Introduction
The Book of Ezra
, as a sequel to
Chronicles
, describes the return of some of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the restoration of life and worship in Jerusalem. These events are presented in the following stages: 1) The first group of Jewish exiles returns from Babylonia at the order of Cyrus, the Persian emperor. 2) The Temple is rebuilt and dedicated, and the worship of God restored in Jerusalem. 3) Years later another group of Jews returns to Jerusalem under the leadership of Ezra, an expert in the Law of God, who helps the people reorganize their religious and social life in order to safeguard the spiritual heritage of Israel.
Outline of Contents
The first return from exile (1.1—2.70)
The Temple is rebuilt and dedicated (3.1—6.22)
Ezra returns with other exiles (7.1—10.44)