Ezra
Cyrus Helps The Exiles To Return - Chapter 1
In Cyrus's first year, he proclaimed that God appointed him to build a temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus encouraged God's people to return, offering support for the temple's reconstruction. Judah and Benjamin's leaders, priests, and Levites, moved by God, prepared to build. Their neighbors generously contributed silver, gold, and valuable gifts. King Cyrus returned the temple articles Nebuchadnezzar seized, totaling 5,400 gold and silver items, through Sheshbazzar, who brought them to Jerusalem with the returning exiles from Babylon.
The book of Ezra was written by Ezra to the people of Israel around 450 BC. This book provides details regarding Israel's post-exile return from Babylon and the rebuilding of the temple. Ezra, a scribe and priest, plays a central role in the narrative as he leads a group of exiles back to their homeland under the decree of King Cyrus of Persia. The book emphasizes the importance of following God's law and the restoration of worship practices in the reconstructed temple. Ezra also addresses issues of intermarriage among the returned exiles, urging them to maintain their distinct identity as the chosen people of God.
The List Of Exiles Who Returned - Chapter 2
A group of exiles, led by Zerubbabel, Joshua, and others, returned to Jerusalem and Judah. The list details the number of men from various ancestral lines. It includes descendants of Parosh, Shephatiah, Arah, Pahath-Moab, Elam, and more. The priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, and temple servants are also mentioned, totaling 42,360, with 7,337 slaves and additional livestock. Some individuals from specific towns faced challenges proving their Israelite descent. The total freewill offerings for rebuilding the temple amounted to 61,000 darics of gold, 5,000 minas of silver, and 100 priestly garments. The people resettled in their respective towns.
Rebuilding The Altar - Chapter 3
In the seventh month, the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem. Joshua, Zerubbabel, and others built the altar, offering sacrifices despite fear. They observed the Festival of Tabernacles and presented regular burnt offerings, New Moon sacrifices, and offerings for sacred festivals. Despite no temple foundation, they started offering burnt offerings on the first day of the seventh month.
Rebuilding The Temple
The Israelites funded masons, carpenters, and provided resources to people from Sidon and Tyre for cedar logs. In the second year, Zerubbabel, Joshua, priests, Levites, and others who returned started rebuilding the temple. Levites supervised, and when the foundation was laid, priests, Levites, and people praised with joy and weeping. The noise was heard from far away.
Opposition To The Rebuilding - Chapter 4
Enemies proposed assistance, claiming devotion to God, but Zerubbabel and other leaders rejected their help, stating that they alone would follow Cyrus' command. The surrounding people opposed the rebuilding and sought to discourage and hinder construction. They bribed officials to thwart the building efforts throughout the reigns of Cyrus and Darius, sowing fear and frustration.
Later Opposition Under Xerxes And Artaxerxes
At the beginning of Xerxes' reign, adversaries accused Judah and Jerusalem. In Artaxerxes' time, officials wrote expressing concerns about Jerusalem's rebuilding, claiming it would undermine royal revenue and citing a rebellious history. King Artaxerxes ordered the project to stop. The letter's content, detailing the city's history, was read to Rehum, Shimshai, and associates. They promptly went to Jerusalem and forced the Jews to stop. Thus, the work on God's house stood still until the second year of Darius' reign, facing interruptions driven by political accusations and opposition.
Tattenai's Letter To Darius - Chapter 5
Haggai and Zechariah prophesied as Zerubbabel and Joshua worked on rebuilding God's house in Jerusalem. Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, questioned their authority. In a letter to King Darius, Tattenai reported the diligent progress and asked for confirmation of Cyrus' decree. The response recounted the temple's history, from Nebuchadnezzar's destruction to Cyrus' decree. Sheshbazzar laid the foundations, and construction continued. Tattenai requested verification from the royal archives.
The Decree Of Darius - Chapter 6
Upon Darius's order, a scroll in Ecbatana confirmed Cyrus's decree for the temple's rebuilding. The dimensions, financing, and restoration of gold and silver articles were specified. Darius instructed Tattenai and officials to let the Jews continue without interference. Darius declared full payment from the royal treasury for expenses and offerings, threatening severe consequences for defying the decree. Darius invoked divine consequences against anyone altering the edict or harming the temple. Darius concluded with a decree for diligent execution, solidifying the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem under Darius's reign.
Completion And Dedication Of The Temple
In response to King Darius's decree, Tattenai and associates diligently allowed the elders of the Jews to build. Under the guidance of Haggai and Zechariah, the temple construction prospered. The temple was completed in the sixth year of Darius's reign. The people celebrated the dedication with offerings and installed priests and Levites according to the Book of Moses, fulfilling the commands of God and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.
