The Book of Ezra: A Summary

The book of Ezra is a historical account of the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem. It tells the story of how God’s power and redemption were at work to restore his people and their temple.

Ezra in 60 Seconds: Inspiration for Restoration

Chapter 1: Cyrus’ Proclamation

King Cyrus allows Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.

Featured Verse: "The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus." – Ezra 1:1

Chapter 2: The Exiles Return

A list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem, including their leaders.

Featured Verse: "The Lord gave them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded." – Ezra 1:5

Chapter 3: Rebuilding the Temple

The people rebuild the altar and lay the foundation for the temple.

Featured Verse: "And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel." – Ezra 3:10

Chapter 4: Opposition to the Rebuilding

The enemies of the Jews try to stop the rebuilding of the temple.

Featured Verse: "We do not eat or drink until this is done." – Ezra 4:23

Chapter 5: The Prophets Encourage

Haggai and Zechariah encourage the people to continue rebuilding the temple.

Featured Verse: "The Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel and Joshua." – Ezra 5:2

Chapter 6: The Temple is Completed

King Darius confirms the decree to rebuild the temple and it is completed.

Featured Verse: "This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar." – Ezra 6:15

Chapter 7: Ezra the Priest

Ezra is sent to Jerusalem with gifts from the king and to teach the law to the people.

Featured Verse: "For the hand of the Lord his God was upon him." – Ezra 7:6

Chapter 8: The Journey to Jerusalem

Ezra gathers a group of exiles to return to Jerusalem and they arrive safely.

Featured Verse: "So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty." – Ezra 8:23

Chapter 9: Interfaith Marriage

Ezra confronts the people for marrying foreign women and urges them to repent.

Featured Verse: "O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift my face to you." – Ezra 9:6

Chapter 10: Repentance and Reform

The people confess their sin and separate themselves from their foreign wives.

Featured Verse: "Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, ‘It is so; we must do as you have said.’" – Ezra 10:12

The book of Ezra is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness and his ability to restore and redeem his people. It’s a story of hope and encouragement for anyone facing difficult circumstances or in need of a fresh start. We encourage you to read the entire book of Ezra and discover God’s power and redemption for yourself.