About Ezra

Ezra is the fifteenth book of the Bible, likely written by Ezra himself around 450 BC and spanning 10 chapters. It records two significant waves of Jewish return from Babylonian exile to the land of Israel. The first return, led by Zerubbabel around 538 BC, focused on rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple, which was completed and dedicated in 516 BC despite fierce opposition from surrounding peoples. The second return, led by Ezra the priest and scribe around 458 BC, focused on spiritual reform -- particularly addressing the crisis of intermarriage with pagan nations that threatened Israel's distinct identity as God's covenant people. Major themes include the sovereign movement of God through pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes, the centrality of God's word and its public teaching, the necessity of spiritual renewal alongside physical restoration, and the danger of compromise with surrounding cultures. Key chapters include Ezra 1 (Cyrus's decree), Ezra 3 (the altar rebuilt and worship restored), and Ezra 9-10 (Ezra's prayer of confession and the community's repentance). Famous verses include Ezra 7:10 -- For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra KJV Bible reading models devoted scholarship and pastoral leadership. Read the Book of Ezra online here in full.

Ezra's heartbroken prayer of confession in chapters 9-10, over the community's intermarriage with pagan nations, models grief over corporate sin and a return to God's word. The book continues Israel's story from the era recorded in 1 Samuel and Joshua.