Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1-11). Altar set up once
more (Ezra 3:1-7). The Temple begun (Ezra 3:8, and following
passages). The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the
people (see books under their names).

#Sixty years# elapsed of which we know nothing.

#Ezra goes# to Jerusalem to institute reforms, such as
prohibiting mixed marriages of Jews with other nations (Ezra
7:1 to 9:15). He interpreted the law (Neh. 8:1-18) and
celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles.

#Nehemiah#, cup-bearer to Artaxerxes, the king. Became
solicitous for the city of Jerusalem and its broken walls,
prayed for guidance, and was rewarded by the king's
assistance (Neh. 1:1 to 2:8). Opposed by Sanballat (Neh.
2:19, 20; 4:1-8; 6:1-14). A great popular religious festival
was held (Neh. 8:1-18). Judah was set apart from strangers
(Neh. 9:1-38; 13:1-3). The law of the Sabbath was enforced
(Neh. 13:15-22).

#TIME.#--538 B. C. to about 400 B. C.

#PLACES.#--Babylon, Jerusalem.

[Illustration]

#SIGNIFICANCE OF EVENTS.#--The return to Jerusalem and the institution
of reforms were events of tremendous import to the Jews, and the
faithfulness of a few men was given high recognition. The rebuilding
of the Temple and reconstruction of the city walls looked forward
through four centuries to the fitting setting for the scene of the
coming Messiah.

The Captivity and the Return

#95. Condition During Captivity.#--The captivity of Judah lasted
seventy years, dating from the first captivity under Jehoiakim, 605
B. C., when among others Daniel was taken captive. The lot of the
captives in Babylon was bad enough, but it was not by any means as
severe as the bondage in Egypt. Quite a number of the captives, such
as Daniel, Zerubbabel, Nehemiah, occupied positions of great trust and
emolument. Still, by the rivers of Babylon, Judah did mourn and weep,
as her people thought of Jerusalem and its vanished glories.

#96. The Return.#--The seventy years having been completed God stirred
up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, and he issued a decree
allowing all Jews who so desired to return to their own land. He also
gave them many vessels of gold and silver that Nebuchadrezzar had
taken from the Temple, that they might use them in the new house of
God which they were to build. Zerubbabel led the caravan from Babylon
to Jerusalem. Arrived in Jerusalem, they began their work by erecting
the altar