Lesson Ten - 1&2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah
“It has been taught: R. Yose says, ‘I was once traveling on the road, and I entered into one of the ruins of Jerusalem in order to pray. Elijah of blessed memory appeared and waited for me at the door till I finished my prayer. After I finished my prayer, he said to me: “Peace be with you, my master!” and I replied: “Peace be with you, my master and teacher!” And he said to me: “My son, why did you go into this ruin?” I replied: “To pray.” He said to me: “You ought to have prayed on the road.” I replied: “I feared lest passers-by might interrupt me.” He said to me: “You ought to have said an abbreviated prayer”... He further said to me: “My son, what sound did you hear in this ruin?” I replied: “I heard a bat kol [divine voice], cooing like a dove, and saying: ‘Woe to the children, on account of whose sins I destroyed My House and burnt My Temple and exiled them among the nations of the world!’ And he said to me: “By your life and by your head! Not in this moment alone does it so exclaim, but thrice each day does it exclaim thus! And more than that, whenever the Israelites go into the synagogues and schoolhouses and respond: ‘y’hay sh’mayh raba m’varach [May His great name be blessed!]’ the Holy One, blessed be He, nods His head and says: ‘Happy is the king who is thus praised in this house! Woe to the father who had to banish his children, and woe to the children who had to be banished from the table of their father!’”’”
b.Berachot 3a
Introduction
- These three books will close out the “Writings” section of the TaNaKh. 2Chronicles is the last book of the TaNaKh.
- They do carry a common theme, which we have seen before – all related to redemption in a specific way: the fulfillment of the blessings and curses found in Deuteronomy – and the fulfillment of G-d’s eternal plan of redemption, with Israel as His star performer – with Jerusalem and the Holy Temple as center stage.
1&2 Chronicles
- The first 8 chapters of 1Chronicles are a genealogy. It is as if to explain what is going to unfold in the following chapters.
- 1Chron 9:1: through ups and downs a predominate message will be conveyed: starting with David’s faithfulness, and the Covenant of Salt given to him and his house; a quick descent into unfaithfulness.
- 2Chron 7:11-22: “The Place” – there is no other “place” of holiness on earth. This is where His Name will always be. This passage prophesies of the destruction of the First Temple right after it was completed.
- 2Chron 36:21-23: This, and 2Chron 7:11 are the focus of 1&2 Chronicles. Driven to Babylon for 70 years because of sin – but recalled and restored to the Land – and the restoration of the Holy Temple.
Ezra and the Great Assembly
- The book of Ezra deals with the return to Jerusalem and Judea from Babylon after the 70 years. The focus is the return of the people to obedience.
- Ezra 1:1-8; Is 44:26-28: Cyrus the Persian decreed the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem.
- Ezra 9:1-10:3: Revival in the Land, and a return to obedience to G-d’s Torah.
- A significant turning point for Israel’s destiny happened under the leadership of Ezra and the Great Assembly.
Nehemiah
- The book of Nehemiah is concurrent with Ezra. It tells of the same revival in Jerusalem and Judea, and a return to the Torah.
- Neh 8:1-18: Sukkot – a time of joy. The Torah taught as it was always intended to be taught.
- Neh 10:28-33: An example of true repentance – not a change in mind, but a change in deed. They decided to obey.
- Neh 13:15-22: From the time of Ezra/Nehemiah, the Sabbath has been guarded as holy.
Second Temple Judaism
- The history from the end of 2Chronicles through Ezra and Nehemiah until the destruction of the Holy Temple in 70 CE is called the “Second Temple” period. The form and practice of Judaism became clearly discernable. National idolatry, as formerly practiced, would never plague Israel again.
- Many of the Siddur prayers, and many of the traditions come from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. Their passion for obedience and fidelity to HaShem were so powerful, and the repentance of the people so real, that their effects are felt to this day.
Summary
- 1&2Chronicles explains why the First Temple was destroyed. Ezra and Nehemiah detail the construction of the Second Temple – and the true repentance of the people.
- In these books it is all about the Presence of HaShem – amongst a people, and in a real Place.
“Be favorable, HaShem, our G-d, toward Your people Israel and their prayer and restore the service to the Holy of Holies of Your Temple. The fire-offerings of Israel and their prayer accept with love and favor, and may the service of Your people Israel always be favorable to You. May our eyes behold Your return to Zion in compassion. Blessed are You, HaShem, Who restores His Presence to Zion.”
-- Avodah, from the Shemoneh Esrei prayer.