On today's episode...

We’re in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which are a combined story of the return of the Judeans from Babylon under Persian rule.

We talk first about the various feasts which are brought back in these texts, including the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot.

Then we discuss the Aramaic language being used as the official language of the Persian empire, and how its use lasted into Jesus’ time.

We move on to the growing standardization of temple liturgy during this period, as they try to reconstruct the temple in Jerusalem. Why did the first people to return begin rebuilding by starting with the altar, rather than the foundation of the Holy of Holies? We notice the opposition to the rebuilding, and how we find opposition to new things in our own day.

We also encounter some things in Ezra and Nehemiah that can be a bit troublesome. We consider how neither of them is ever quoted in the Gospels. In fact, Elliot points out several passages of Luke that stand in direct contradiction to the impulses of the writers of Ezra and Nehemiah. So, we wonder, how do we read these texts as Christians today?

In the end, we do find some joy in these two books, especially in the way the people rejoice and contribute both money and effort into the rebuilding of the temple, and in the freedom of getting to be themselves and come into their own again as a people.

Cross Connections is a ministry of ⁠⁠St. David’s Episcopal Church in Wayne, PA⁠⁠. Season two, Cover to Cover is hosted by the Rev. Rick Morley, Elliot VanHoy, and Natalee Hill.

A full copy list of readings for 2025 may be found on our website at ⁠⁠https://stdavidschurch.org/crossconnections⁠⁠

If you have questions for us, you can call us at 484.588.5656 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re from, and your question or comment. Please note, we may use your recorded voice in an upcoming episode of Cross Connections. You can also email us at [email protected].

Logo graphic design and podcast production by Natalee Hill. Stock Media Music provided by Marscott and MoodMode / ⁠⁠Pond5⁠⁠.

You are welcome to learn more about all of St. David’s worship offerings and ministries at ⁠ https://stdavidschurch.org/.