Title and Author: The book of Ezra is named after its principal character, Ezra, a scribe and priest. Traditionally, Ezra is considered the author of the book, although some scholars suggest that it may have been compiled by a later editor. The Berean Standard Bible attributes the book to Ezra, who is believed to have written it in the fifth century B.C.

Historical Context: Ezra is set during the period of the Jewish return from Babylonian exile, which began in 538 B.C. under the decree of Cyrus, the Persian king. This period marks a significant phase in Jewish history, as the Israelites were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C.

Audience: The primary audience of the book of Ezra was the Jewish community, both those who had returned to Jerusalem and those still in exile. It served to remind them of God's faithfulness and the importance of adhering to the Law.

Purpose: The purpose of the book of Ezra is to document the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem, the rebuilding of the temple, and the re-establishment of the Jewish community in their homeland. It emphasizes the importance of religious reform and adherence to the Law of Moses.

Genre and Style: Ezra is a historical narrative, interspersed with genealogies, decrees, and lists. It combines storytelling with documentary evidence to provide a comprehensive account of the events.1. Cyrus (Ezra 1:1)
- Cyrus is the King of Persia who issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. He is seen as an instrument of God's plan.

2. Sheshbazzar (Ezra 1:8)
- Sheshbazzar is identified as the prince of Judah to whom Cyrus entrusts the temple articles for the journey back to Jerusalem.

3. Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:2)
- Zerubbabel is a leader of the first group of returning exiles and plays a significant role in the rebuilding of the temple.

4. Jeshua (Ezra 2:2)
- Jeshua, also known as Joshua, is a high priest who returns with Zerubbabel and helps in the reconstruction of the temple.

5. Nehemiah (Ezra 2:2)
- Nehemiah is listed among those who return with Zerubbabel, though he is more prominently featured in the Book of Nehemiah.

6. Mordecai (Ezra 2:2)
- Mordecai is another leader among the returning exiles, not to be confused with the Mordecai from the Book of Esther.

7. Haggai (Ezra 5:1)
- Haggai is a prophet who, along with Zechariah, encourages the people to continue rebuilding the temple.

8. Zechariah (Ezra 5:1)
- Zechariah is a prophet who supports Haggai in motivating the people to complete the temple reconstruction.

9. Tattenai (Ezra 5:3)
- Tattenai is the governor of the region beyond the River who questions the Jews about their authority to rebuild the temple.

10. Darius (Ezra 6:1)
- Darius is the King of Persia who confirms Cyrus's decree and supports the continuation of the temple rebuilding.

11. Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:1)
- Artaxerxes is the King of Persia who commissions Ezra to return to Jerusalem and teach the laws of God.

12. Ezra (Ezra 7:1)
- Ezra is a scribe and priest who leads a second group of exiles back to Jerusalem and is instrumental in religious reforms.

13. Meremoth (Ezra 8:33)
- Meremoth is a priest who helps weigh and account for the silver, gold, and articles brought back to Jerusalem.

14. Eleazar (Ezra 8:33)
- Eleazar is a priest who assists Meremoth in handling the temple treasures.

15. Jozabad (Ezra 8:33)
- Jozabad is a Levite who aids in the accounting of the temple articles.

16. Noadiah (Ezra 8:33)
- Noadiah is another Levite involved in the management of the temple treasures.1. Babylon (Ezra 1:11)
- Babylon is the city where the Israelites were held in captivity. King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the exiles to return to Jerusalem from Babylon.

2. Jerusalem (Ezra 1:2)
- Jerusalem is the city to which the exiles return to rebuild the temple. It is the central location for the events in the Book of Ezra.

3. Persia (Ezra 1:1)
- Persia is the empire ruled by King Cyrus, who allows the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. It represents the ruling power over Babylon at the time.

4. Media (Ezra 6:2)
- Media is mentioned in the context of the search for the decree of Cyrus in the archives. It was part of the Medo-Persian Empire.

5. Assyria (Ezra 6:22)
- Assyria is referenced in relation to the joy of the Israelites, as the king of Assyria (a title used for the Persian king) supported them in their efforts to rebuild the temple.

6. Samaria (Ezra 4:10)
- Samaria is mentioned as part of the region from which adversaries of Judah and Benjamin come to oppose the rebuilding of the temple.

7. Canaan (Ezra 9:1)
- Canaan is referenced in the context of the Israelites' intermarriage with the peoples of the land, which was against their laws.1. Cyrus's Decree to Rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4)
- In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, he issues a decree allowing the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This fulfills the prophecy of Jeremiah.

2. Return of the Exiles (Ezra 1:5-11)
- The heads of the families of Judah and Benjamin, along with priests and Levites, prepare to return to Jerusalem. Cyrus returns the articles of the Temple that Nebuchadnezzar had taken.