The Passover
On the fourteenth day of the first month, the exiles celebrated the Passover. The purified priests and Levites slaughtered the lamb for themselves and all returnees. Israelites, who separated from unclean practices, joined in. For seven days, they celebrated the Festival of Unleavened Bread, rejoicing at the king of Assyria's supportive change, assisting in the construction of the house of God, bringing joy and gratitude among the people.
Ezra Comes To Jerusalem - Chapter 7
During Artaxerxes' reign, Ezra, a descendant of Aaron, arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon. Well-versed in the Law of Moses, he received the king's favor. In the seventh year, Ezra, along with priests, Levites, musicians, gatekeepers, and temple servants, came to Jerusalem. Ezra arrived in the fifth month, a journey blessed by God, for he was devoted to studying, observing, and teaching the Law of the Lord in Israel.
King Artaxerxes' Letter To Ezra
This is a copy of the letter from King Artaxerxes to Ezra, a priest and teacher of the Law, authorizing his mission to Jerusalem. Artaxerxes allows Israelites, including priests and Levites, to accompany Ezra. The king provides silver and gold for the God of Israel, instructing Ezra on offerings and sacrifices. Artaxerxes supports the temple worship financially and exempts temple workers from taxes. He directs Trans-Euphrates treasurers to fulfill Ezra's requests and appoints magistrates to administer justice. Ezra praises God for influencing the king's heart and gathers leaders to accompany him, empowered by the LORD's hand.
List Of The Family Heads Returning With Ezra - Chapter 8
During King Artaxerxes' reign, various family heads and their registered members returned from Babylon, including descendants of Phinehas, Ithamar, David, Shekaniah, Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Zattu, Adin, Elam, Shephatiah, Joab, Bani, Bebai, Azgad, Adonikam, and Bigvai, with a total count of men specified for each lineage.
The People Return To Jerusalem
At the Ahava Canal, Ezra gathered the people and discovered no Levites among them. Ezra sent leaders to Kasiphia to bring Levites, and God's gracious hand led Sherebiah and others to join them. A fast was proclaimed, seeking a safe journey. Ezra refrained from asking the king for protection and chose to rely on God. Twelve priests received offerings for the temple, and on the twelfth day, they left for Jerusalem. God protected them, and in Jerusalem, they entrusted the offerings to Meremoth. The exiles offered sacrifices including twelve bulls, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve goats. The king's orders were communicated which ensured support for the people and God's house.
Ezra's Prayer About Intermarriage - Chapter 9
Upon learning that the Israelites, including priests and Levites, had intermarried with neighboring peoples and adopted detestable practices in the eyes of the LORD, Ezra was deeply distressed. Tearing his clothes, Ezra gathered those who trembled at God's words. Until the evening sacrifice, Ezra sat appalled. Ezra prayed with acknowledgment of the people's sins and expressed shame. Despite their guilt, God had shown kindness in leaving a remnant, granting them a place in His sanctuary. Ezra pleaded for forgiveness, recognizing the consequences of disobedience outlined by the prophets. Ezra emphasized God's mercy, acknowledging their undeserved remnant.
The People's Confession Of Sin - Chapter 10
As Ezra prayed and confessed, a large crowd that included men, women, and children, gathered and wept bitterly. Shekaniah proposed sending away foreign wives to restore faithfulness. Ezra, supported by leading priests and Levites, led all of Israel in an oath to comply with the proposal. Ezra, mourning, abstained from food and water. A proclamation called exiles to Jerusalem within three days and warned that anyone who did not come in the three days would forfeit their property. On the twentieth day of the ninth month, a distressed assembly faced Ezra. Ezra urged separation from foreign wives to honor God. The assembly agreed but requested a process due to the rainy season. Excluding a few, the assembly complied, investigating cases and completing the process by the first day of the first month.
Those Guilty Of Intermarriage
Several priests and Levites, including Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, Gedaliah, Hanani, Zebadiah, Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel, Uzziah, Elioenai, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, Elasah, Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah, Pethahiah, Judah, Eliezer, Eliashib, Shallum, Telem, Uri, and others, had married foreign women. They pledged to put away (divorce) their wives and offered guilt offerings. The list includes descendants from various families, musicians, gatekeepers, and other Israelites from the families of Parosh, Elam, Zattu, Bebai, Bani, Pahath-Moab, Harim, Hashum, and Binnui, among others.