The Book of Ezra
Ezra tells of the Jews' return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple, and Ezra's later work to restore the people to God's law.
- Testament
- Old (10 chapters)
- Type
- History
- Author
- Largely Ezra himself, with editorial framing.
- Date
- Events span 538-458 BC; the book's final form is from the mid-5th c. BC.
Return and rebuilding
Ezra is about what comes after disaster — the slow, hard work of rebuilding a community, a Temple, a worship life, a sense of identity. The first wave under Zerubbabel rebuilds the Temple; Ezra's wave rebuilds the people.
Hand of God on his people
Ezra's refrain — 'the hand of the LORD my God was upon me' — frames every step. The book teaches that even slow, unglamorous restoration is God's work.
Key verses (KJV)
“The hand of the LORD my God was upon me.” — Ezra 7:28 (KJV)
“For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” — Ezra 7:10 (KJV)
“The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build.” — Ezra 5:11 (cf. Nehemiah 2:20) (KJV)
How to read Ezra
Read alongside Nehemiah — they are companion volumes. Ezra 7-10 (Ezra's reforms) is the spine. The genealogies and lists are skimmable.
Read Ezra on your iPhone
Read the full book of Ezra in Quiethaven — choose your translation, read offline, and pick up where you left off. Pair it with a daily verse and a prayer timer.
Read Ezra free on iPhone.
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