#93. Sixth Scene.#--More quiet than any of the others is this scene. We are now on the Mount of Transfiguration. The Master is there, and three of his disciples. Suddenly there appear two others in glory with the Master. They are the great lawgiver, Moses, and the great prophet, Elijah. They are talking with Jesus of his death which was now soon to take place in Jerusalem. Then, the conversation having come to a close, the two visitors from the other world disappear, and the Master is left alone with his astonished disciples. #94.# Stern, with the fear of God before his eyes, and no fear of man in his heart, stands this man of God, Elijah. A benediction to Israel God meant him to be, but alas! Israel rejected him, as it did the other prophets whom God in his mercy sent, and so Israel pushed on to its own final ruin. For the material used in this sketch look at 1 Kings 17, 18, 19, 21, and 2 Kings 2. Test Questions What divinities was Israel worshiping at the time that Elijah appeared? What relationship to nature were these two divinities supposed to hold? Give the first scene in the life of this prophet. What significance was there in his challenge? Give the second scene with Ahab. Where did the contest between Elijah and the prophets of Baal take place? What was the significance of this scene? Where next do we see Elijah? What probably was the cause of his discouragement? How does God deal with his servant at this time? Where does Elijah now go, and what effect does his communion with God have on his spirit? Give scene four. Tell the story of Naboth and his vineyard. Where next do we find the great prophet? Who was Elijah's successor? What is the last scene in the experience of Elijah that we find in the Bible? Lesson 11 Return from Captivity Old Testament Division--Fifth Period LEADING EVENTS AND PERSONS #Return from Captivity.#--After seventy years, Cyrus, king of Persia, allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1-11). Altar set up once more (Ezra 3:1-7). The Temple begun (Ezra 3:8, and following passages). The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged the people (see books under their names). #Sixty years# elapsed of which we know nothing. #Ezra goes# to Jerusalem to institute reforms, such as prohibiting mixed marriages of Jews with other nations (Ezra 7:1 to 9:15). He interpreted the law (Neh. 8:1-18) and celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. #Nehemiah#, cup-bearer to Artaxerxes, the king. Became solicitous for the city of Jerusalem and its broken walls, prayed for guidance, and was rewarded by the king's assistance (Neh. 1:1 to 2:8). Opposed by Sanballat (Neh. 2:19, 20; 4:1-8; 6:1-14). A great popular religious festival was held (Neh. 8:1-18). Judah was set apart from strangers (Neh. 9:1-38; 13:1-3). The law of the Sabbath was enforced (Neh. 13:15-22).