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“Death and life are in the power of the tongue …” Proverbs 18:21a

Whether we are speaking face-to-face, talking on the phone or even using our digital tongues in a comment thread or text message, remember this: Our words are powerful, and they have consequences.

The Book of Proverbs is a profound anthology of biblical wisdom literature, primarily penned by Solomon. It serves as a guide to leading a life that is pleasing to God, emphasizing that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge and wisdom. This collection of sayings and teachings covers a wide array of topics, including personal conduct, social justice, and moral behavior. It contrasts the paths of the wise and the foolish, consistently advocating for a life lived in reverence of God. Proverbs teaches that wisdom is not merely intellectual but deeply spiritual, intertwining practical advice with spiritual understanding. It's a treasure trove of ageless wisdom that remains relevant across centuries, encouraging readers to seek divine wisdom above all.

The intertestamental period, also known as the "400 Silent Years," spans roughly from the time of Nehemiah to the time of Christ, about 430 years. This era is significant in Jewish history as it saw the rise of Hellenistic Judaism and is roughly contiguous with the Second Temple period.
During this time, while prophecy may have ceased, Israel was anything but silent and God was very much active. The region witnessed numerous conquests and reconquests, significantly shaping Jewish thought. This period also saw the creation of a vast amount of Jewish literature, including the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha. These works, though not part of the canonical Jewish Bible, provide valuable insights into Jewish thought and society during this era.
The histories of Josephus and the first two books of Maccabees are key historical sources for this period. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has further illuminated our understanding of this era. Despite the challenges, the Jewish people's faith and identity remained resilient, setting the stage for the New Testament era. Understanding this period in Jewish history provides an important context for what we read and hear about at the start of the New Testament.

The Book of Joel begins with a vivid description of a devastating locust plague that has ravaged the land of Judah. Joel interprets this natural disaster as a sign of God's judgment and a call for the people to repent of their sins. He urges the priests to mourn and to summon the nation to repentance and fasting.
Joel's message goes beyond the immediate crisis, as he prophesies about the "Day of the Lord," a time of divine judgment and restoration. Joel offers hope for those who repent, promising God's restoration and blessings. He speaks of the outpouring of God's Spirit on all people, foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah.
Joel describes the restoration of Judah and Jerusalem, a future time of abundance and divine presence. He promises that God will dwell among His people and judge the nations for their mistreatment of Israel. The book concludes with a vision of judgment for the enemies of God's people and blessings for those who call on the name of the Lord.

The Book of Malachi contains a series of dialogues between God and the people, addressing issues of religious indifference, social injustice, and moral corruption.
Malachi begins by declaring God's love for His people but confronts them with their lack of honor and respect toward Him. He accuses the priests of offering polluted sacrifices. Malachi also condemns the people for their unfaithfulness, including their practice of divorce.
In response to the people's complaints, Malachi delivers pronouncements from God, challenging their doubts and calling them to repentance. He speaks of a coming messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord's arrival, a prophecy pointing to John the Baptist.
Malachi warns of the day of judgment when God will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, rewarding the faithful and punishing the disobedient. Despite the people's failures, Malachi ends on a note of hope, promising blessings for those who fear God and remain faithful to His covenant.

Nehemiah chapters 8-13 depict the events following the completion of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

Chapter 8: Ezra, the scribe, reads the Book of the Law to the people gathered in Jerusalem. The people respond with humility, weeping, and repentance as they realize how far they have strayed from God's commands.

Chapter 9: The Israelites gather for a day of fasting, confession, and worship. They recount God's faithfulness throughout their history, from the time of Abraham to their present situation. They acknowledge their own disobedience and God's mercy.

Chapter 10: The people enter into a covenant with God, committing to follow His laws and commandments. They pledge to separate themselves from foreign influences and to support the work of the temple.

Chapter 11: A detailed list of the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the surrounding cities is given, including those who dwell in the newly rebuilt city.

Chapter 12: The priests and Levites are organized for service in the temple. Dedication ceremonies for the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem are conducted with great rejoicing and celebration.

Chapter 13: Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem after a period of absence and finds that the people have fallen back into disobedience. He reforms various practices, including Sabbath observance and intermarriage with foreigners, to restore the people's devotion to God's laws.

Overall, these chapters emphasise the importance of obedience to God's commands, the need for repentance and renewal, and the role of leadership in guiding the people back to faithful living.

In the book of Nehemiah, we encounter a man named Nehemiah, who serves as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in the citadel of Susa – capital of the reigning Persian empire. Nehemiah receives distressing news about the state of Jerusalem: its walls lie in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Deeply moved, Nehemiah prays to the God of heaven, confessing the sins of the Israelites and seeking divine intervention. The king grants Nehemiah permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. Nehemiah faces opposition from enemies who mock the restoration efforts, but he perseveres. With determination and leadership, Nehemiah organizes a citywide construction crew, and within weeks, the walls of Jerusalem stand tall once more, instilling confidence and hope among the Jewish remnant.