A look at Bible Book of Ezra

Book of Ezra - (The Post-exilic chronicler)

Author

Ezra

Date

Ezra was likely written in stages

440 B.C. - 400 B.C.

Summary of the Plot

Ezra begins by summarizing Israel's path back to renewal in their homeland.

To fulfill Jeremiah's prediction of a 70 year exile (Jer. 29:10) God moves Byrus, king of Persia, to let Jews return home in 538 B. C. and allows them to rebuild their temple in Jerusalem.

Led by Joshua, the priest, and Zerubbabel (their governor) almost 50,000 people go back (2:1-64). They rebuild the temple (516 B.C. it is completed) with some interruptions and attempt to establish themselves again.

In about 458 B.C. Ezra, who is living in Persia as an exile, gains permission from King Artaxerxes to go to Jerusalem to re-establish the Mosaic Law and the spiritual life of Israel. A priest himself, Ezra leads and expedition of priests and Levites to Jerusalem (7:1-10)

Major Characters

Zerubbabel, Joshua the priest, Ezra, King Cyrus, King Artaxerxes, King Darius.

Message and purpose

1. Records a significant portion of the history of the Jews during the post-exilic period.

2. Records the work of God to move the kings of Persia in obedience to God's sovereign will.

3. Records how God restores His people as he promised, both physically and spiritually.

Outline of Ezra

I. The Return Under Zerubbabel and Joshua the Priest

A. Decree of Cyrus (1:1-4)

B. Preparation and return (1:5-2:70)

C. Rebuilding the Altar and Temple (Chapters 3-6)

II. The Return and Work of Ezra

A. Ezra's arrival (7-8)

B. Ezra's spiritual and social reforms (9-10)

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