The Book of Ezra
Author	Ezra
Date Written	Between 457 and 444 BC
Time Span	About 81 years.
Title	From one of the book's chief characters: Ezra.
Background	Ezra continues from the exact place where 2 Chronicles ends: with Cyrus, king of Persia, issuing a decree which permits the Jews of his kingdom to return to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity. The Exodus of Israel from Egypt included some 3 million people, but fewer than 50,000 people take advantage of this "second exodus" of 900 miles from Babylon back to Jerusalem.
Where Written	Jerusalem.
To Whom	To the Israelites
Content	After Cyrus' edict, Zerubbabel leads the first return of God's people to rebuild the ruins of Jerusalem and the Temple that have been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. The work is repeatedly hampered by shortages of resources and external opposition. These discouragements bring all work to a halt until God sends the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people, who then enthusiastically rebuild the Altar and the Temple of God. Some years later, Ezra leads a return of priests from captivity to Jerusalem. Ezra's effective ministry includes: teaching the Word of God, initiating reforms, restoring worship, and leading spiritual revival in Jerusalem.
Themes	God sovereignly looks over and protects His children. God always keeps His promises. When God's people receive punishment for sin, it shows that pure love includes correction. In return for God's enduring love, we ought to obey His Word. No problem is too big to stop a plan made in the will of God. Our goals should be worthy in God's eyes as well as our own. Our sorrows of yesterday can be our successes of today.
Key Words	"Return"; "Rededicate." From bondage, God's people are now ready to "return" to their land, their worship, and their God. They have to "rededicate" themselves to rebuilding all they have lost: the Altar, the Temple, and their faith in God and His Word.
Outline	1:1- 2:70  The exiles return to Jerusalem 3:1-6:22  The Temple of God is rebuilt 7:11-10:44  Ezra comes to Jerusalem and reforms the people
More	Audio of the Book of Ezra

Old Testament New Testament Pentateuch Historical Wisdom Prophets Gospels History Pauls Letters General Letters

Please send all comments or suggestions about this page to: [email protected]