Writer:
The book of Ezra is traditionally attributed to Ezra the scribe and priest, though the book itself does not explicitly name its author. Ezra is believed to have written the book, or at least large portions of it, using a combination of memoirs, royal decrees, and historical records.
Date of Writing:
The book of Ezra was likely written between 440 and 430 B.C., after the events described within the book took place. Ezra recounts events from approximately 538 B.C. (the decree of Cyrus) to around 458 B.C. (Ezra’s return to Jerusalem).
Important Events:
The Decree of Cyrus and the Return from Exile (Ezra 1-2):
- King Cyrus of Persia issues a decree in 538 B.C., allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. The first group of exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returns to Judah. A detailed list of the returning exiles is provided, emphasizing the continuity of the Jewish people.
Rebuilding the Altar and the Foundation of the Temple (Ezra 3):
- Upon their return, the exiles immediately rebuild the altar and begin offering sacrifices. They lay the foundation of the Temple, and there is a mixed reaction among the people—some rejoice, while others, who remember the first Temple, weep.
Opposition and the Halting of the Temple Construction (Ezra 4):
- The surrounding peoples oppose the rebuilding of the Temple, writing letters to the Persian kings, first to Cyrus and later to Artaxerxes, resulting in the temporary halting of the construction.
Resumption and Completion of the Temple (Ezra 5-6):
- Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people to resume building the Temple. Under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua the high priest, the work resumes. The Persian king Darius issues a decree confirming Cyrus’s original decree, and the Temple is completed in 515 B.C., and dedicated with great joy.
Ezra’s Journey to Jerusalem (Ezra 7-8):
- In 458 B.C., Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, leads a second group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He carries with him a letter from King Artaxerxes granting him authority to enforce the Law of Moses in Judah and providing support for the Temple.
Ezra’s Reforms and the Issue of Intermarriage (Ezra 9-10):
- Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra is dismayed to find that many of the returned exiles have intermarried with the surrounding peoples, contrary to the Law of Moses. He leads the people in a prayer of confession and calls for a covenant renewal. The people agree to divorce their foreign wives and separate from the practices that led them astray.
Key Characters:
Ezra: A priest and scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, Ezra is a central figure in the book. He leads the second wave of exiles back to Jerusalem and is instrumental in the spiritual reform of the people, particularly in addressing the issue of intermarriage.
Zerubbabel: A descendant of King David, Zerubbabel leads the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem and oversees the rebuilding of the Temple. He serves as a governor of Judah and plays a key role in restoring Jewish worship.
Jeshua (Joshua) the High Priest: Jeshua is the high priest who returns with Zerubbabel and assists in rebuilding the altar and the Temple. He is a spiritual leader during the early years of the return.
Cyrus: The Persian king who conquers Babylon and issues the decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah.
Darius: The Persian king who confirms Cyrus’s decree and supports the completion of the Temple despite opposition from surrounding peoples.
Artaxerxes: The Persian king who issues a decree allowing Ezra to return to Jerusalem with authority to enforce the Law of Moses and support for the Temple.
Haggai and Zechariah: Prophets who encourage the people to resume the work on the Temple after it had been halted due to opposition.
Key Doctrines and Themes:
The Sovereignty of God:
- The book of Ezra highlights God’s control over history, particularly in the way He moves the hearts of pagan kings like Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes to support the return of the exiles and the rebuilding of the Temple. This demonstrates God’s ability to fulfill His promises despite obstacles.
The Importance of Worship and the Temple:
- The rebuilding of the Temple is a central theme in Ezra. The Temple represents God’s presence among His people and the restoration of proper worship. The book emphasizes the importance of the Temple as the center of Jewish religious life.
Obedience to the Law:
- Ezra is portrayed as a scribe devoted to the Law of Moses, and his mission to Jerusalem is to ensure that the people live according to God’s commandments. The issue of intermarriage and the resulting reforms underscore the importance of obedience to the Law as the foundation of the community’s life.
Repentance and Covenant Renewal:
- The book emphasizes the need for repentance and the renewal of the covenant with God. Ezra leads the people in a public confession of sin and a commitment to separate from practices that violate the covenant, such as intermarriage with foreign peoples.
The Faithfulness of God:
- Despite the challenges and opposition faced by the returning exiles, God’s faithfulness to His promises is evident throughout the book. The successful return from exile, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the renewal of the covenant all reflect God’s enduring commitment to His people.
Leadership and Reform:
- Ezra’s leadership is marked by a commitment to spiritual reform and the restoration of the community’s relationship with God. The book highlights the importance of godly leadership in guiding the people back to covenant faithfulness.
Community Identity:
- The book of Ezra emphasizes the importance of maintaining the distinct identity of the Jewish people. This is particularly evident in the concern over intermarriage, which threatens to dilute the religious and cultural identity of the community.
The book of Ezra is a narrative of return, restoration, and reform, focusing on the rebuilding of the Temple and the reestablishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. It emphasizes the sovereignty of God, the importance of worship and obedience to the Law, and the role of faithful leadership in guiding the community back to covenant faithfulness.
