Ezra
READ THE BOOK OF EZRA ONLINE, STUDY AND UNDERSTAND THE DYNAMICS OF THE BIBLE
INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF EZRA
Jewish tradition has long attributed authorship of this historical book to the scribe and scholar Ezra, who led the second group of Jews returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. It is thought that, Ezra and Nehemiah written originally as one book, these two books describe the return of the Jewish exiles after 70 years of bondage in Babylon, and the subsequent restoration of Jerusalem, its Temple and it walls. Ezra and Nehemiah are of special importance, since they contain nearly all of the direct information known of the post-Exile period of Hebrew history. The book could not have been completed earlier than about 450 BC (the date of the events recorded in 10:17–44).
The book of Ezra can be divided into two parts. This includes;
The first return of Jews from captivity, led by Zerubbabel—a period of twenty-three years beginning with the edict of Cyrus of Persia and ending at the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem (538–515 BC). Ezra 1–6
The part picks up the story more than sixty years later, when Ezra led the second group of exiles to Israel (458 BC). Ezra 7-10
BIBLICAL OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EZRA
- Return from Babylon led by Zerubbabel, Chapters 1—6
- Restoration of temple by decree of Cyrus, Chapter 1
- Return under Zerubbabel, Chapter 2
- Rebuilding of temple, Chapter 3
- Retardation of rebuilding of temple by opposition, Chapter 4
- Renewal of rebuilding of temple, Chapters 5, 6
- Return from Babylon led by Ezra, Chapters 7—10
- Return under Ezra, Chapters 7, 8
- Reformation under Ezra, Chapters 9, 10
- Prayer of Ezra, Chapter 9
- Separation from heathen is demanded and maintained, Chapter 10
BOOK SUMMARY
After the takeover by Nebuchadnezzar, eventually King Cyrus of Persia came to power, and he decided to help the Jews to return to Jerusalem (around 520 B.C.) and to rebuild the Temple of Jehovah, the God of Israel and of Jerusalem. The temple was rebuilt with a height of 90 ft. and a width of 90 ft. Ezra, high priest, dedicated the temple but was not happy with the priests marrying heathen wives, or intermarriage --mixed marriages of Jews and non-Jews.
The two major events recorded by Ezra are the return of the Jewish remnant from Babylon to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple. Ezra, a priest, returned to Jerusalem following the return of the faithful remnant. Ezra is the first of six books (Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi) written after Israel’s captivity.
After the Israelites returned to their homes, the people started marrying wives from pagan nations. Ezra was upset because this was the same sin that had resulted in the captivity in Babylon. Ezra prayed before the people, thanking God for what He’d done and for His kindness toward Israel. He confessed the nation’s sins. The gathered crowd made a covenant to rid the nation of the wives and children who worshiped other gods. Three days later, the entire nation gathered and came to an almost-unanimous decision — they would rid themselves of the sinful influence. It’s just as true today as it was in Ezra’s time — if another person is influencing you to focus on things other than the Lord, the relationship is wrong. Below are some of the themes that can be found in the book of Ezra.
- The Jews return
- Rededication
- Opposition
- God’s word
- Faith and action
WHERE CAN I READ THE BOOK OF EZRA
When the people returned to the land, they were also returning to the influence of God’s Word. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah helped encourage them, while Ezra’s preaching of Scripture built them up. God’s Word gave them what they needed to do God’s work.
We should have it in mind that, we also need the encouragement and direction of God’s Word. We must make it the basis for our faith and actions to finish God’s work and fulfill our obligations. We must never waver in our commitment to hear and obey his Word. However, the challenge to this spiritual reality is always how committed we are to reading and studying the word of God. This website is there to help you read the Bible online for free. At Bible-book.org, the Book of Ezra is presented to you in various formats online for easy understanding and for advancing our walk of faith which includes;
- Book of Ezra audiobook for audio display of the Bible
- Book of Ezra king James version in English translation
- Illustrated ( Comics )book of Ezra
- Book of Ezra with images
- With the Audiobook of Ezra, you can listen to the book of Ezra online for free as well as read the book online for free. At Bible-book.org, the book of Ezra comes with pictures for viewing while reading. With determination and persistence, we as a people can live up to expectation of being rooted in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ by studying the Bible both offline and Online.
WHY IS THE BOOK OF EZRA SO IMPORTANT?
The history of this book is the accomplishment of Jeremiah's prophecy concerning the return of the Jews out of Babylon. From its contents we especially learn, that every good work will meet with opposition from enemies, and be hurt by the misconduct of friends; but that God will make his cause to prevail, notwithstanding all obstacles and adversaries. The restoration of the Jews was an event of the highest consequence, tending to preserve religion in the world, and preparing the way for the appearance of the Great Deliverer, the Lord Jesus Christ. The book in one way has a great picture of Salvation in Christ. Ezra also contains one of the great intercessory prayers of the Bible Ezra 9:5–15.
God moved the hearts of secular rulers (Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes) to allow, even encourage and help, the Jewish people to return home. He used these unlikely allies to fulfill His promises of restoration for His chosen people. Have you encountered unlikely sources of blessing? Have you wondered how God can really work all things together for the good of those who are called by His name (Romans 8:28)? Take time today to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and mercy in your life. Recommit to Him your trust, your love, and your obedience.