On December 4th, we had our lesson on Exhile and Return. We ask you to read the scriptures and take a look at the lesson focus, key words and the highlights. Then, click on the comment section and answer the big question. For comments, you can choose annonymous and oplace first or last name or initials and we will record it; thanks.
Exile and Return
Bible Text:
Ezekiel 5:5–8; 36:22–32; Zechariah 1:1–6
Lesson Focus:
Even when we feel separated, God always welcomes us back.
Big Question:
How can I be sure that God is really with me?
Key Words:
EXILE, BABYLON, JERUSALEM, FAITHFULNESS, PROPHET
Definitions of Key Words
EXILE: removal from one's homeland for an extended period of time. God's people were in exile for more than 50 years.
BABYLON: a city in the area now known as Iraq, between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. King Nebuchadnezzar exiled several thousand of God's people from their homes in Jerusalem to Babylon from 597 to 539 B.C.E.
JERUSALEM: the home of God's people and the city where they returned after the Exile.
FAITHFULNESS: the demonstration of loyalty or allegiance. God remained faithful to God's people, even while they were exiled in Babylon. God's people also demonstrated their faithfulness to God during this time.
PROPHET: a person who is called by God to preach and speak fearlessly for God.
Quick Overview
The Babylonian exile of the Jews from their homeland was a turning point in the life of God's people, reshaping them for new life with God. This forced exile happened over several years and lasted for about 60 years.
The prophets who served during the exile and the return emphasized God's presence and purpose among the people and in all events—even painful and tragic ones. Ezekiel recalled the people to a life dedicated to Yahweh.
The release from exile came in stages, beginning with the edict of Persian King Cyrus in 538 B.C.E. that allowed exiles to return and reestablish their worship of God.
Ezra and Nehemiah were concerned with religious reform, organizing the returning community around Torah, and rebuilding the temple. Both Ezra (a priest) and Nehemiah (a political leader) had a strong sense of God's working in history and God's ability to use whomever God wills.
The prophets of the post-exilic period (including Ezekiel and Zechariah) laid the basis in language and imagery for the development of biblical apocalyptic writing. Unlike much popular apocalyptic literature today, biblical apocalyptic literature was written to reassure oppressed people of God's power and abiding presence and mercy.
To know that god is there you just need to believe he is there. The lesson is about god saying that he would help the Isrealites to get through their exile and he will help us get through anything.
ReplyDeleteKelby s.
Thanks, its hayden m. I read through the section!
ReplyDeleteBelieve in god and he will do things for you return.
ReplyDeleteIt is written, that god will always have unconditional love for his followers. But we have to initate, and take the first step, in order to get to where we want to be in our relationship with jesus christ.
ReplyDelete-Matt VanOsdol
God will always be there for you. Even when it feels like he isn't he is always there and you are never alone.
ReplyDeleteAmy Foresman
I can be sure becaused all the good and bad things in my life have been because of god and when I am upset, I know he will help me.
ReplyDeleteOlivia Jacobs
God is our guider through the struggles we face in our lifetime and he is always there, even when you don't need him. God is always in your presence.
ReplyDelete- Joe Van Hoosen