Persian Empire and Jewish Return

Nehemiah's primary objective was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, strengthening the city and providing protection for its inhabitants. This act also strengthened the Persian Empire by securing a key strategic location.

Sanballat, a Samaritan leader, opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He saw this project as a threat to his own power and influence, and actively conspired against the Jews.

Ezra was a religious leader and scholar sent to Jerusalem to help restore Jewish practices and strengthen the community's religious identity. He emphasized adherence to Torah laws and established Jewish courts.

Ezra strongly opposed intermarriage with non-Jews, particularly with Babylonians and Persians. He saw this practice as a threat to the purity of Jewish lineage and faith.

The Great Gathering was a significant event where Ezra read the Torah to the assembled Jews. This public reading of the law led to remorse, renewed commitment to following the Torah, and the formation of a covenant of faith.

The Covenant of Faith was a pledge made by the Jewish people at the Great Gathering, committing to uphold God's laws. This covenant included prohibitions on intermarriage, buying goods on the Sabbath, and ensuring temple taxes were paid.

Ezra significantly influenced Jewish life by bringing back the Torah, establishing Jewish courts, standardizing Hebrew script, and promoting renewed devotion to Jewish practices.

Nehemiah discovered that poor Jews were selling their land to wealthy Jews to pay for food, creating an unequal system. He addressed this issue by challenging this practice and promoting social justice.

Ezra was granted significant authority by the Persian King. He was empowered to lead the Jewish community, establish legal systems, and ensure adherence to religious laws.

Nehemiah was a political leader who focused on rebuilding Jerusalem and maintaining peace. He prioritized practical solutions and worked to improve the lives of the Jewish people.

The Persian king who conquered Babylon in 539 BCE, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. He is often considered a liberator by the Jews.

A clay cylinder inscribed with Cyrus's declaration of religious freedom and his commitment to returning exiles to their homelands. It is considered a significant document for understanding Cyrus's policies.

A Hebrew word that means 'anointed one,' usually referring to a messianic figure. In the context of Cyrus, it's used as an honorary title, recognizing his role in freeing the Jews.

The return of the Jews to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile in 538 BCE, led by Zerubavel and Sheshbezar. This was made possible by Cyrus the Great's decree.

A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the return from exile and in the initial rebuilding of the temple. He was a direct descendant of the royal line of Judah.

A psalm that expresses joy and gratitude at the return from Babylonian exile, celebrating the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the restoration of Jewish life.

A group of people living in Samaria, who claimed a shared ancestry with the Israelites but had different religious practices. They initially offered to help rebuild the temple, but later opposed the Jews.

The return of more than 42,000 Jews to Jerusalem in 522 BCE, following a period of rebuilding and facing new challenges like Torah familiarity and Samaritan hostility.

A Jewish governor who led the third round of redemption (circa - 460 to 440 BCE) and played a significant role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. He was initially a cupbearer to the Persian King.

The return of Jews to Jerusalem led by Nehemiah in the 5th century BCE, focused on rebuilding the city walls and restoring Jewish life in Jerusalem.