer 3

1. Continuity with the Past (1 Chr 1-9)
2. The glorious united monarchy (1 Chr 10 - 2 Chr 9)
3. Retribution in the Divided Monarchy (2 Chr 10-28)

Question 4

In chronicles Manasseh is portrayed as the best example of a sinner experiencing Gods’s restoration. How is his story presented?

Answer 4

1. Manasseh’s sin
2. Manasseh’s judgement and exile
3. Manasseh’s repentance
4. Manasseh’s restoration
5. Manasseh’s reign

Question 5

The unity of Ezra/Nehemiah is:

Answer 5

Treated as one in ancient tradition and was divided in two later on

Question 6

What is the basic outline of Ezra/Nehemiah?

Answer 6

1. Return of the Exiles and rebuilding of the temple
2. Return of Ezra and rebuilding of the community
3. Return of Nehemiah and rebuilding of the wall.
4. Return of the exiles and rebuilding of the community

Question 7

What are the major themes of Ezra/Nehemiah?

Answer 7

1. The rebuilding of God’s house is Gods’s objective
2. The people of God as a whole, not just the great leaders are vital for accomplishing this objective
3. The written word is a powerful force used by God to accomplish his objective

Question 8

What is the purpose statement of Ezra/Nehemiah?

Answer 8

God works sovereignly through responsible human agents to accomplish his objective

Question 9

What is the key concluding text for Ezra/Nehemiah?

Answer 9

Ezra 7:10

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

Question 10

According to Ezra what is the key to success in ministry?

Answer 10

Determination

Question 11

According to Ezra what are the three steps (parts) of determination?

Answer 11

Determination to study the word
Determination to live the word
Determination to teach the word