Historical Background:
Christian scholarship: Since the time of Origen, Ezra and Nehemiah have been seen as distinct works although
forming an historical unit. Later historical critical scholarship acknowledges this division but fails to give church
fathers credit for being able to recognize authorial and stylistic differences.
Jewish scholarship: Although early traditions viewed Ezra-Nehemiah as one work, written for the most part, along
with the Books of Chronicles, by Ezra the scribe (in the Vulgate, the Latin Translation, Ezra is I Esdras and Nehemiah is
II Esdras), recent linguistic and stylistic studies show the three works to be separate compositions. Historically, EzraNehemiah are a sequel to Chronicles, since they open at Cyrus' decree, with which Chronicles ends. However, in
most manuscripts and printed editions, Ezra-Nehemiah directly precede Chronicles in the biblical canon. Chronicles
was probably transferred from its original place to the end of the Hebrew Bible because it was regarded as a
summary of the whole sacred story.
In their present arrangement, the Books of Ezra-Nehemiah span approximately a century, from the decree of Cyrus
the Great, emperor of Persia, in 538 B.C. (sanctioning the return of the exiles and the eventual rebuilding of the
Temple in Jerusalem) -– to about 420 B.C., the beginning of the reign of Darius II.
From the point of view of internal Jewish history, the books cover three main periods, which may be identified by the
personalities who exerted influence and leadership over the Jewish people in those times: Sheshbazzar and
Zerubbabel, with the prophets Haggai and Zechariah; Ezra the scribe, and Nehemiah, governor of the Persian
province of Judah.
The relationship between Ezra and Nehemiah has been the subject of much scholarly debate. the biblical sources
(Ezra chap. 7; Neh chap. 2) indicate that Ezra came to Jerusalem "in the seventh year of Artaxerxes" (458 B.C.) and
Nehemiah 13 years later (445 B.C.). Some scholars have tried to prove, from chronological inconsistencies, that
Nehemiah must have come before Ezra. However, in the light of recent archeological evidence, including Aramaic
seal-impressions from the Persian period, the traditional view seems most credible; Ezra preceded Nehemiah as a
functionary of the Persian regime in Judah during the reign of Artaxerxes I (464-424 B.C.).
King of
Persia[6]
Cyrus(550530)
Events in the wider region[7]
Fall of Babylon, 539
Correlation with Ezra–Nehemiah[8]
Edict of Cyrus: directive to the Jews to rebuild the
Temple; first return of exiles to Jerusalem, 538;
altar restored and foundations of Temple laid.
Cambyses(5
Conquest of Egypt, 525
30-522)
Work on the Temple halted due to the plots of the
Samaritans.
Darius
I(522-486)
Edict of Cyrus rediscovered: Temple rebuilt, sixth
year of Darius (515)
Secures the throne in 520/519
after fighting off various rivals
Xerxes(486- Failed attempt to conquer Greece,
465)
beginning of struggle with Greeks
for control of the eastern
Mediterranean
Successful suppression of GreekMost widely accepted period for arrival of Ezra in
supported revolt in Egypt, 460Artaxerxes
the "seventh year of Artaxerxes"; second return of
456; revolt of Megabyzus,
I (465-424)
the exiles to Jerusalem (458 if the king is
governor of the territory which
Artaxerxes I); mission of Nehemiah, 445-433
included Judah, 449
(for reference, Persia was conquered by Alexander the Great during the reign of Darius III (336-330))
Ezra has been seen by people of faith as God's fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy about the restoration of Israel
following the captivity in Babylon:
Jeremiah 30:1-3: This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:
‘Write in a book all the words I have spoken to you. The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will bring my
people Israel and Judah back from captivity[a] and restore them to the land I gave their ancestors to possess,’ says
the Lord.”
Summary of Ezra
The story of Ezra the Scribe takes us back about 23 centuries, to the time when the Jews had returned from the
Babylonian exile, had rebuilt the Temple, and had begun to live a free life on their own native soil. In the year 538
BCE, the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem was under way. Jerusalem again became the center of
Jewish life. But the era of the prophets was about to end. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi were the last of the
prophets. There were no more prophets after them, though there never ceased to appear men of wisdom and vision
in Israel who were leaders and sages, and inspired their brethren with the spirit of the Torah and of the prophets.
