From 998e32be0351451e994c48ea149f47263cb55bcd Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: theologyjohn Date: Mon, 24 May 2021 16:21:52 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Added folder structure --- ezr/01/intro.md | 22 ---------------------- ezr/02/intro.md | 13 ------------- ezr/03/intro.md | 17 ----------------- ezr/04/intro.md | 17 ----------------- ezr/05/intro.md | 17 ----------------- ezr/06/intro.md | 21 --------------------- ezr/07/intro.md | 17 ----------------- ezr/08/intro.md | 13 ------------- ezr/09/intro.md | 13 ------------- ezr/10/intro.md | 13 ------------- ezr/front/intro.md | 39 --------------------------------------- neh/01/intro.md | 27 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ neh/02/intro.md | 23 +++++++++++++++++++++++ neh/03/intro.md | 16 ++++++++++++++++ neh/04/intro.md | 19 +++++++++++++++++++ neh/05/intro.md | 17 +++++++++++++++++ neh/06/intro.md | 20 ++++++++++++++++++++ neh/07/intro.md | 17 +++++++++++++++++ neh/08/intro.md | 18 ++++++++++++++++++ neh/09/intro.md | 24 ++++++++++++++++++++++++ neh/10/intro.md | 18 ++++++++++++++++++ neh/11/intro.md | 14 ++++++++++++++ neh/12/intro.md | 14 ++++++++++++++ neh/13/intro.md | 14 ++++++++++++++ neh/front/intro.md | 45 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 25 files changed, 286 insertions(+), 202 deletions(-) delete mode 100644 ezr/01/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/02/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/03/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/04/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/05/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/06/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/07/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/08/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/09/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/10/intro.md delete mode 100644 ezr/front/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/01/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/02/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/03/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/04/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/05/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/06/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/07/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/08/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/09/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/10/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/11/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/12/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/13/intro.md create mode 100644 neh/front/intro.md diff --git a/ezr/01/intro.md b/ezr/01/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index d9326e9..0000000 --- a/ezr/01/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,22 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 01 General Notes - -### Structure and formatting - -The chapter records the story of the first Jews as they return from Persia to Judea. - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### King Cyrus -King Cyrus allowed them to return because he wanted them to rebuild the temple. Those who stayed behind gave gifts to those who left to help them on their journey and resettlement. This practice was common under the reign of Cyrus and was used as a way to maintain peace throughout his kingdom. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) - -### Possible translation difficulties in this chapter -#### Jews -Upon return to Judea, the focus of the rest of the Old Testament is on the Jewish people. - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 01:01 Notes](./01.md)__ -* __[Ezra intro](../front/intro.md)__ - -__| [>>](../02/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/02/intro.md b/ezr/02/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index 0f99c1a..0000000 --- a/ezr/02/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 02 General Notes - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### Genealogy -People had to prove they were priests, or that they were Jews, through their genealogies. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]]) - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 02:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../01/intro.md) | [>>](../03/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/03/intro.md b/ezr/03/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index c770291..0000000 --- a/ezr/03/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 03 General Notes - -### Structure and formatting - -This chapter begins the story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of worship in the new temple. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### Rebuilding the temple -They immediately began the temple worship, even though the temple had not yet been built because they feared the people of the surrounding nations. - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 03:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../02/intro.md) | [>>](../04/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/04/intro.md b/ezr/04/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index a0c8998..0000000 --- a/ezr/04/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 04 General Notes - -### Structure and formatting - -The story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship continues in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### Helping to build the temple -The people of the surrounding nations offered to help to build the temple. It is unknown why the Jews refused their help. These other people became their enemies and tried to hinder the work. They even persuaded the king of Persia to stop the Jews from building. - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 04:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../03/intro.md) | [>>](../05/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/05/intro.md b/ezr/05/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index 2e89a80..0000000 --- a/ezr/05/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 05 General Notes - -### Structure and formatting - -The story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship continues in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### Rebuilding the temple -The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the Jews to begin again building the temple. This was very important to life in Judah. