Ezra

·         Largely administrative in character, with a record of various proclamations and official documents.

·         4:8 – 6:18 and 7:12-26 are in Aramaic (the language of Empire)

1

In accordance with the prophecy of Jeremiah and inspired by the Lord, Emperor Cyrus of Persia commands and helps Judah to return to and rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. In his proclamation., Cyrus stresses that he has been given all the kingdoms of the earth by God. Temple items are also returned. The Jews are led by Sheshbazzar, prince of Judah.


2

Israel returns from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem and Judah, led by Zerubabbel. The returnees are listed – 42,360 in all. Freewill offerings are made to help rebuild the temple.


3

On the seventh month (which sees the celebration of Atonement, Trumpets and Tabernacles), the Jerusalem temple altar is rebuilt on its ancient foundation. Sacrifices and festivals begin again. Temple rebuilding begins, accompanied by joyous singing and praising of the Lord. Some weep, others rejoice.


4

The enemies of Judah offer to help rebuild the temple, but Zerubabbel refuses their assistance. Resistance to the rebuilding project contrinues from Cyrus to the reign of Darius. The Samaritan adversaries of Judah, under Ahasuerus (485-465 bc), write an accusation against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. In the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia (464-424 bc), the Samaritans write a letter saying that if Jerusalem is rebuilt, Persian control of it will cease. Artaxerxes forces the rebuilding project to cease – which it does until the second year of the reign of Darius.


5

Haggai and Zechariah exhort the people to start rebuilding the temple. It does. Tattenai, the governor of the river, writes to king Darius, saying rebuilding has started on the joint authority of the Lord and of Cyrus.


6

Emperor Darius searches royal records, find Cyrus’ decree, and orders the rebuilding of temple to continue. The temple is completed, dedicated. Passover is kept.


7

Ezra (a skilled scribe, an Aaronic priest and descendant of Zadok) gains Artaxerxes' favour, and returns from Babylon to Jerusalem. Artaxerxes commands Ezra to offer all the gold and silver found in Babylon for the temple. Ezra is also given the power to impose taxes, and enforce the Mosaic law. Ezra gives thanks.


8

Ezra (writing in the first person) provides a list of all those who accompanied him to Jerusalem. Ezra does not ask for a Persian escort, trusting in the Lord to protect them. Gifts to the temple are made.


9

Some Jews marry non-Jews. Writing in the first person, Ezra grieves, prays to God in front of people, confesses sins, humbles himself, and intercedes for Jews.


10

A meeting is held about Jews marrying foreign women. Shechaniah proposes a covenant to put away foreign wives. A period of mourning ensues, and the Jews confess their offence, agreeing to put away their wives. Each case of intermarriage is investigated over a period of three months. A list of the guilty is supplied.