Nehemiah, who was a contemporary or served around the same time as ezra, was a cupbearer to the king in the persian empire. The theme of the book of ezra is the word of the lord. The book of ezra offers hope and comfort for the people of god today as well. Though the book does not specifically claim ezra as the author, the writing style changes from third person in chapters 1 6 to first person for the rest of the book. Feb 18, 2018 part 1 in a study through the book of ezra. If we compare the last verses of 2 chronicles chap.
The book of ezra covers the return from captivity to rebuild the temple up to the decree of artaxerxes, the event covered at the beginning of the book of nehemiah. The book of ezra the name ezra meaning help therefore is the sequence to the chronicles in regard to history and in regard to. It is interesting to note that once ezra appears on the scene in chapter 7, the author of the book of ezra switches from writing in the third person to first person. The tradition is that the prophet ezra wrote the book of ezra. Aug 04, 20 the book of ezra also references other biblical prophets, namely haggai and zechariah, whose messages stirred up the people to finish building the temple ezr 5. Ezra 1 is the first chapter of the book of ezra in the old testament of the christian bible, or the book of ezranehemiah in the hebrew bible, which treats the. Ezra 16 covers the first return of jews from captivity, led by zerubbabela period of twentythree years beginning with the edict of cyrus of persia and ending at the rebuilding of the temple in jerusalem 538515 bc.
The last four books of the hebrew canon are ezra, nehemiah, and 1 and 2 chronicles, in that order. They describe events after the exile of judah to babylon. There are ten direct references to gods word in this little book. The prayers found in the book of ezra take place during a unique time in the history of israel. The book of ezra is part of the historical books of the bible. The book of nehemiah jerusalem walls summary overview. The gold medallion awardwinning expositors bible commentary is a major contribution to the study and understanding of the scriptures. From sunday, february, 11 2018 at calvary chapel tricities, kennewick, wa. Key personalities include nehemiah, ezra, sanballat, and tobiah. Ezra 16 covers the first return of jews from captivity, led by zerubbabela. In these books, many israelites return to jerusalem. This book, in the vulgate latin and arabic versions, is called the first book of ezra, nehemiah being reckoned the second. Jerusalem had a temple but there was no protection for the city from further attack.
Nehemiahs primary mission was the rebuilding of the walls of jerusalem. Jewish tradition speculates that ezra could have written 1 and 2 chronicles, whichlike samuel and kingsoriginally. This is part of the reason some scholars think that ezra wrote both books. Chapter 1 king cyrus of persia authorizes the return of the.
Judahs adversaries stop temple work ezra 4 judah resumes temple work ezra 5 the temple is completed ezra 6 remembering the law ezr 710 artaxerxes sends ezra to teach the law in jerusalem ezra 78 ezra has the people put away their foreign wives ezra 910 pages related to ezra. Intermarriage in israel 14 ezras prayer of confession 515 10. List of those returning with ezra 1 14 preparations for the journey 1530 departure from babylon and arrival in jerusalem 36 9. Some concept of the nature of the encouraging messages of haggai and zechariah, who are introduced in this narrative ezra 5.
Ezra overview john gills exposition on the whole bible. All 1,189 summaries now available in paperback and on kindle. Dec 12, 2018 the book of ezra is part of the historical books of the bible. The greater part of this book, though it bears the name of ezra, tells of the pioneers who came back from exile to jerusalem a whole lifetime before him. For example, king artaxerxes is listed as the king prior to cyrus, though this was not historically correct. The book of ezra in the bible tells us that the king of persia allowed the jews to return to their own land. The greater part of this book, though it bears the name of ezra, tells of the. Cyrus made a decree giving the jewish exiles in his empire the right to return to jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 538 b.
Babylon was a long way from their own country, called judah. In the hebrew bible, the two books were considered one work, though some. Ezra 1 cyrus helps the exiles to return in bible gateway. In obedience, ezra calls five scribes and begins to dictate the law. Ezra comes to jerusalem 1 10 artaxerxes letter to ezra 1126 ezra praises jehovah 27, 28 8. Nehemiah led the third 3rd exodus back to jerusalem, 94 years after zerubbabel 1st exodus of approx. Ezra 1 commentary matthew henry commentary on the whole. Ezra is a book of narrative history and genealogies. Originally part of a larger book that included ezra and chronicles, in our bibles each stands alone with nehemiah following chronicles and ezra. Book of ezra covers the events of the jews returning from the babylonian captivity. Study guide for ezra 1 by david guzik blue letter bible. The place of the word of god is seen in the total lives of these people.
The book of ezra the name ezra meaning help therefore is the sequence to the chronicles in regard to history and in regard to contents. Near 520 bc after the takeover by nebuchadnezzar, ultimately king cyrus of persia arose to power, and he decided to aid the jews to return to jerusalem. The lord, the god of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at jerusalem in judah. In such a unique period, we might think the prayer would be so specific that they would offer us little to. The chronicler, as scholars have long referred to the author of this book, is anonymous. Book of ezra overview insight for living ministries. Ezra, the high priest, is the one person who is notable in the books of ezra and nehemiah. Aug 02, 2017 the words and messages are frank, specific, and motivating. Look for gods character and discover him as you journey through the pages of scripture. But the people who lived near them did not want the jews back in the land. Ezra calls attention to israels covenant history with the lord. Jul 17, 2016 watch our overview video on the prophetic books of ezra and nehemiah, which breaks down the literary design of each book s flow of thought. One concerning passage mentioned in 2 esdras notes that god appeared to ezra in a bush and commanded him to restore the law. Nehemiah wrote it to records the events of returning to jerusalem and rebuilding the walls in 445 b.
