Ezra

The first exiles return from Babylon and rebuild the temple despite opposition. Decades later Ezra, a priest and teacher of the law, arrives and calls the people back to faithfulness.

Author

Traditionally Ezra

Written

About 450 BC

Chapters

1. 1Ezra 1King Cyrus of Persia decrees that the Jews may return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple, and returns the temple treasures.
2. 2Ezra 2A list of the exiles who returned from Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah.
3. 3Ezra 3The returned exiles rebuild the altar and lay the temple foundation. Some shout for joy while older people weep.
4. 4Ezra 4Local enemies oppose the rebuilding and write to the Persian king, and the work stops.
5. 5Ezra 5The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people, and the rebuilding restarts.
6. 6Ezra 6King Darius finds Cyrus’s decree and supports the work. The temple is completed and dedicated with joy.
7. 7Ezra 7Ezra, a scribe devoted to studying, doing and teaching God’s law, travels to Jerusalem with the king’s support.
8. 8Ezra 8Ezra gathers families and Levites, prays and fasts for protection, and arrives safely with the temple treasures.
9. 9Ezra 9Ezra learns that many have married people from nations who worship other gods, and prays a prayer of confession.
10. 10Ezra 10The people confess and agree to separate from their foreign wives.