1. Summary of the Book
Ezra tells the story of Israel’s return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of its religious life. After seventy years in captivity, God moves the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia, to allow the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. The book highlights God’s faithfulness to His promises, the importance of worship, the centrality of God’s Law, and the need for moral and spiritual renewal among His people.
The first part of the book (chapters 1–6) recounts the first return under Zerubbabel. King Cyrus issues a decree permitting the Jews to go back to Jerusalem and restore the Temple. Many respond with joy, bringing offerings and support. Upon arriving in Judah, the returnees rebuild the altar and reinstitute daily sacrifices even before the Temple is restored, showing that worship is their first priority. They lay the foundation of the Temple amid both great rejoicing and bittersweet memories of the former Temple.
Opposition from surrounding peoples soon arises. Adversaries try to halt construction, and political pressure causes the work to cease for many years. But God sends the prophets Haggai and Zechariah to encourage the people. Under their prophetic guidance and with renewed zeal, the Temple is completed during the reign of King Darius. The people celebrate Passover with restored joy, symbolizing renewal of covenant identity.
The second part of the book (chapters 7–10) focuses on the arrival of Ezra the priest and scholar many decades later. Ezra receives authorization from King Artaxerxes to teach the Law of God in Judah and to strengthen the religious life of the people. Ezra is described as “a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses,” a man whose heart is set to study, practice, and teach the Law. His arrival marks a turning point: he leads a spiritual reformation that emphasizes obedience to God’s statutes.
Ezra discovers that many Israelites—including priests and Levites—have entered unlawful marriages with pagan nations, threatening their covenant identity. Heartbroken, Ezra prays a deeply moving prayer of confession on behalf of the people. This leads to corporate repentance and a communal recommitment to holiness.
Ezra is a book of rebuilding, not only of structures but of hearts. It teaches that the life of God’s people must be rooted in proper worship, guided by God’s Word, and purified through repentance.
2. Author
Traditionally attributed to Ezra the priest and scribe. The style, first-person narrative sections, and thematic focus on the Law support this authorship.
3. Time of Composition
Composed in the late 5th century BC. The events take place from the decree of Cyrus (538 BC) to Ezra’s reforms (around 458 BC).
4. Intended Audience
The Jewish community rebuilding its life after exile, as well as future generations who need to understand the importance of God’s Law, worship, and covenant fidelity.
5. Major Themes
God’s faithfulness to His promises
Restoration of worship and the Temple
The power of God’s Word
The role of priests and scribes
Repentance and communal reform
Holiness and covenant identity
Perseverance in the face of opposition
6. Section-Wise Division
A. First Return and Rebuilding of the Temple (Ezr 1–6)
Cyrus’s decree and return of exiles (Ezr 1)
Genealogy of returnees (Ezr 2)
Rebuilding the altar and beginning the Temple (Ezr 3)
Opposition and delay (Ezr 4)
Prophetic encouragement by Haggai and Zechariah (Ezr 5)
Completion and dedication of the Temple; celebration of Passover (Ezr 6)
B. Ezra’s Arrival and Reform (Ezr 7–10)
Ezra’s commission and journey (Ezr 7–8)
Ezra’s grief over unlawful marriages (Ezr 9)
Communal repentance and reform (Ezr 10)
7. Historical and Biblical Background
Ezra is set during the Persian Empire, which allowed subject peoples to return home and rebuild their temples. This marked a dramatic shift from Babylonian policy and fulfilled prophetic promises by Jeremiah and Isaiah. The Jewish community returned in waves, facing difficult conditions—economic hardship, foreign opposition, and spiritual discouragement. Ezra stands within a larger biblical movement of restoration, preparing for later reforms under Nehemiah.
Theologically, the book emphasizes covenant renewal, the authority of Scripture, and the priestly role in shaping community identity.
8. Biblical Flow of Each Section
First Return
God mobilizes political leaders and faithful exiles to rebuild His house.
Temple Rebuilding
Worship is restored despite external opposition.
Ezra’s Arrival
Ezra strengthens the people through God’s Word and personal holiness.
Reform
Sin is confronted, repentance is embraced, and covenant identity is renewed.
9. Orientation to Jesus Christ
Ezra points toward Christ in several important ways.
Ezra as priest and scribe prefigures Christ the High Priest and divine Teacher.
The rebuilt Temple anticipates Christ, the true Temple of God.
The restoration after exile foreshadows Christ restoring humanity through His death and resurrection.
Passover celebrations point to Christ, the Paschal Lamb.
Covenant renewal anticipates the New Covenant sealed in Christ’s blood.
10. Message for Us Today
Ezra teaches that spiritual renewal begins with returning to God’s Word, restoring worship, and confessing sin. It reminds us that God remains faithful even after judgment and exile, inviting His people to rebuild their lives. Ezra challenges believers to pursue holiness, resist compromise, and allow God’s Word to shape every aspect of life and community.
11. Prayer
Lord God of restoration, renew my heart as You renewed Your people through Ezra. Teach me to love Your Word, worship You faithfully, and turn from every sin. Strengthen me to rebuild what is broken in my life through Your grace. May I follow Jesus, the true Priest and Teacher, with sincerity and devotion. Amen.