The Biblical Book of Ezra

Today, we continue our journey through the Bible with today’s study of Ezra. May we remember to ask God to show us what He wants us to learn? Psalm 19:14; “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer.”

As we study the Bible alone or in a group setting, I think there are several questions we can ask ourselves to help us dig deeper. The five questions are as follows:

1. What does the scripture say about God?
2. Then what does the scripture say about me?
3. Does something in this passage challenge me?
4. What gives me hope in this passage?
5. Is anything unclear to me?

I hope these questions help you as much as they help me.

Ezra

• Author: Ezra 
• Audience: The exiles who returned from captivity 
• Date Written: Around 450 B.C
• Length: 10 Chapters
• Key Words: The Word of the Lord
• Key Verses: “So the Israelites who had returned from the exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbors in order to seek the Lord , the God of Israel. For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread,because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” (6:21-22)
• Key People:  Cyrus, Zerubbabel, Haggai, Zechariah, Darius I, Artaxerxes I, Ezra.

Summary of Ezra:

Ezra was a priest, scribe, and gifted writer. In this book, he presents us with a clear message on the place and power of the word of God in the religious, social, and civil life of His people. Ezra’s extensive training, attention to detail, and passion for the Word of God would prove instrumental in helping lead people’s hearts back to God through His Word. We owe a great deal to Ezra because he was one of the most influential leaders in the latter half of the Old Testament. Besides writing 1 & 2 Chronicles, he is the reputed author of Psalms 119. Additionally, a revival under Ezra moved the people to study and apply the word of God. Finally, this book tells the story of rebuilding the temple and the city walls.

Sections of the Book:

The book of Ezra has three sections which are:

1. The exiles return (Chap 1-2).
2. Rebuilding (Chap 3-6).
3.  Ezra’s Return and Reforms(Chap 7-end).

Messages in Ezra:

We find several lessons in this book that we can still apply to us today:

• God has a plan for us even when the darkness of sin obscures our view of it. 
• Revival begins with the study of God’s words.
• We, God’s chosen, are set apart for His purposes.
• God’s Sovereignty is about all earthly rulers.
• And, like the entire Bible, all roads lead to Christ. 

We also see God’s characteristics displayed in the following ways in the book:

1. Good – 8:18
2. Powerful – 8:22
3. Righteous – 9:15
4. Wise – 7:25
5. Wrathful – 8:22

Final thoughts:

Ezra was also called “the father of Judaism” or “the second Moses” by some. Throughout the book, we see Ezra’s passion for God’s Law. Ezra used God’s law as the foundation of his life, and he taught the Torah to others to remind the people how to live righteously. This prophet was also an intercessor and actively sought the Lord’s mercy for himself and others. He knew the power of confession and repentance. And he wanted those returning from exile to adapt these themes into their lives to have a deeper relationship with God. 

A life of intercessory prayer, confession, and repentance can also reawaken and deepen our faith. 

Lessons from the Bible

Each book of the Bible contains lessons for us to learn and historical information. We must study God’s Word to see what to do and what not to do in life. Paul reminds us of the importance of the words within the text in 2 Timothy 3.

2 Timothy 3:14-17; “14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Prayer