Chapters of the Bible

Ezra the Scribe reads the Book of the Law publicly to the assembled people for an entire morning. The people weep in conviction, but Nehemiah tells them to rejoice because the joy of the Lord is their strength.

The people lead a massive national fasting and confession, recounting the entire history of Israel's rebellion and God's persistent faithfulness, declaring God is a merciful and gracious God.

The leaders, Levites, and people sign a solemn covenant to walk in God's Law, promising to obey the Sabbath, support the Temple, and refrain from intermarrying with foreigners.

The chapter details the repopulation of Jerusalem, with leaders volunteering to live in the capital and the remaining population casting lots to select one out of ten families to move inside the newly walled city.

The wall of Jerusalem is dedicated with a massive, joyful procession. Two large choirs march around the completed wall, offering sacrifices and singing with loud instruments.

Nehemiah returns from Babylon and finds many problems: Tobiah living in the Temple, Sabbath breaking, and intermarriage. Nehemiah violently purges these corruptions, restoring the city's holiness.

King Ahasuerus of Persia hosts a massive banquet. Queen Vashti refuses the King's command to appear. The King, advised by his officials, removes Vashti from her position to set a precedent.

The King searches for a new queen. A Jewish orphan named Esther (Hadassah), who is raised by her cousin Mordecai, is chosen for her beauty and is crowned Queen. Mordecai overhears and foils a plot to kill the King.

Haman, the wicked prime minister, is furious that Mordecai refuses to bow to him. Haman convinces the King to issue a decree for the annihilation of all Jews in the Persian Empire.

Mordecai urges Queen Esther to intercede with the King, reminding her, "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" Esther resolves to risk her life by approaching the King uninvited.

Queen Esther risks her life by approaching the King uninvited. The King receives her, and she invites him and Haman to two successive banquets. Haman leaves the first banquet filled with pride and orders a gallows built for Mordecai.

The King suffers a sleepless night and reads the royal chronicles, discovering that Mordecai was never rewarded for saving his life. The King forces Haman to publicly honor Mordecai in grand style.