Ezra
Return from Exile
The Book of Ezra is a book of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. It tells the story of the return of the exiled Israelites to the land of Israel after the fall of the Kingdom of Judah to the Babylonians.
The book begins with the decree of the Persian King Cyrus, who allows the Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. It includes the story of Ezra, a priest and scribe who is appointed by the Persian authorities to lead the Israelites in the rebuilding of the Temple and the restoration of the law and worship of God.
The book also includes a list of the families and individuals who returned to the land of Israel, as well as a record of the rebuilding of the Temple and the establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Key figures in the book of Ezra include Ezra, Cyrus, and the Persian officials who supported the rebuilding of the Temple. The book also mentions various other individuals, such as the priests and the Levites, who played a role in the rebuilding and restoration of the Temple and the community
450-420 BCE24 min10 chapters
Ezra
Return from Exile
The book of Ezra is a book of the Hebrew Bible, which is part of the Christian Old Testament. It is named after its main character, Ezra, a priest and scribe who led a group of Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem in the 5th century BCE. The book is divided into two parts: the first part (chapters 1-6) tells the story of the return of the Jews to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple, while the second part (chapters 7-10) focuses on Ezra's reforms and the establishment of the Jewish law.
The book of Ezra begins with the decree of Cyrus, the Persian king, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This is followed by the journey of the Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem, led by Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. Upon their arrival, the Jews begin to rebuild the temple, but are hindered by their enemies. The book then tells of the arrival of Ezra, who is sent by the king of Persia to help the Jews in their efforts. Ezra brings with him a copy of the law of Moses, which he reads to the people and encourages them to obey.
The second part of the book of Ezra focuses on Ezra's reforms. He sets up a system of courts to enforce the law, and encourages the people to observe the Sabbath and other religious festivals. He also encourages the people to marry within their own faith, and to keep the laws of purity. Finally, Ezra leads the people in a ceremony of repentance and renewal, in which they renew their commitment to the law of God.
The book of Ezra is an important part of the Hebrew Bible, as it tells the story of the return of the Jews to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. It also provides an example of how a leader can bring about reform and renewal in a society. The book is also important for its emphasis on the importance of following the law of God, and its reminder that God's laws are to be obeyed.
Biblical figures
Key figures that appear in Ezra.
Chapters
Explore all the chapters of Ezra.
