The Message of Ezra & Haggai

Few sermons or Bible studies focus on Ezra or Haggai, two brief Old Testament books named for relatively unknown figures. But the message of both of these books--their emphasis on building for God, obedience to his Word, and openness to his Spirit--is one that needs to be heard clearly today. In this Bible Speaks Today volume, Robert Fyall's pairing of Ezra with Haggai enhances our appreciation of each. The background to the books is the exile of Judah to Babylon and the return from exile following the edict of Cyrus. Ezra narrates the history of the period, while Haggai records a prophet's exhortation to the people who had ceased building the temple because of external opposition and internal failure of nerve. Throughout these chapters we see how the greater purposes of God provide encouragement to God's people in dispiriting times. Fyall highlights parallels between the challenges Israel faced and those of today's church, demonstrating the relevance of the books of Ezra and Haggai for God's people in all times. With passage-by-passage exposition of the biblical text, this resource will be helpful for pastors, teachers, and anyone who wants to dive deeper into these seldom-discussed Old Testament books. This revised edition of a classic volume features lightly updated language and Scripture quotations with a new interior design.

Robert Fyall is senior tutor in ministry for the Cornhill Training Course (Scotland). Formerly director of Rutherford House, a research, training, and publishing center in Scotland for church leaders, he also taught Old Testament at St. John's College in Durham, England, in addition to pastoring a church there.