Week 27 Reading Guide

Written By Jacob Parodi

Returning to Rebuild

Ezra 1–10, Nehemiah 1–7

Big Idea: After decades in exile, God’s people are called back to Jerusalem to rebuild what was broken—physically and spiritually. Ezra and Nehemiah record the efforts to restore the temple, the city, and the community under God's Word. These stories remind us that God is not finished with His people, and His faithfulness leads us into renewal.

Reading Plan

  • Monday: Ezra 1-3 (Return from Exile and the Altar Rebuilt)

  • Tuesday: Ezra 4-6 (Opposition and Completion of the Temple)

  • Wednesday: Ezra 7-10 (Ezra’s Arrival and the Call to Holiness)

  • Thursday: Nehemiah 1-2 (Nehemiah’s Burden and Bold Request)

  • Friday: Nehemiah 3-4 (Rebuilding the Wall and Facing Opposition)

  • Saturday: Nehemiah 5-7 (Justice, Leadership, and Completion of the Wall)

Weekly DNA Questions

Discover

  • What do Ezra and Nehemiah teach us about the connection between worship and rebuilding?

  • How do these stories reflect God’s commitment to restore His people even after failure?

Nurture

  • Where in your life or faith do you feel something has been “in ruins”? What does it look like to trust God to rebuild it?

  • What spiritual opposition or discouragement has made it hard for you to persevere?

Act

  • Identify one area—personally or communally—where restoration is needed. Pray daily this week for God to rebuild what’s broken.

  • Encourage someone who feels defeated by reminding them of God’s power to renew and restore.

Key Verse: Ezra 3:11

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; His faithful love to Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord.

Reflection for the Week

Rebuilding is not without conflict—enemies oppose, fear sets in, and sin must be confronted. But God remains faithful. He raises up leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah to guide His people in truth and justice. Their stories echo forward to the work of Jesus, who rebuilds our broken hearts and gathers His people into a new temple—His Church—built on grace, truth, and hope.

Bible Project Resources

Ezra–Nehemiah Overview – One unified story of return and renewal.

Exile – How the exile and return shape the biblical story.

The Temple – The importance of God’s presence and restoration through worship.

Jacob Parodi https://www.fbccottonwood.org
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Week 26 Reading Guide