Bible Book of Ezra | Restoration of the Temple

The return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon and the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Ezra chapters with summary and commentary.

Genre: Historical Book. Theme: Restoration of the Temple

Author: Ezra
Date: c. 440 BC
Read Time: 45 mins
Purpose: To record the return from exile and Temple rebuilding.
Key Verse: Ezra 7:10 - Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it.
Christ: The Restorer of true worship.
Audience: Post-exilic Jews establishing a holy community amidst opposition
Decree: Starts with Cyrus the Great's decree in 538 BC.
Decree Of Cyrus: The secular fulfillment of Jeremiah's 70-year prophecy of return.
Linguistic Shift: Portions are written in Aramaic, reflecting the language of the Persian Empire.

Ezra documents the first two waves of returnees from Babylon and the grueling work of rebuilding the altar and the Temple.

The book highlights the power of the 'Law of the Lord' in separating a holy people from the pagan influences of the surrounding nations.

Jesus is the Restorer who leads His people out of spiritual exile and establishes true worship.

Ezra 1 - The Proclamation of Cyrus

Cyrus said, "Let the LORD's people go up to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple." He gave the articles from the temple to Sheshbazzar.

The exiles returned to Judah with Zerubbabel. A total of 42,360 people returned. The heads of families gave offerings for the temple.

The Israelites made regular offerings. When the builders laid the foundation of the temple, the Levites sang praise to the LORD.

Enemies hindered the work in Judah. Rehum wrote to Artaxerxes: "Jerusalem is a rebellious city." So Artaxerxes stopped the building.

Zerubbabel began to build the temple. Tattenai wrote to Darius: "The elders say that Cyrus issued a decree to rebuild this temple."

Darius issued a decree: "The cost of the temple shall come from the treasury." The temple was completed and the Israelites celebrated.

Ezra went up to Jerusalem to teach the law. Artaxerxes wrote: "I decree that whatever Ezra needs shall be done." So I was encouraged.

I assembled the family heads from Babylon and gave the gifts for the temple to the Levites. We came to Jerusalem and made offerings.

The leaders told me that the people had taken foreign wives. I tore my robe and prayed, "O God, we have forsaken your commandments."

The Israelites wept. They all assembled and Ezra said, "Separate from your foreign wives." The family heads investigated the matter.