The book of Ezra dealt with the remnant that returned to Jerusalem. They returned to the promised land under Zerubbabel to rebuild the temple, then again under Ezra to rebuild the community and teach the word of God. Ezra brought forth a divorce decree. It was prophesied 200 years prior that these things would take place. All of the tribes were to come together to rebuild the temple and community.
Nehemiah was a scholar, a wise man. He was of Israel but was raised in exile and became a prominent figure in the Persian Court. His brother told him about Jerusalem’s walls and gates, and it bothers him so much that the king asked Nehemiah what was wrong. The king allowed Nehemiah to return to the promised land to rebuilt the city walls. Ezra and Nehemiah join forces to teach the word of God for 7 days and celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles where people demonstrated a change of heart and repentance. After the revival, Nehemiah found that people were violating the word of God and the vows they spoke during repentance.
