Book of Ezra

Historical

Traditionally Ezra

Traditionally dated c. 450–400 BC

Return from exile and rebuilding the Temple.

Ezra describes the return of the Jewish exiles under Zerubbabel and Ezra, focusing on the reconstruction of the Temple and spiritual reforms in the community.

“Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we will support you. Be strong and take action!”

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He granted our request.”

“And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.”

“And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid.”

“After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings and those for New Moons and for all the appointed sacred feasts of the LORD, as well as all the freewill offerings brought to the LORD.”