The books of Ezra and Nehemiah chronical the return from the Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the Temple and the city of Jerusalem. 

 

• Ezra 1-2 Historical Background - Cyrus' Decree

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  When Israel was exiled to Babylon, Jeremiah prophesied that they would be there for 70 years. In 538 BC the Persian emperor, Cyrus issued an edict which allowed the exiles to return to their land and rebuild the Temple. Ezra is the chronical of that rebuilding.

• Ezra 3-4 Political Problems

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  Once the exiles had arrived in Israel, they began by building the altar and celebrating the Sabbath and the feasts. When they had laid the foundation for the Temple, the Samaritans asked to join the effort. When the Jews refused, the Samaritans petitioned the Persian king to stop the project.

• Ezra 5-6 The Temple Finished

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  After the hiatus caused by the Samaritan's letter to Cambyses, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah received word from God that they should resume. Simultaneously, half a continent away, Zerubbabel was given permission and resources by Darius.

• Ezra 7-9 The Favor of the King

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  After the death of Darius, his son Artaxerxes continued in his father's benevolence to the Jews. He sent Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem with the brief to establish judges and magistrates in Israel, Syria and Phoenicia, teaching all people the law of Moses. In aid of this, the king provided him with a vast amount of silver and gold to be used in temple worship.