EZRA
Author:
According to ancient Jewish tradition Ezra wrote this book, Nehemiah, and both books of Chronicles. Ezra was a descendant of Phineas who was a grandson of Aaron (Ezra 7:1-5).
Date:
About 440 BC.
Theme:
The return of the Jews to Jerusalem and Judah; the rebuilding of the temple; the opposition faced by the Jews, their victory; the leadership of Zerubbabel and Ezra.
Contents:
The decree of Cyrus 1:1-4
First return of the exiles and what they brought 1:5—2:70
Building the altar to the true God 3:1-6
Building of the temple begins 3:6-13
Opposition to the building of the temple 4:1-24
The prophets Haggai and Zechariah,
the work begins again 5:1-2
Further opposition 5:3-17
Orders from King Darius to build the temple 6:1-12
Dedication of the completed temple 6:13-18
First Passover at Jerusalem after the exile 6:19-22
Ezra comes to Jerusalem 7:1-10
The letter of King Artaxerxes to Ezra 7:11-26
Ezra praises God 7:27-28
Details concerning those returning with Ezra 8:1-14
No Levites 8:15-20
Prayer for a safe journey 8:21-23
Preparations for a dangerous journey, arrival in Jerusalem 8:24-36
Reforms under Ezra 9:1—10:17
Mixed marriages 9:1-4
Ezra’s prayer of confession 9:5-15
The people confess their sin and obey Ezra 10:1-17
The guilty ones 10:18-43