Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: The Book of Ezra is a significant historical and theological text within the Old Testament, chronicling the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity and the subsequent rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. It is traditionally attributed to Ezra, a scribe and priest, who played a pivotal role in the religious and social restoration of the Jewish community. The book is closely associated with the Book of Nehemiah, and together they provide a narrative of the post-exilic period. Historical Context: The events in the Book of Ezra occur during the Persian period, following the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland. This decree is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises, particularly those found in the writings of Isaiah and Jeremiah. The book covers a span of several decades, detailing the challenges and triumphs faced by the returning exiles. Structure and Content: The Book of Ezra is divided into two main sections: 1. Chapters 1-6: This section focuses on the initial return under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. It includes the decree of Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4), the return of the exiles (Ezra 2), the rebuilding of the altar and the Temple foundation (Ezra 3), and the opposition faced from surrounding peoples (Ezra 4). The completion and dedication of the Temple occur in Ezra 6, following the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. · Ezra 1:2-3 : "This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: 'The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may his God be with him, and may he go to Jerusalem in Judah and build the house of the LORD, the God of Israel. He is the God who is in Jerusalem.'" 2. Chapters 7-10: This section introduces Ezra himself, who arrives in Jerusalem with a second group of exiles. Ezra is described as a skilled scribe well-versed in the Law of Moses. His mission is to teach the statutes and ordinances of God to the people (Ezra 7:10). Upon his arrival, Ezra is confronted with the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, which he addresses through prayer and reform (Ezra 9-10). · Ezra 7:10 : "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel." Theological Themes: The Book of Ezra emphasizes several key theological themes: · Divine Providence and Fulfillment of Prophecy: The return from exile and the rebuilding of the Temple are portrayed as acts of divine providence, fulfilling the promises made through the prophets. The decree of Cyrus is seen as an instrument of God's sovereign plan. · Restoration and Renewal: The physical restoration of the Temple symbolizes the spiritual renewal of the Jewish people. The emphasis on adherence to the Law underscores the importance of covenant faithfulness. · Community and Identity: The book highlights the challenges of maintaining a distinct religious and cultural identity amidst external pressures. The issue of intermarriage is addressed as a threat to the purity and holiness of the community. Significance: The Book of Ezra serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in restoring His people and re-establishing worship in Jerusalem. It underscores the importance of leadership, obedience to God's Law, and the community's role in upholding the covenant. Through the narrative of Ezra, the book calls for a return to spiritual integrity and devotion to God. Smith's Bible Dictionary Book Of Ezrais a continuation of the books of Chronicles. The period covered by the book is eighty years, from the first of Cyrus, B.C. 536, to the beginning of the eighth of Artaxerxes, B.C. 456. It consist of the contemporary historical journals kept from time to time, containing, chs. 1-12, and account of the return of the captives under Zerubbabel, and the rebuilding of the temple in the reign of Cyrus and Cambyses. Most of the book is written in Hebrew, but from chs. 4:8 to 6:19 it is written in Chaldee. The last four chapters, beginning with ch. 7, continue the history after a gap of fifty-eight years --from the sixth of Darius to the seventh of Artaxerxes-- narrating his visit to Jerusalem, and giving an account of the reforms there accomplished, referred to under EZRA. Much of the book was written by Ezra himself, though the first chapter was probably written by Daniel; and other hands are evident. Library Ezra-Nehemiah Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. The Restoration. Methodist Articles of Religion. AD 1784. From Letter xxxix. --(For 367. ) of the Particular Books and their ... Chronicles Of the Cause of the Incarnation of Christ. Of the Old Testament, Therefore, First of all There have Been ... The Manner in which Josephus Mentions the Divine Books. China Inland Mission Normal Training College, Hwochow, Shansi Resources What is the Book of Adam and Eve? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Book of Life? | GotQuestions.org What is the Book of Jubilees and should it be in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Book: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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