After a short introduction (pp. 1-5) dealing with the role of lay people in the preservation of the spirit of pure Yahwism among the Judeans in the post-exilic period, the author describes the reformist religious activites of Nehemiah (pp. 5-13). The account is based on the Book ot Nehemiah. He concludes by pointing to the most important traits of Nehemiah’s character. He believes that the strictly missionary activity of Ezra took place in the days of Nehemiah and was inspired by the latter.
The present article deals with the literary and theological analysis of Neh 9. This passage reveals striking connection between penance and prayer of post-exilic community. The liturgy of the day of penance puts special emphasis for the religious and national identity of Judaism after Babylonian exile. The people are looking forward remembering all main events from the history of salvation. The author of the present article shows the originality and maturity of many theological ideas of post-exilic community which form the fundaments for Judaism of the Second Temple.
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