One of the first of these great men who followed on the very heels of the last prophets was Ezra the Scribe. He was
born in Babylon, like many of the other great leaders, patriots and sages which the Jewish community in exile had
produced. By profession he was a scribe; he used to write scrolls of the Torah, which he knew so well. Ezra was also a
priest, a member of the priestly family of Aaron. He was a great scholar and teacher, and all his qualities combined to
make him an outstanding figure not merely among his brethren, but also in the court of Artaxerxes. A great and
secure future lay ahead of him in his land of exile, but Ezra's heart was with his brethren in Jerusalem. It was no easy
task for so prominent a man to leave Babylon in order to make his home in the Land of Israel. But eventually king
Artaxerxes fulfilled Ezra's cherished dream. Not only did he permit him to return to his homeland, but even ordered
his representatives and governors everywhere to assist Ezra on his way, and expedite his journey. The Persian king
appointed Ezra as a high-ranking officer in the Land of Israel, with powers to appoint judges and officers of the law,
and to levy monetary fines, impose banishment and even to impose the death penalty, if necessary.
Ezra left Babylon in the spring, in the month of Nissan, his heart full of excitement and joyous expectancy. He took
with him a great deal of gold and silver for the Temple. The journey lasted almost six months, for Ezra did not arrive
in Jerusalem before the month of Ab, at summer's end, probably around 458 BCE.
Ezra was accompanied by thousands of enthusiastic patriots who gave up the comforts of their life in exile to begin
life anew in their own homeland, ready to face whatever dangers and uncertainties awaited them there.
Upon arrival in the Land of Israel, Ezra was shocked and grieved to find that the spiritual standards of his brethren
had sunk to a dangerous low. They had fallen under the influence of the powerful Samaritans and other native tribes,
had intermarried with them freely, and a young generation was growing up which was unaware of the great spiritual
heritage of Israel. The children did not even know their own Hebrew tongue.
Ezra rent his clothes and grieved bitterly, but he did not give way to despair. He gathered around him the few loyal
priests and Levites, the few teachers and patriots among his brethren, in an attempt to restore Jewish life in the Holy
Land. A heavy cloud hung on the assembly, for the picture looked dismal and bleak. The hearts of the assembled
were full of anxiety and grief, and their eyes were full of tears. Suddenly a man rose and called out: "We have
committed a crime against God and against our people by marrying non-Jewish women. But we are ready to give
them up and part with them and with their children. Arise, Ezra, call upon the people to send away their strange
wives! Be strong, firm and fearless!"
The name of this man was Shecheniah ben Jehiel, and his words spurred Ezra to immediate action. He called a great
assembly in Jerusalem and proclaimed an order calling upon his brethren to part from their non-Jewish wives. A
wave of repentance swept the small Jewish community in the holy land; Ezra's leadership began to show real and farreaching results.
But this drastic action roused the anger of the Samaritans, and awakened their old hatred of the Jewish people. Like
enraged beasts they swooped down from their hills and attacked the peaceful inhabitants of Jerusalem. They fell
upon the protective walls of the city, smashed and razed them to the ground, and also burned, destroyed and
ransacked many homes. The inhabitants of Jerusalem fled in terror, and the Jewish community of the holy city began
to dwindle. Once again, many Jews began to seek the friendship of the powerful Samaritans, and Ezra's strenuous
efforts to stem the tide of assimilation seemed all but fruitless. For about twelve years the situation grew from bad
to worse, for the Jews had no respite from the cruel Samaritans. The situation became very critical. But at the height
of the crisis, timely help arrived which saved the day for the Jews in the Land of Israel. This help came through
Nehemiah, Ezra's contemporary and great co-worker.
