Ezra 1, Introduction to Ezra

Human Author of Ezra:

Ezra is the likely human author of many writings that cover the time after the Exile.  This would include the book that bears his name, as well as Nehemiah.  The two books are, in fact, Part 1/Part 2 in the Jewish Scriptures.

Timespan of Ezra:

·       c.80 yrs, 538-458BC, a gap of about 60 yrs. between chapters 6 & 7.

Outline:

·       1-6: the history of the first return.  This is the one in response to the decree of Cyrus that Jews could return to build a temple.  The chief leaders are Zerubbabel and Jeshua, the High Priest.  Neither Ezra nor Nehemiah are part of this return.

·       7-10: the history of the second return.  This is the one involving Ezra in the reign of Artaxerxes.

·       Parallelisms between the two returns:

o   Each was due to a Persian monarch’s goodwill.

o   The Persian monarchs’ decrees were given at length.

o   The Number of returnees and their leaders was recorded.

o   The number of sacred vessels returned was recorded.

o   The accomplishments of each return.

Relation to other books:

·       Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Esther belong to the same “post-exilic” time period.  Malachi is also post-exile but long enough afterwards that it doesn’t make any references to the ruling empire.

·       Haggai & Zechariah were instrumental in encouraging the people to rebuild the temple (Ezra 5:1-2).

·       Esther falls between chapters 6 & 7.

·       These books show the changes in the status of the Jews in the “times of the Gentiles."

Three Principle Leaders:

1.    Zerubbabel, rebuilt the temple. Ezra 1-6.

a.     He was from David’s line, but he never took the office of king.  He was the governor appointed by Cyrus’ government.

b.    Jeshua the priest (3:2) is also worthy of note.  In Zech. 3:1-10 & 6:11-15 he appears in 2 symbolic prophecies.

c.     Both these men point to the Messiah.

2.    Ezra, teacher and reformer. Ezra 7-10.

3.    Nehemiah, rebuilt the walls. Neh. 1-13.