Ezra and some other israelitestemple servants, priests, singers, gatekeepers, levitestake around four or five months to journey to jerusalem. In addition, certain errors have been noted in the text of 1 and 2 esdras. Now in the first year of cyrus king of persia, that the word of the lord by the mouth of jeremiah might be fulfilled, the lord stirred up the spirit of cyrus king of persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying. This book reminds us that it is through instruction in gods word that his people are strengthened, for ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in israel ezra 7. The edict tells the people that god has appointed cyrus the new ruler of this empire, and ordered him to build him a new temple in jerusalem. Before you attempt to answer the questions below you should read these chapters in the bible and answer the questions at the end of each chapter found at the website answer the questions below and then click ok to send your answers. After the babylonian exile when the israelites began to return to judah and jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Ezra dedicated the temple but was not happy with the jews marrying pagan foreign wives. Ezra is the author of the book and is also the main character in the story starting in chapter 7 ezra 7. However, in many ways, 1 esdras is a revision of the biblical ezra with four chapters of additional material. In the canonical books, he shares this moment with nehemiah. Ezra 1 6 covers the first return of jews from captivity, led by zerubbabela period of twentythree years beginning with the edict of cyrus of persia and ending at the rebuilding of the temple in jerusalem 538515 bc. Summary of the books of ezra the story of the bible. Watch our overview video on the prophetic books of ezra and nehemiah, which breaks down the literary design of each books flow of thought.
An initial group returned to jerusalem with sheshbazzar, the prince of judah 1. The book contains several documents presented as historical inclusions, written in aramaic while the surrounding text is in. Our overview and outline of ezra is intended to assist in studying gods wordhis letter to us. The prophets haggai and zechariah also played important roles in encouraging the people of judah and their leaders. Cyrus not the jonah hill movie as the book begins, god inspires king cyrus of persia who has just conquered babylon to send out a herald and a written edict throughout his new empire. In fact, ezra and nehemiah were originally regarded as one book by ancient jewish and early christian scribes. God gave cyrus the prophesy and then god stirred the hearts of the leaders, priests and levites to return home. In chapters 16, a relatively small number of jews return to the city of jerusalem. The book of ezra does not specifically name its author. So the elders of the jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of haggai the prophet. The king of babylon ordered most jews to live in babylon. Ezra 1 niv bible in the first year of cyrus king of. He allowed the king of babylon and his army to defeat them.
Ezra 1 new international version niv cyrus helps the exiles to return. From its contents we especially learn, that every good work will meet with opposition from enemies, and be hurt by the misconduct of friends. They are to rebuild the temple and restore their religious practices and worship. Aug 02, 2017 it is, however, believed that ezra did write that book and its known that it originally was part of a larger book that included the books of nehemiah and chronicles. Key personalities include cyrus, ezra, haggai, zechariah, darius i, artaxerxes i, and zerubbabel.
Overview of the biblical book of ezra zionlutheranchurch. Ezra 1, new international version niv the bible app. Ezra, nehemiah, zerubbabel, jeshua, haggai, zechariah, darius, and sanballat. At one time, however, ezra and nehemiah followed 1 and 2 chronicles and were generally considered to be the work of one and the same author known as the chronicler.
The history of this book is the accomplishment of jeremiahs prophecy concerning the return of the jews out of babylon. Intermarriage in israel 1 4 ezra s prayer of confession 515 10. The book is a first person account of the events from the perspective of nehemiah. Then tattenai, governor of the region beyond the river, shetharboznai, and their companions diligently did according to what king darius had sent. It is, however, believed that ezra did write that book and its known that it originally was part of a larger book that included the books of nehemiah and chronicles. Part three contains a number of miscellaneous items, including lists of those who returned from exile.
The books of ezra and nehemiah were originally combined into a single book. Not all the jews returned to judah, but some did return. The two became separated with the first printed rabbinic bibles of the early 16th century, following late medieval latin christian tradition. Book of first chronicles overview insight for living ministries. In ancient times, ezra and nehemiah were counted as one book.
Ultimately, it is the authors interest in the temple that sets this book. The books of ezra, nehemiah, and esther are known as the postexilic historical books. They are the last of the historical books in the old testament. Ezra comes to jerusalem 110 artaxerxes letter to ezra 1126 ezra praises jehovah 27, 28 8. Ezras purpose was to accurately record the events of the return from the babylonian exile, after a seventy. Ezra and nehemiah the next book of the bible were originally considered two parts of one book. God is speaking to all nations to be silent before him as they come together and have a chat. They said to me, those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. List of those returning with ezra 114 preparations for the journey 1530 departure from babylon and arrival in jerusalem 36 9.
The jews started to build a temple house of god in jerusalem. David guzik commentary on ezra 1, where cyrus, king of persia, makes a decree. This summary of the book of ezra provides information about the title, author s, date of writing, chronology, theme, theology, outline, a brief overview, and the chapters of the book of ezra. The books of ezra and nehemiah are the key literary sources for the period of the restoration, the formation of the jewish religious community after the babylonian captivity. The wall of jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. Haggai was the leading prophet in the day of ezra, and zechariah was the prophet in the day of nehemiah. God is speaking to all nations to be silent before him as. For the connection between this book and ezra, see ezra overview and outline. The jews are counted and are permitted to return to judah to rebuild the temple.
Many jews had returned from the babylonian captivity. Chapters 1 6 deal with the initial return of a remnant from babylon under the leadership of zerubbabel in 538 b. Cyruss decree and the return of exiles from babylon 1. Ezra gathers the people into one great assembly and reads to them from the law book. Bsf study questions isaiah lesson 18, day 2 isaiah 41. Ezra wants to study the law of god, practice it, and teach it to others. Watch our overview video on the prophetic books of ezra and. The book of ezra records two separate time periods directly following the seventy years of babylonian captivity. Many years later, the army from persia defeated the army from babylon.
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