Smith-Christopher highlighted several instances in which infrastructure, group identity and security can help a community in crisis. In discussing Ezra, he highlighted the issue of balancing political and religious leadership in community. His point here was that a strong community should always have stronger spiritual leadership than political leadership. By having a strong spiritual leadership, communities can withstand pressures from groups similar to the Samaritans, an opposition group mention in Ezra.
Smith-Christopher noted the rebuilding of the temple represented more than Jews having a sanctuary. During that time, the temple was the “central administrative center for the community – politically, economically and religiously. He cited that Ezra’s concern was more in ensuring that the Jewish people had the discipline to maintain spiritual law. One way of achieving this was not to have mixed marriages. Mixed marriages were a major concern with Ezra. Ezra felt that mixed marriages could corrupt the “holy seed” of the Jewish community. Smith-Christopher also cited Ezra’s firm belief in penitential prayers. These prayers asked for forgiveness and guidance on strengthen the Jewish community.
Smith-Christopher stated Ezra’s approach sought stability; highlighted the importance of projects that reflected communal confidence about the future; and reflected communal identity. [159] But Smith-Christopher cautioned that “communal stability must be balanced by openness to necessary change. He also stated that service and fellowship can be lost when congregations only focus on building the dwelling. [159]
Although Ezra focused on the building the temple and the administrative law of the community, Nehemiah was focused on building a wall to secure the community. Nehemiah, like Ezra, lost sight of the needs of the people. Smith-Christopher stated that some of the community complained about famine. [161] Nehemiah also believed in penitential prayer. He also had opposition from Samaritans.
Both Ezra and Nehemiah were committed to strengthen the Jewish community. Communities of faith should have the same commitment to today to strengthen their communities but must not lose sight of the needs of its members.