Hope Amidst Ruin: A Literary and Theological Analysis of Ezra
Overview
The book of Ezra deals with building the second temple, restoring the worship of Yahweh, and breaking the habits that undermined Israel’s spiritual integrity. In Hope Amidst Ruin, A. Philip Brown II analyzes the book’s use of chronology, plot, and point of view, demonstrating that Ezra composed the historical narrative to teach postexilic Israel about the goodness and holiness of their God. The themes of hope and holiness flow throughout the book as the returnees learn anew of God’s promises to the just and of His wrath against those who abandon Him. Purification and separation from evil is necessary for the Israelites to be restored to true fellowship with Yahweh.
Brown frankly addresses various interpretation challenges in Ezra, such as its unique temporal ordering and disquieting finale. Concurrently, he offers evidence for the divine inspiration of the book. He also clarifies the relationship of historical events in the Persian Empire to Ezra’s narrative. Brown’s research and analysis make Hope Amidst Ruin an essential resource for Old Testament theologians and all students of Scripture. Ezra’s focus on hope and holiness is just as appropriate for our world as it was for his.
With Logos Bible Software, these valuable volumes are enhanced by cutting-edge research tools. Scripture citations link directly to English translations, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Powerful searches help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
- Provides a defense for the divine inspiration of the book of Ezra
- Addresses the interwoven themes of hope and holiness
- Examines the historical context of the book of Ezra
- Temporal Ordering in Ezra: Part I
- Temporal Notations
- Chronology
- Anachrony: Chronological Anomalies
- Temporal Ordering in Ezra: Part II
- The Chronological Order of Ezra and Nehemiah
- Rejection and Rearrangement of the Narrative Order
- Rejection of Anachrony: Forced Chronology
- Anachrony Accepted and Explained
- Temporal Proportioning in Ezra
- An Analysis of Plot in Ezra
- Plot Structure in Ezra
- Plot Composition
- An Analysis of Point of View in Ezra
- Point of View
- Point of View and Biblical Theology
- Point of View in Ezra
- Yahweh: God of Israel, God of Heaven and Earth
- The Immanence of God
- The Sovereign Power of God
- The Faithfulness of God
- The Gracious Goodness of God
- The Righteousness of God
- The Supremacy of Yahweh
- Holiness in Ezra: Separated from Uncleanness and Seeking the Lord
- Ezra 2: Priests Profaned from the Priesthood
- Ezra 4: Syncretists Rejected
- Ezra 6: Separatists Welcomed in Worship
- Ezra 8: Holy Guards Required for Holy Vessels
- Ezra 9–10: Mixed Marriages Separated
- Ezra the Priest and Scribe: Holiness Modeled
6
- Continuity with the Past and Hope for the Future
- Continuity with Preexilic Israel
- Hope for the Future: The Nexus of Ezra’s Theological Message
- A Reader’s Guide to the Theological Message of Ezra: A Literary Theological Synthesis
- Ezra 1–6: The First Return and the Temple Rebuilt
- Ezra 7–10: The Second Return and the Community Purified
- Parallelism and Antithesis: Ezra in Retrospect
Top Highlights
“the character and actions of God are the most prominent elements” (Page 116)
“four aspects of His character become unmistakably clear: His power, faithfulness, goodness, and righteousness.” (Page 117)
“the central question in [Ezra 2] is: who belongs to ‘Israel’?” (Page 185)
“God is the ultimate sovereign under Whom each of these earthly kings ruled and according to Whose command they acted” (Page 124)
“The book’s structural parallelism invites comparison between the plots, suggesting two main conclusions:” (Page 91)
- Title: Hope Amidst Ruin: A Literary and Theological Analysis of Ezra
- Author: A. Philip Brown II
- Publisher: Bob Jones University Press
- Publication Date: 2009
- Pages: 288
