Ezra

The author of Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 & 2 Chronicles is known as "the Chronicler." The book of Ezra is the most important source for information on the formation of the Jewish remnant community after the Babylonian exile.

Ezra was a relative of Aaron and was like Moses when it came to his knowledge and practice of the law. Ezra means "God Helps." Ezra was sent to King Artarxerxes, who let Ezra lead the Jews to Jerusalem to live there and rebuild the city. He was appointed a commission to remove foreign wives and children to create a purified Hebrew community. Ezra helped rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. He and Nehemiah helped people learn to read the law and taught the law in public places. Ezra reformed the Hebrew law and organized the scriptures.


This is an outline for the book of Ezra

I. Rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 1-6)
Ezra 1 The Decree to Rebuild the Temple
Ezra 2 The Returning Exiles
Ezra 3 The Temple Restoration Begins
Ezra 4 The Adversaries Halt Restoration
Ezra 5 The Resumption of the Restoration
Ezra 6 The Temple is Completed

II. Purifying the People (Ezra 7-10)
Ezra 7 Ezra is Appointed by King Artaxerxes
Ezra 8 Ezra Leads the Exiles to Jerusalem
Ezra 9 Ezra Intercedes on Behalf of Israel
Ezra 10 Ezra Purifies the People

Source of Outline: Biblical Foundations for Freedom


This is my favorite quote from the book of Ezra

"Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it."
Ezra 10:4

This passage shows that Ezra had to encourage and support the Hebrews in rebuilding the temple.


Review Questions

1. Who is the author of Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 & 2 Chronicles?
2. What does Ezra mean?
3. Who helped Ezra with reading and teaching the Law?
4. What king was Ezra sent to?
5. What did Ezra help rebuild?

Answers


Additional References

New Advent
Wikipedia
Bible Gateway


Sources

Brown, Raymond E. and Joseph A. Fitmeyer and Roland E. Murphy. The Jerome Biblical Commentary. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice-Hall Inc. 1968.

The New American Bible. St. Joseph Edition. "Ezra" New York: Catholic Book Company, 1970.


Please send any comments, suggestions, or corrections to Andy Swafford