Larson Knute - Holman Old Testament Commentary: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther

Holman Old Testament Commentary

2005 Broadman & Holman Publishers

Nashville, Tennessee

All rights reserved

Bible versions used in this book:

Unless otherwise stated all Scripture citation is from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All Rights Reserved. The "NIV" and "New International Version" trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society. The King James Verion

ISBN: 978-0-8054-9469-3

Dewey Decimal Classification:

Subject Heading: BIBLE. O.T. EZRA, NEHEMIAH, ESTHER

Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther / Knute Larson and Kathy E. Dahlen

P.cm.(Holman Old Testament commentary)

Includes bibliographical references. (p. ).

ISBN

I. Bible. EzraCommentaries.I. Title.II.Series.

dc21

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1321 11 10 09

Today's church hungers for Bible teaching, and Bible teachers hunger for resources to guide them in teaching God's Word. The Holman Old Testament Commentary provides the church with the food to feed the spiritually hungry in an easily digestible format. The result: new spiritual vitality that the church can readily use.

Bible teaching should result in new interest in the Scriptures, expanded Bible knowledge, discovery of specific scriptural principles, relevant applications, and exciting living. The unique format of the Holman Old Testament Commentary includes sections to achieve these results for every Old Testament book.

Opening quotations stimulate thinking and lead to an introductory illustration and discussion that draw individuals and study groups into the Word of God. Verse-by-verse commentary interprets the passage with the aim of equipping them to understand and live God's Word in a contemporary setting. A conclusion draws together the themes identified in the passage under discussion and suggests application for it. A Life Application section provides additional illustrative material. Deeper Discoveries gives the reader a closer look at some of the words, phrases, and background material that illuminate the passage. Issues for Discussion is a tool to enhance learning within the group. Finally, a closing prayer is suggested. Bible teachers and pastors will find the teaching outline helpful as they develop lessons and sermons.

It is the editors' prayer that this new resource for local church Bible teaching will enrich the ministry of group, as well as individual, Bible study and that it will lead God's people truly to be people of the Book, living out what God calls us to be.

Special gratitude to Kathy Dahlen, who not only carried her agreed-upon part of the project but also helped so much on mine. She is not only a fine writer but also a faithful, fastidious student of the Word of God. I am grateful.

And I lovingly dedicate this endeavor with deep appreciation to fifties-on-up people of The Chapel in Akron and Green and other seniors of other churches who will use this commentary. They are like the builders in Nehemiah who have given so much of themselves to the church. They still pray and teach and love and encourage. In spite of change in the church, some of which they don't like, they remain strong and faithful. Sometimes the younger members of the church do not recognize what these older people did to give such vision and grace to the church, but these seniors know why they did itfor Jesus their Christ and Lord.

Perhaps they came to the church like Esther, for such a time as this. They care about God's Word, as Ezra did.

Knute Larson

For my children, Lara and Erik:

You have been my teachers and fellow adventurers in life's journey. Being a parent has given me a richer understanding of God's deep, enduring love; it has awakened me to his faithfulness, humor, and brilliance; it has assured me of his passion for our growth and maturity. I love you both.

Mom (Kathy Dahlen)

Twenty volumes designed for Bible study and teaching to enrich the local church and God's people.