Background: There are six post-captivity books that record the return and restoration of Israel after the 70 years of captivity… 3 are historic—Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther… and 3 are prophetic—Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. These six books cover about the same time period in Israel’s history (538 B.C. – 425 B.C.) around 113 years. Ezra & Nehemiah – originally one book, gives us an historical record of God’s provision for His people—(the tribes of Judah & Benjamin) who returned to their homeland after the decree of King Cyrus of Persia (538 B.C.). Esther – is a record of God’s providential dealings with those who stayed in Persia… Ø Ezra … is about the RESTORATION of God’s people back to their home land of Israel. Ø Nehemiah … is about the REFORMATION of the people of God in the land… Ø Esther … is about the PRESERVATION of God’s people outside of the land… Purpose: These three books were written to encourage God’s people (returning and remaining) that God was sovereign, almighty, merciful, and good to all those who would trust in Him…