1. UNDERSTANDING THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL

a) God could not utterly destroy them because he made a promise – Lev 26:43-45, Jer 30:10-11.

b) There are examples throughout Israel’s History of a remnant – 1Kngs 19:13-18, Isa 1:9-10,

c) It was prophesied – Isa 10:16-22, Isa 11:11, Ezek 6:7-9, Joel 2:28-32, Zech 8:11-12.

d) They would return after judgment – 2Kings 19:30-31,

2. A REMNANT RETURNS

a) This is what Haggai, Zechariah, Ezra, Nehemiah are about.

b) It was foretold they would be captive for 70 years – Jer 23:1-4, 25:11-12

c) Return is through the Persian empire = Cyrus, Darius, Artaxerxes.

i. Cyrus – Prophesied he would allow Gods people to return and build – Isa 44:28-45:1,13….. 2Chron 36:22-23.

ii. Darius – Haggai, Zechariah prophesy – Haggai 1:1, Zechariah 1:1

iii. Artaxerxes – Let Nehemiah go to Jerusalem to build – Neh 2:1-8.

d) Ezra was a Priest and Scribe and established the law in the land – Ezra 7:11, Neh 8:1-8.

e) Nehemiah was governor and established rule – Neh 12:26-27.

f) Haggai and Zechariah prophesy about Zerubbabel and Joshua – Haggai 1:12-14, Zech 4:6,9.

g) The remnant returns – Ezra 1:1-5, 2:1-2,64-65.

3. JESUS AND THE REMNANT

a) Jesus came to confirm the promises -Rom 15:8, Isa11:1,

b) He came to cause division in Israel – Luke 12:51-53, Matt 10:31-38.

c) He promised the kingdom to a nation bearing fruits – Matt 21:33-43, 3:8-10, Luke 12:32

d) Ezra and Nehemiah not the fulfilling of all prophecy – Dan 9… John 14:1-3,