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]]) - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 05:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../04/intro.md) | [>>](../06/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/06/intro.md b/ezr/06/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index f47a8fc..0000000 --- a/ezr/06/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,21 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 06 General Notes - -### Structure and formatting - -The completion of the story of the building of the temple and re-establishment of the temple worship occurs in this chapter. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### Temple taxes -The king said the Jews were right and ordered money from his taxes to be used to help them with their sacrifices. - -### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter -#### Darius -In this chapter, Darius is called the king of Assyria. In reality, besides ruling over the former Assyrian Empire, Darius was also king of Persia. Persia had conquered Babylon, which had previously conquered Assyria. This made the king of Persia, the king of Assyria as well. It was unusual to refer to Darius as the king or ruler of Assyria. Ezra may have referred to him in this way to contrast Darius' actions with those of the former rulers of Assyria, who had treated the Jews very cruelly. It was those earlier Assyrian rulers who had conquered the northern tribes of Israel and deported them to other lands. It was for this reasons that the northern tribes lost their identity and were no longer a distinct people group. - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 06:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../05/intro.md) | [>>](../07/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/07/intro.md b/ezr/07/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index dfee19e..0000000 --- a/ezr/07/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,17 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 07 General Notes - -### Structure and formatting - -Ezra begins his religious reforms. - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### God's Law -The people no longer know the law of Moses. Therefore, the king allows Ezra to return to Judea to teach the people about God's law. Many people go with him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]]) - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 07:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../06/intro.md) | [>>](../08/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/08/intro.md b/ezr/08/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index 4727956..0000000 --- a/ezr/08/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 08 General Notes - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### The people's return to Judah -Many people went back to Judah with Ezra. They trusted God to protect them and the precious items they carried with them, which had been given for the temple. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]]) - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 08:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../07/intro.md) | [>>](../09/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/09/intro.md b/ezr/09/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index cb9bad2..0000000 --- a/ezr/09/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 09 General Notes - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### Intermarriage -When Ezra found out that many Jews had married Gentile wives, he prayed to God and asked God why he had been so good to them by letting these few people return from captivity even though they sinned by marrying Gentile wives. They did this before and God had punished them for it. God forbid this type of marriage because it caused the people to worship other gods. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]]) - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 09:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../08/intro.md) | [>>](../10/intro.md)__ - diff --git a/ezr/10/intro.md b/ezr/10/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index 82f4d17..0000000 --- a/ezr/10/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,13 +0,0 @@ -# Ezra 10 General Notes - -### Special concepts in this chapter - -#### Intermarriages -The people agree to divorce their Gentile wives. Many Jews were involved in these mixed marriages. Divorce should not normally have been common for the Jews to engage in, but marriage with non-Jewish women was not allowed. - -## Links: - -* __[Ezra 10:01 Notes](./01.md)__ - -__[<<](../09/intro.md) | __ - diff --git a/ezr/front/intro.md b/ezr/front/intro.md deleted file mode 100644 index fb2c95b..0000000 --- a/ezr/front/intro.md +++ /dev/null @@ -1,39 +0,0 @@ -# Introduction to Ezra - -## Part 1: General Introduction - -### Outline of Ezra - -1. The first Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem from Persia (1:1–2:70) -1. The people rebuild and dedicate the temple in Jerusalem (3:1–6:22) -1. More exiles return; Ezra teaches the Law of Yahweh (7:1-8:36) -1. The problem of the people marrying foreigners, and how it is solved (9:1–10:44) - -### What is the Book of Ezra about? - -The Book of Ezra is about how the people of Israel returned from Babylon and tried to worship Yahweh again as the law required. To do this they needed to rebuild their temple so they could sacrifice to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) - -### How should the title of this book be translated? - -The Book of Ezra is named for the priest Ezra who led the first group of Jews out of exile and back to Judah. Translators can use the traditional title "Ezra." Or they might choose a clearer title, such as "The Book about Ezra." - -## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts - -### Why were Israelites not allowed to marry people from other nations? - -Foreigners worshiped many false gods. Yahweh did not allow his people to marry foreigners. He knew this would cause the people of Israel to worship false gods. