The existence of the Jews confirms the reality of God and the Bible.
B. Return of Exiles
God sovereignly and undeserving brings His people (Israelites/Hebrews/Jews) back to Jerusalem/promise land to rebuild the temple and walls because He is faithful to His promise.
Ezra (scribe) & Nehemiah (governor)
C. Sinful Ways
Intermarriage was a problem in both the books (Ez. 9, Neh. 13).
Root problem was faith, not race (cf. Ez. 6:21).
D. Honor & Shame
In collective cultures such as Jewish, Roman, and Asian cultures, the social constructs of honor and shame play a big role in identity.
Intermarriage during Ezra and Nehemiah's time deems you guilty of sin but also brings tremendous shame to yourself, your family, and people group.
E. Further Study
http://allenlyeh.wordpress.com/2014/03/18/the-gospel-is-about-shame-not-just-guilt/
http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/06/12/overcoming-the-culture-of-shame/
http://www.websm.org/uploadi/editor/1366970239Markus_1991_Culture_and_the_self.pdf
http://www.tabletmag.com/jewish-arts-and-culture/books/167289/nanjing-jewish-studies
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