Exile and Return

Exile and Return is the seventh and last volume of a survey course on Old Testament history. The lessons are deep enough to hold the interest of those who are already familiar with the Bible, yet simple enough for people who are new to the Bible to understand. Because they turned from their Covenant with God and embraced idolatry, God banished His "Chosen People" from the land He promised to give them. For 70 long years the Jews remained in exile, separated from the land they loved. The generations which grew up away from Israel and Judah might have lost their connection to the land and, more importantly, their ties to the Covenant. Instead, the exile had its intended effect of purifying and refining. The people's hearts once again sought God. The return and restoration of the Jews is important for it points to the much greater restoration which Christ makes possible for all people. The 18 classroom-tested studies in this volume span the period from the beginning of the exile to the last recorded prophecy in the Old Testament. Each lesson includes at least one application which is relevant to us today.