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]]) - -### Did all of the people of Israel return to their homeland? - -Many of the Jews remained in Babylon instead of returning to the Promised Land. Many of them were successful in Babylon and desired to remain there. However, this meant that they were unable to worship Yahweh in Jerusalem as their ancestors had done. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]]) - -## Part 3: Important Translation Issues - -### How does the Book of Ezra use the term "Israel"? - -The Book of Ezra uses the term "Israel" to refer to the kingdom of Judah. It was mostly made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The other ten tribes had ended their loyalty to any kings descended from David. God allowed the Assyrians to conquer the other ten tribes and take them into exile. As a result, they mixed with other people groups and did not return to the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/israel]]) - -### Are the events in the Book of Ezra told in the order that they actually happened? - -Some of the events in the Book of Ezra are not told in the order they actually happened. Translators should pay attention to notes that signal when events are probably out of order. - diff --git a/neh/01/intro.md b/neh/01/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e66978f --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/01/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,27 @@ +# Nehemiah 01 General Notes + +### Structure and formatting + +#### "The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:" +This phrase serves as an introduction to this entire book. + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Repentance +This chapter is a single long record of Nehemiah's repentance on behalf of the people. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]]) + +### Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter + +#### I +While the author of this book is probably Ezra, the word "I" always refers to Nehemiah. + +#### Israel +It is uncertain to whom "Israel" refers. It probably does not refer to the northern kingdom of Israel. Neither does it likely refer to the twelve tribes of Israel. Instead, it is probably a reference to Israel in the sense of the surviving people group. At Nehemiah's time, this people group exclusively comprised the tribe of Judah because the other tribes had already been scattered throughout the entire Near East, where they lost their identity, for the most part. + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 01:01 Notes](./01.md)__ +* __[Nehemiah intro](../front/intro.md)__ + +__| [>>](../02/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/02/intro.md b/neh/02/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3552518 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/02/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,23 @@ +# Nehemiah 02 General Notes + +### Structure and formatting + +This chapter begins the account of the construction of the wall. Many scholars believe these chapters teach valuable lessons on leadership ([Nehemiah 2-6](./01.md)). + +#### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Nehemiah's character +Apparently, Nehemiah's character made an impression on the king. It was very unusual for a king to be so concerned with one of his servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]]) + +#### Cultural Customs +In ancient Persia, they thought it was important for their conquered peoples to practice their own cultural customs. It was thought that this independence promoted peace in their vast kingdom. The rebuilding of Jerusalem may have been seen as a way to allow for the Jewish cultural practices. + +#### Yahweh's control +Yahweh is seen as very powerful. He is able to provide for his people, even through a foreign king. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/peopleofgod]]) + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 02:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../01/intro.md) | [>>](../03/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/03/intro.md b/neh/03/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..02f628d --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/03/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,16 @@ +# Nehemiah 03 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Priests +The priests worked on rebuilding the city. Normally, the priests were exempt from this type of work. Because they helped, it emphasizes that this is a holy work and something done for Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-explicit]]) + +#### Cooperation +Everyone worked on this project. Many names are mentioned to emphasize the cooperation between the different families. Each was given a section of the wall to rebuild. + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 03:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../02/intro.md) | [>>](../04/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/04/intro.md b/neh/04/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..818d583 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/04/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,19 @@ +# Nehemiah 04 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Dedication +The people were so dedicated to rebuilding the walls that they worked with their weapons ready for battle right next to them. Even when they were threatened with an attack, they continued to trust in Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]]) + +### Important figures of speech in this chapter + +#### Rhetorical Questions + +Sanballat uses a series of rhetorical questions. These are intended to show his intense anger against the Israelites. