Melissa 1st Ward

Some related questions:

• What does Cyrus teach you about how the Lord works to save Israel?
• What do you think the Jews were like who chose to return in this first group?
• Would you have stayed in exile or gone home to a land you had never been?
• What do you imagine it was like for the Jews to hold the Feast of Tabernacles, build the altar of sacrifice, and lay the temple’s foundation?
• What can you learn from those who tried to resist the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem?
• What tactics did they use?
• How can you be like Zerubbabel and Jeshua and stand strong even with adversaries around you?
• Do you think it will make a difference if they find out that Cyrus had decreed the building of the temple and city?
• What are some excuses the Jews could have given to NOT follow the prophet?
• What example are these Jews to you about following the prophet, despite resistance or fear?
• How might Ezra’s story been different had he not sought the law of the Lord and commited to do it?
• What strengths do you see in Nehemiah that made him the right person to lead the Jews at this time?
• What can you learn from how Nehemiah dealt with Sanballat?
• Why do you think the enemies did not want the Jews building the wall?
• What do you think it means to be part of the “nevertheless” crowd?
• Why was it important for these Jews to hear and understand the law?

Some related questions:

• What can you learn from the conditions at the feast that contributed to the king calling his wife to do something she did not want to do?
• Without knowing much about Queen Vashti, what DO you know about her from this story?
• What do you think it was like for Esther to suddenly find herself in the king’s palace?
• In what way is Esther like Joseph of Egypt?
• What do you think it was like within the palace when the servants plotted to assassinate the king?
• Why do you think Haman was promoted to such a high position?
• What tactics did Haman use to get the king to order the death of all Jews?
• Why do we all need courage like Esther?
• What do you think it was like for Esther when she entered into the inner court?
• Why do you think Esther had two banquets planned?
• What can you learn from Haman’s arrogance and pride?
• What wisdom do you see in how Esther presented the king with her concern?
• What are some situations you might find yourself in where you may need to display the same kind of courage and wisdom that Esther had?
• Reversing a Persian king’s decree would have been incredibly difficult. Consider what a miracle this was. What can you learn from Esther’s courage and wisdom?/li>
• Why do you think so many people sought the destruction of the Jews despite the king’s decree?

Some related questions:

• Why do you think Job’s story was preserved for us?
• What can you learn from how the Lord viewed Job?
• What can you learn from how Satan viewed Job?
• What can you learn from how Job grieved?
• What do you think it means that Job had integrity?
• What are you learning about Job and his character?
• What do these chapters teach you about true friendship?
• What do you think Job had done to develop this kind of relationship with God that would outlast so much loss and suffering?
• How would you answer the question, “If a man die, shall he live again?”
• What does this teach you about the power of receiving witnesses from the Spirit?
• What can you do to receive witnesses that will give you strength no matter what comes?
• Why is it important to know that the wicked only experience prosperity for a short time?
• IWhat do you think the Lord was teaching Job?
• What does the Lord teach you about total submission?
• What does Job’s story teach you about endurance and staying true to the Lord?
• How have your sufferings refined you?
• Are we ever quick to judge or even speak for God as Job’s friends were doing?