3. List of Returning Exiles (Ezra 2:1-70)
- A detailed list of the exiles who returned to Jerusalem and Judah is provided, including their numbers and family heads.

4. Rebuilding the Altar and Resuming Sacrifices (Ezra 3:1-6)
- Upon their return, the exiles rebuild the altar of the God of Israel and resume offering sacrifices, even before the foundation of the Temple is laid.

5. Laying the Foundation of the Temple (Ezra 3:7-13)
- The foundation of the Temple is laid with great celebration, but some of the older priests and Levites weep because they remember the former Temple.

6. Opposition to the Rebuilding (Ezra 4:1-5)
- The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin attempt to hinder the rebuilding efforts by offering to help, but when refused, they work to discourage the builders.

7. Artaxerxes Halts the Construction (Ezra 4:6-24)
- The opponents write a letter to King Artaxerxes, accusing the Jews of rebellion. Artaxerxes orders the construction to stop until further notice.

8. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah Encourage the People (Ezra 5:1-2)
- The prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the Jews to resume building the Temple, and Zerubbabel and Jeshua lead the effort.

9. Tattenai's Inquiry and Darius's Decree (Ezra 5:3-6:12)
- Tattenai, the governor, questions the Jews about their authority to rebuild. A search of the archives confirms Cyrus's decree, and King Darius orders the work to continue, providing support.

10. Completion and Dedication of the Temple (Ezra 6:13-18)
- The Temple is completed and dedicated with great joy. Sacrifices are offered, and the priests and Levites are appointed to their duties.

11. Celebration of the Passover (Ezra 6:19-22)
- The returned exiles celebrate the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread with joy, as God had turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them.

12. Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:1-10)
- Ezra, a skilled scribe and priest, receives a decree from King Artaxerxes to lead a group of exiles to Jerusalem and teach the laws of God.

13. Artaxerxes's Letter to Ezra (Ezra 7:11-26)
- King Artaxerxes provides Ezra with a letter granting him authority and resources to beautify the Temple and appoint magistrates and judges.

14. Ezra's Prayer and Confession (Ezra 9:1-15)
- Upon learning that the people have intermarried with foreign nations, Ezra prays and confesses the sins of the people, expressing deep sorrow.

15. The People's Repentance and Covenant (Ezra 10:1-17)
- The people gather and agree to put away their foreign wives and children. A covenant is made to separate from these marriages, and a list of those who had intermarried is compiled.1. Restoration and Return (Ezra 1:1)
- The theme of restoration is central to the book of Ezra, as it chronicles the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. This return is initiated by the decree of King Cyrus of Persia, who allows the Israelites to go back and rebuild the temple. This theme highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore His people.

2. Rebuilding the Temple (Ezra 1:3)
- The rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem is a major focus in Ezra. The temple represents the spiritual center of the Jewish community, and its reconstruction signifies the renewal of worship and religious practices. The efforts to rebuild the temple face opposition, but the perseverance of the Israelites underscores their commitment to restoring their faith.

3. Opposition and Perseverance (Ezra 4:1)
- As the Israelites work to rebuild the temple, they encounter significant opposition from surrounding peoples. This theme explores the challenges and resistance faced by the community, as well as their determination to overcome these obstacles through faith and persistence.

4. Leadership and Guidance (Ezra 3:2)
- The book of Ezra highlights the importance of strong leadership in the form of figures like Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and later Ezra himself. These leaders play crucial roles in guiding the people, organizing the rebuilding efforts, and ensuring adherence to the Law of Moses.

5. Covenant Faithfulness (Ezra 3:11)
- The theme of covenant faithfulness is evident as the Israelites renew their commitment to God and His laws. This is expressed through acts of worship, sacrifices, and the observance of religious festivals. The community's dedication to maintaining their covenant relationship with God is a recurring motif.

6. Repentance and Reform (Ezra 9:1)
- Ezra emphasizes the need for repentance and reform, particularly in response to intermarriage with foreign peoples, which threatens the purity of the Israelite community. Ezra leads the people in a process of confession and separation from these influences, underscoring the importance of holiness and obedience to God's commands.

7. Divine Providence (Ezra 1:1)
- The book of Ezra illustrates the theme of divine providence, showing how God orchestrates events and uses foreign rulers like Cyrus to fulfill His purposes. This theme reassures the Israelites of God's sovereignty and His active role in their history.1. Restorer of the Temple
- Description: In Ezra, the primary focus is on the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. This can be seen as a type of Jesus, who is considered the ultimate restorer of the spiritual temple, the Church, and the one who brings people back to God.
- Reference: 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.'"

