The Book of Ezra is a historical account that follows the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile and their efforts to rebuild both the Temple of God and their spiritual identity as God’s chosen people.
The book is divided into two main sections:
King Cyrus of Persia, moved by God, allows the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. The leader of this first group is Zerubbabel. The people rebuild the altar and start work on the Temple, but they face opposition from neighboring groups, which delays the work. Encouraged by the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, they finally complete the Temple during the reign of King Darius.
Decades later, Ezra, a priest and skilled teacher of the Law, arrives in Jerusalem with another group of exiles. He is deeply concerned that the people have again turned to sinful practices, especially intermarrying with pagan nations. Ezra leads a time of repentance and reform, encouraging the people to return to faithful obedience to God’s commandments.
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