Introducing Ezra
Briefly, the events of the book of Ezra precede those in the book of Nehemiah (and most of the book of Ezra precedes
any reference to Ezra, who appears in ch 7). Ezra and Nehemiah span a period of about a century following the fall
of the Babylonian Empire to the Persians, and recount the restoration of Israel under the Persian kings following the
captivity. Nehemiah probably arrived in Jerusalem in 445 BCE, just 13 years after Ezra. This period also coincides
with the end of the prophetic era. Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi were the last, and their prophecies were delivered
during this century ending with those of Malachi around 450 BCE. Ezra 1-6=Return of Jews led by Sheshbazzar,
beginnng of 2nd Temple reconstruction. Prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah and the leadership of Zerubabbel spur
completion of the Temple. About 70 years intervene between the first return and completion of the Temple, after
which Ezra is sent to reestablish the Law=Ezra 7-10.
Study Guide Text (from IVCF online resource):
If you were in prison, what words would you like most to hear from your captors? Would they be "You can go home now"? King Cyrus of
Persia said this to the Israelites when he freed them from captivity. And he also sent them back to their homeland with all of the
treasures of the former temple of Jerusalem and with money and supplies to build a new altar and temple.
This would have been momentous to the people of Israel. More than 200 years before (722 B.C.) the Assyrians destroyed the northern
kingdom, Israel. In 587 B.C. the Babylonians conquered what remained of the southern kingdom, Judah. They destroyed the temple and
took the leaders of the people into exile. Psalm 137:4 gives us a glimpse into the crisis that this was for the people of Israel: "How can we
sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?" The sense of loss and grief was profound.
Then came Cyrus the Persian in 538 B.C., who conquered Babylon and set in motion policies of religious tolerance and encouragement
that would largely characterize the attitude of the Persian kings to follow, Darius and Artaxerxes. This policy enabled and encouraged the
people of Israel to return to their homeland. No doubt it was advantageous for the kings to have a loyal buffer between them and the
other major superpower of the day, Egypt, but whatever the motives of the Persian kings, the author makes it clear that God is the one
who controls history.
Ezra is the first part of a divided book. Nehemiah is the second half. The Hebrew Bible treated the two books as one. They became
separated due to Christian influence. If you read the two books together, the story will make better sense. There are three different
return trips that take place (Ezr 1—6, 7—10; Ne 1—7), and the book concludes by a gathering of the congregation of Israel for
repentance and rejoicing. Preceded by a reading of the law by Ezra the Scribe (Ne 8).
The book of Ezra focuses on several themes: the continuity of the leaders before and after the exile, the place of the community in
bringing about God's work, the rebuilding of the altar and the temple, and the importance of holiness within the community. It is clear
from this book that the freedom that the Israelites have received is from God. We can take encouragement for our lives from this picture
of a God who is faithful to his promises.
Week 1: Ezra 1-3, the return of Israel from exile and
the beginning of rebuilding of the Temple
Ezra 1-2: Return from Exile
Read 2 Chr 36: 11-23 for context.
Exile. Their homeland was destroyed. They were forcibly removed to a strange land. There they were
foreigners, losers, third-class inhabitants. Feelings ran deep—anger, shame, alienation and isolation. What
hope could possibly exist in people who had not seen their homeland for over fifty years? This is where the
book of Ezra starts.
Warming Up to God
Have you ever had an experience of being physically or emotionally far from home? How would you describe
that experience of exile?
Read Ezra 1-2 (2:1-2, 62f)
Discovering the Word
•What would it have been like to have heard the proclamation of King Cyrus (1:1-4)?
•What were the Israelites provided with beyond their freedom (1:3-11)?
•What might have been the thoughts and feelings of those who were chosen to return to Israel (2:166)?
•Why were the returnees so generous in the offering (2:68-69) to rebuild the temple?
•How would the prophecy of Jeremiah (2Ch 36:21) affect them as they resettled Israel (2:70)?
Applying the Word
•How might God be calling you to return to a place or a group?
•How can the profound gratitude of the Israelites in 2:68-69 impact your response to God?
Responding in Prayer
Offer the Lord your thanks for bringing you back from the exile of sin.