2. Leader of the Return from Exile
- Description: Ezra leads the second group of exiles back to Jerusalem, which can be seen as a type of Jesus leading believers out of spiritual exile and into the kingdom of God.
- Reference: Ezra 7:6 - "This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him."

3. Intercessor for the People
- Description: Ezra prays and intercedes for the people of Israel, confessing their sins and seeking God's mercy. This role is seen as a type of Jesus, who is the ultimate intercessor between God and humanity.
- Reference: Ezra 9:5-6 - "At the evening offering, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God, and I prayed: 'O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens.'"

4. Teacher of the Law
- Description: Ezra is described as a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, teaching the people the ways of God. This can be seen as a type of Jesus, who is the ultimate teacher and fulfiller of the Law.
- Reference: 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."1. Prophecy of Cyrus's Decree to Rebuild the Temple
- Prophecy: The prophecy regarding the rebuilding of the temple and the return of the exiles is found in the Book of Isaiah, where it is foretold that Cyrus would allow the Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28, 45:13).
- Fulfillment: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken by Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: '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.'" (Ezra 1:1-2).

2. Prophecy of Completion of the Temple
- Prophecy: The completion of the temple is linked to the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, who encouraged the people to continue the work despite opposition (Haggai 1:8, Zechariah 4:9).
- Fulfillment: "So the elders of the Jews continued to build and prosper under the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius." (Ezra 6:14-15).

3. Prophecy of Return of the Exiles
- Prophecy: Jeremiah prophesied that the Babylonian exile would last seventy years, after which the people would return (Jeremiah 29:10).
- Fulfillment: The return of the exiles is initiated by the decree of Cyrus, allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-3).

1. Return from Babylon Under Zerubbabel  ( 1:1⁠–⁠6:22 )

a. Return from Babylon  ( 1:1⁠–⁠2:70 )

i. The Proclamation of Cyrus  ( 1:1⁠–⁠6 )

ii. Cyrus Restores the Holy Vessels  ( 1:7⁠–⁠11 )

iii. List of Returning Exiles  ( 2:1⁠–⁠70 )

b. Construction of the Second Temple  ( 3:1⁠–⁠6:22 )

i. Sacrifices Restored  ( 3:1⁠–⁠7 )

1. Building an Altar  ( 3:1⁠–⁠3 )

2. The Feast of Tabernacles Observed  ( 3:4⁠–⁠7 )

ii. Temple Rebuilding Begins  ( 3:8⁠–⁠13 )

iii. Adversaries Hinder the Work  ( 4:1⁠–⁠24 )

1. Opposition under Cyrus  ( 4:1⁠–⁠5 )

2. Opposition under Xerxes  ( 4:6 )

3. Opposition under Artaxerxes  ( 4:7⁠–⁠24 )

iv. Completion of the Temple  ( 5:1⁠–⁠6:22 )

1. Temple Rebuilding Resumes  ( 5:1⁠–⁠5 )

2. Tettenai’s Letter to Darius  ( 5:6⁠–⁠17 )

3. The Decree of Darius  ( 6:1⁠–⁠12 )

4. The Temple Completed  ( 6:13⁠–⁠15 )

5. Dedication of the Temple  ( 6:16⁠–⁠18 )

6. The Returned Exiles Keep the Passover  ( 6:19⁠–⁠22 )

2. Ezra's Return from Babylon  ( 7:1⁠–⁠10:44 )

a. Ezra's Return  ( 7:1⁠–⁠8:36 )

i. Ezra Arrives at Jerusalem  ( 7:1⁠–⁠10 )

ii. Atraxerxes’ Letter for Ezra  ( 7:11⁠–⁠26 )

iii. Ezra Blesses God  ( 7:27⁠–⁠28 )

iv. The Exiles Who Returned with Ezra  ( 8:1⁠–⁠14 )

v. Ezra Sends for the Levites  ( 8:15⁠–⁠20 )

vi. Fasting for Protection  ( 8:21⁠–⁠23 )

vii. Priests to Guard the Offerings  ( 8:24⁠–⁠30 )

viii. Arrival in Jerusalem  ( 8:31⁠–⁠36 )

b. Ezra's Revival  ( 9:1⁠–⁠10:44 )

i. Intermarriage with Neighboring Peoples  ( 9:1⁠–⁠4 )

ii. Ezra's Prayer of Confession  ( 9:5⁠–⁠15 )

iii. Shecaniah Encourages Ezra  ( 10:1⁠–⁠5 )

iv. The People’s Confession of Sin  ( 10:6⁠–⁠17 )

v. Those Guilty of Intermarriage  ( 10:18⁠–⁠44 )