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rquestion]]) + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 04:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../03/intro.md) | [>>](../05/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/05/intro.md b/neh/05/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..33437db --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/05/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,17 @@ +# Nehemiah 05 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Equality + +The rich made money from the poor. The rich oppressed the poor by charging interest on loans. Because Nehemiah wanted to treat everyone fairly, he did not collect any taxes from them. This chapter also emphasizes that it was wrong to enslave a fellow Jew. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/oppress]]) + +#### Governor +Nehemiah was a governmental leader in Jerusalem, but he was not a king. Jerusalem had a great deal of independence, but it was under the authority of the Persian king. The term "governor" reflects this idea, but a different term may be used in translation. + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 05:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../04/intro.md) | [>>](../06/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/06/intro.md b/neh/06/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8f19be6 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/06/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,20 @@ +# Nehemiah 06 General Notes + +### Structure and formatting + +The building of the wall is completed in this chapter. + +The ULB sets the lines in 6:6-7 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are part of a long quotation. + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Miracle + +Completing this city wall in only fifty-two days was considered proof that God had helped the Jews, especially given the opposition that they had experienced from the people in surrounding areas. + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 06:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../05/intro.md) | [>>](../07/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/07/intro.md b/neh/07/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..78786e5 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/07/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,17 @@ +# Nehemiah 07 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Genealogy + +The people who returned from Persia were counted according to their families. Nehemiah ensured that those who lived in Jerusalem had a completely Jewish ancestry. + +#### Different lists +This list is paralleled in [Ezra 2](../../ezr/02/01.md). The lists do contain some differences in numbers. This is probably due to the timing of their counting. They were likely counted at different times. + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 07:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../06/intro.md) | [>>](../08/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/08/intro.md b/neh/08/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..959ddb5 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/08/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,18 @@ +# Nehemiah 08 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Reading of the law + +During the exile, the Hebrew language was no longer spoken. Only the priests and Levites still understood it. Ezra read the book of the law to the people in Hebrew and the Levites walked among the crowd translating it into Aramaic for the people to understand. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/priest]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]]) + +#### Festival of Shelters + +After they heard Ezra read the law of Moses, the people obeyed it by making temporary shelters for themselves with tree branches. They did this to remember that their ancestors slept in shelters when they came out of slavery in Egypt. + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 08:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../07/intro.md) | [>>](../09/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/09/intro.md b/neh/09/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9edff4c --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/09/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,24 @@ +# Nehemiah 09 General Notes + +### Structure and formatting + +This chapter and the next one form a single section. + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Prayer to God + +The people prayed and thanked God for his care for them and the blessings he gave to them. They also confessed their sin of disobeying him. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/confess]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]]) + +#### Learning from their ancestor's mistakes +This chapter teaches that the Jews learned from the mistakes of their ancestors. They became determined to worship Yahweh alone, to not intermarry with other peoples, and to worship Yahweh as the law of Moses instructed them. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]]) + +#### Recalling the great power of God +It was common to recall the great things God did for Israel. This is a reminder to Israel of God's power. It is intended to bring the people to repentance and proper worship of Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]]) + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 09:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../08/intro.md) | [>>](../10/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/10/intro.md b/neh/10/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8fc9db4 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/10/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,18 @@ +# Nehemiah 10 General Notes + +### Structure and formatting + +This chapter concludes the passage beginning in chapter 9. + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### The vow + +By signing this document, the people vowed or agreed to obey God, not to buy things on the Sabbath and to pay their temple tax. