The document discusses lessons that can be learned from times of captivity and exile. It covers reasons for judgement such as loss of priorities and absence of faith. It also discusses why exile was used as a form of judgement historically by Babylonians and Assyrians against Israel. The document highlights stories from the Bible like Esther that show faithful individuals in exile and how exile can be used to rebuild promises through figures like Ezra, Nehemiah, and addressing issues like intermarriage and resistance.

1. Lessons of Captivity
October 1, 2010

2. Reasons for Judgement
Loss of priorities
Absence of faith
Professionalism
Paralysis of fear
Need for vision

3. Why Exile?
Necessity for judgement
Babylonians and
Assyrians used to judge
Israel
Mission of exiles Jer. 29
Increase in number, seek
peace of city

4. Esther
Highlight on culture and
individuals
Story of faithful in exile
Mordecai serves the king
Esther obeys wise cousin,
prays and fasts
Saves the Israelites

5. Rebuilding the promise
Ezra
Nehemiah
Malachi
Intermarriage forbidden
Nominality
Resistance