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.