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/vow]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]]) + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 10:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../09/intro.md) | [>>](../11/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/11/intro.md b/neh/11/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bb2cbce --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/11/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,14 @@ +# Nehemiah 11 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### The places where the Jews lived + +Some people lived in Jerusalem, but most people lived in villages and towns away from Jerusalem. They lived there in order to farm the land raise their animals. The city with its walls was there to provide all of the people with protection if enemies attacked them. + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 11:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../10/intro.md) | [>>](../12/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/12/intro.md b/neh/12/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f265e18 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/12/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,14 @@ +# Nehemiah 12 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Dedication of the wall + +In the ancient Near East, it was common to dedicate an important structure to a god. When it was completed, the wall was dedicated to Yahweh. Long lists of people are present, indicating that "everyone" was present for this and praised Yahweh. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]]) + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 12:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../11/intro.md) | [>>](../13/intro.md)__ + diff --git a/neh/13/intro.md b/neh/13/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5a58d89 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/13/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,14 @@ +# Nehemiah 13 General Notes + +### Special concepts in this chapter + +#### Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem + +Nehemiah was eager to make sure that the Jews kept their promise to obey the law. When he returned from Persia, he found many things wrong: one of the store rooms in the temple had been converted into a guest room for Tobiah, the Levites had not received their portions for working in the temple, people were working on the Sabbath, and many had married heathen wives. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promise]], [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/temple]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/sabbath]]) + +## Links: + +* __[Nehemiah 13:01 Notes](./01.md)__ + +__[<<](../12/intro.md) | __ + diff --git a/neh/front/intro.md b/neh/front/intro.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5a18900 --- /dev/null +++ b/neh/front/intro.md @@ -0,0 +1,45 @@ +# Introduction to Nehemiah + +## Part 1: General Introduction + +### Outline of Nehemiah + +1. Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem and inspects the walls (1:1-2:20) +1. The people rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (3:1-4:23) +1. Nehemiah helps the poor and provides an unselfish example (5:1–19) +1. Enemies try to slow down the work, but the people finish the walls (6:1–19) +1. Nehemiah lists the people who returned from exile (7:6–73) +1. Ezra reads the Law of Yahweh and the people respond (8:1-10:39) +1. Nehemiah lists the people who lived in and around Jerusalem (11:1–36) +1. Nehemiah lists the priests and Levites (12:1–26) +1. The people dedicate the walls of Jerusalem (12:27–47) +1. Nehemiah corrects problems (13:1–31) + +### What is the Book of Nehemiah about? + +A Jew named Nehemiah lived in Persia and worked for King Artaxerxes. Nehemiah received a report that the walls around Jerusalem were broken down. Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to help rebuild the city walls. The walls around the city helped protect the city against armies and invaders. + +### How should the title of this book be translated? + +The Book of Nehemiah is named for a Jewish leader named Nehemiah. Translators can use the traditional title "Nehemiah." Or they may choose a clearer title, such as "The Book about Nehemiah." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/translate-names]]) + +## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts + +### Why were Israelites not allowed to marry people from other nations? + +Foreigners worshiped many false gods. Yahweh did not allow his people to marry foreigners. He knew this would cause the people of Israel to worship false gods. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/falsegod]]) + +### Did all of the people of Israel return to their homeland? + +Many of the Jews remained in Babylon instead of returning to the Promised Land. Many of them were successful in Babylon and desired to remain there. However, this meant that they were unable to worship Yahweh in Jerusalem as their ancestors had done. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/promisedland]]) + +## Part 3: Important Translation Issues + +### How does the Book of Nehemiah use the term "Israel"? + +The Book of Nehemiah uses the term "Israel" to refer to the kingdom of Judah. It was mostly made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. The other ten tribes had ended their loyalty to any kings descended from David. God allowed the Assyrians to conquer the other ten tribes and take them into exile. As a result, they mixed with other people groups and did not return to the land of Israel. (See: [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/israel]]) + +### Are the events in the Book of Nehemiah told in the order that they actually happened? + +Some of the events in the Book of Nehemiah are not told in the order they actually happened. Translators should pay attention to notes that signal when events are probably out of order. +