A small remnant of Israel returned from their exile in Babylon to rebuild a temple in Jerusalem. But, they became sidetracked from their purpose for going and quit building. They fell further into sin by intermarrying foreign women who were inhabitants of the land.

     Years later, after Ezra and Nehemiah came, the people recognized their sin and wickedness, repented and obeyed the Lord. When they heard the Word of the Lord spoken by Ezra, they wept and obeyed, and separated themselves from among the unclean relationships. (Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. II Cor. 6:17) Then, they had real revival! 

     Here’s the process:

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     1. They sinned.

          • Nehemiah 9:32-35:                                 

v. 32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.

v. 33 Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

v. 34 Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

v. 35 For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou