ch. 29. (3) The social condition of the exiles, 2 K. 25:27;
Dan. 1:19-21; Is. 60:1; Jer. 29:4-7, Esth., and passages in Eze. (4)
The details of each of the three invasions and the captivities as
outlined above. See scriptures. (5) The exiles in Egypt: (a) Who they
were, (b) How they fared. (6) The activity and influence of false
prophets of this age. (7) The story of Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and
their interpretation: (a) the image dream, (b) the tree dream. (8) The
stories of (a) The fiery furnace; (b) of the lion's den. (9) The feast
of Belshazzar. (10) The visions of Daniel 7:1-14, 8:1-12, 10:4-6. (11)
The four beasts of Daniel and their significance. (12) The oracles
against foreign nations, Eze. chs. 25-32. (13) The benefits mentioned
above. (14) The lessons mentioned above. Find scripture basis for
them.

Chapter XVI.

The Restoration.

Ezra, Neh., Esth., Hag., Zech.

Scripture Analysis. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah furnish the outline
of the period and its achievements. The two books were formerly
counted one book and a continuous outline of the two is best suited to
the proper emphasis of the various events of the period. The following
outline will appear simple and yet sufficient for our purpose. (1) The
rebuilding of the temple (Ezra, chs. 1-6). (2) The reforms of Ezra
(Ezra, chs. 7-10). (3) The rebuilding of the walls (Neh. chs. 1-7).
(4) The covenant to keep the law (Neh. chs. 8-10). (5) The inhabitants
of Jerusalem (Neh. 11:1-12:26). (6) The dedication of the wall and the
reform of Nehemiah (Neh. 12:27-13-end).

Predictions of the Return. The return from captivity had been
prophesied long before the fall of Jerusalem. Several prophets had
foretold the captivity and in connection with it had told of the
destruction of Babylon and Judah's restoration. Even the length of
their stay in exile was announced. While they were in exile they were
constantly encouraged by the promised return foretold to them by
Ezekiel, Jeremiah and others. (1) Restoration at the end of seventy
years is predicted. (Jer. 25:12; 29:10; Dan. 9:2). (2) Other
Scriptures that foretell the overthrow of Babylon or the return to
Jerusalem or both may be found in Is. chs. 13, 14, 21, 44-47; Jer.
28:4-11; chs. 50-52; Ez. ch. 27, etc.

The Rise of Persian Power. This was a period of world change. Great
empires in rapid succession fell under the power of new and rising
kingdoms. (1) The Assyrian Empire, which superseded the Chalde