The book of Ezra can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible and is attributed to the prophet Ezra. The prophet Ezra was part of the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity. (Ezra 1:1-7) This book is a narrative of the events and people involved in the return of the Jews to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the second temple there. Built on the original foundation of the temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 (BCE), “before common or current era”.
What appears to be the central theme of the Book of Ezra is to encourage, and was intended to be an example to the followers of Christ, to remain obedient. A direction for us, while in difficult seasons, trust and believe that God will always provide a way to follow HIS commands.
A priest and scribe, the prophet Ezra led the Israelites in the return from Babylonian Exile to the Land of Israel. He was believed to have authored the book of Ezra, which focuses on the religious reforms that Ezra himself initiated along with the spiritual revival of the people. The Book of Ezra serves as an encouragement to the Israelites to stay true to their faith, in the face of adversity. It also highlights the importance of the Law of Moses, which is the foundation of Jewish life.
The Torah is the foundation of Judaism. It includes the Five Books of Moses, as well as the other books of the Hebrew Bible. It contains the laws, teachings, and moral principles that govern the lives of Jews.
Ezra was considered a prophet because of his divinely inspired leadership and his contribution to the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. Seen as a teacher of the Torah, and his writings are said to provide spiritual guidance to followers of Jesus Christ.
The Romans destroyed the Second Temple that Ezra helped rebuild again in 70 CE and it has not been rebuilt since. A military campaign waged by the Romans under the command of Titus, son of Emperor Vaspasian, who ruled from 69 CE to 79 CE. Titus was a companion and close associate of the apostle Paul, and is later known for his role in the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. The siege of Jerusalem lasted for approximately five months, exiling much of the population, further more its cities and temples were destroyed by the Romans.
The book of Ezra offers many teachings and lessons that can be applied to our lives today. With an importance placed on repentance, obedience, and holiness, we are encouraged in Ezra to remain faithful in spite of adversity. It also reminds us of God’s faithfulness, mercy, and love that encourage us to trust in HIM, even when things seem impossible. Ezra provides an understanding of the history of the Jewish people, and contains many moral lessons and spiritual truths that can be applied to our lives today.
Ezra 1:1-7
New International Version
Cyrus Helps the Exiles to Return
1 “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing:
2 “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says:
“‘The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple for him at Jerusalem in Judah. 3 Any of his people among you may go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem, and may their God be with them.4 And in any locality where survivors may now be living, the people are to provide them with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.’”
5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites—everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 6 All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings.
7 Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his god.”
Ezra 1:1-7
King James Version
1 “Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,
2 Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.
3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.
4 And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.
5 Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.
6 And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.
7 Also Cyrus the king brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put them in the house of his gods;”
Ezra 1:1-7
Living Bible
1 “During the first year of the reign of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled Jeremiah’s prophecy by giving King Cyrus the desire to send this proclamation throughout his empire (he also put it into the permanent records of the realm):
2 “Cyrus, king of Persia, hereby announces that Jehovah, the God of heaven who gave me my vast empire, has now given me the responsibility of building him a Temple in Jerusalem, in the land of Judah. 3 All Jews throughout the kingdom may now return to Jerusalem to rebuild this Temple of Jehovah, who is the God of Israel and of Jerusalem. May his blessings rest upon you. 4 Those Jews who do not go should contribute toward the expenses of those who do and also supply them with clothing, transportation, supplies for the journey, and a freewill offering for the Temple.”
5 Then God gave a great desire to the leaders of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and to the priests and Levites, to return to Jerusalem at once to rebuild the Temple. 6 And all the Jewish exiles who chose to remain in Persia gave them whatever assistance they could, as well as gifts for the Temple.
7 King Cyrus himself donated the gold bowls and other valuable items, which King Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the Temple at Jerusalem and had placed in the temple of his own gods.”