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Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther is unavailable, but you can change that!

Allen and Laniak direct the reader’s attention to the literary elements of these three postexilic books while examining the books’ historical setting and details—which, in turn, point to valuable lessons. Though the focus is on human activity, the hand of God in restoration and deliverance is clearly seen. This helpful commentary sheds light on these oft-misunderstood books.

while Deuteronomy stipulates that joyful celebration was to be a regular feature of the festivals (Deut. 12:7, 12, 18; 14:26; 16:11, 14). The tension between the people’s weeping and the leaders’ exhortation to rejoice is reminiscent of Ezra 3:12–13, where official rejoicing mingled with lamenting dissatisfaction. Here, however, the grief was evidently due to the content of the reading, which prompted a healthy recognition of falling short of its standards, like King Josiah’s response to the reading
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