Ezra 3: The Priorities of God's People
If you had to move away from your country next month, what would be on your "To Do" list? Cleaning and
packing, of course. But who would you want to spend time with? People from work, the neighborhood or
social clubs? You might find that it's the people you worship with each Sunday who are most important. Once
you arrive in the new place, what would be your highest priorities? In this chapter we learn a lot about the
Israelites' priorities.
Warming Up to God
List your priorities as you think about establishing yourself in a new place. What stands out to you in the
goals you would set for yourself?
Read Ezra 3
Discovering the Word
•Besides the obvious task of settling back in their homeland, what was the first priority for the
returned exiles (vv. 1-2)?
•How did the Israelites deal with their reasonable and real fears (v. 3)?
•The seventh month was one of the most sacred and worshipful, yet the entire temple lay
demolished. How did they "make do" (v. 6)?
•What does the next project the Israelites turn their attention to tell you about their priorities (vv. 79)?
•In what various ways did the people express themselves in worship (vv. 10-13)?
Applying the Word
•How can the God-given priority of worshiping with God's people (Heb 10:25) grow in your life?
•How could you follow the example of the Israelites in facing your fears?
Responding in Prayer
Week 2: Ezra 7-8, The leadership of Ezra and
redirection of the returned to God's purposes
A great deal of drama intervenes Chapter 3 and Chapter 7 of the book of Ezra, where Ezra finally shows up
on the scene. In the interim, the exiles meet opposition
Ezra 7: Powerful Friends
Life in a foreign country can be difficult. There are new foods, unexpected customs, new ways of speaking or
even a new language, different ways of dressing and much more. Something that helps a great deal in such
a situation is a friend from the new culture who can help you make the adjustment and introduce you
around. In this chapter Ezra finds a friend—and a benefactor—in the king. As a result, many good things
come to his people as well.
Warming Up to God
What connections, friends, privileges or abilities do you have which you can use to benefit the church?
Read Ezra 7
Discovering the Word
•What qualities of Ezra would have helped him to find favor in the eyes of the king (vv. 5-6, 9-10)?
•Describe the king's generosity to Ezra and his people (vv. 13-22).
•What commission is Ezra given by King Artaxerxes(vv. 25-26)?
•This is most likely the same Artaxerxes who wrote the letter stopping all building in chapter 4. What
does the letter suggest about why the king changed his mind about the temple (vv. 23, 27-28)?
•Since Israel lay between the kingdom of Persia and Egypt (the other superpower of the day), it was
undoubtedly useful for the king to have friendly allies as a buffer. How can God use this king with
mixed motives?
Applying the Word
•If God is able to change a king's heart as he did with Artaxerxes, how might that change your faith
in God and your prayer life?
•Ezra's lifelong preparation and faithfulness to God put him in a pivotal place to be used of God. How
can you faithfully prepare yourself for such a day?
Ezra 8: Practical Spirituality
It's dark, and you are in a part of town that is known to be dangerous. Unfortunately, you and those with you
have to travel on foot to your destination. You naturally turn to prayer. This was the situation Ezra found
himself in. And the pressure was on because he had bragged that God would protect those "who look to
him." Now he had to put his life where his mouth was.
Warming Up to God
We typically turn to God in crisis and sometimes forget to rely on him in daily life. In what part of your life
should you particularly be looking to God for guidance? Spend some time in quiet with the Lord.
Read Ezra 8
Discovering the Word
•Notice those mentioned in verses 1-14. What would it have been like for Ezra as the leader to gather
all these people together (v. 15)?
•Ezra sees that among those who are returning there are no Levites to assist in the day-to-day
routine of the temple, so what does he do (vv. 15-20)?
•What steps does Ezra take to prepare for the journey (vv. 21-30)?
•What would be the benefit of weighing out (and weighing in) the articles given into his trust (vv. 2426, 33-34)?
•How did Ezra and the people respond to God after safely returning to Israel (vv. 35-36)?
•Sometimes "being spiritual" is seen as better than "being practical." In what ways do you see both in
Ezra?
Applying the Word
•How can practical accountability safeguards (like weighing the gifts in vv. 24-34) protect the
reputation of Christ's church and its leaders?
•In what ways are you torn between being spiritual and being practical?
Responding in Prayer