Introduction to Ezra

Name

The book of Ezra is named for Ezra, the central character of the second half of the book. The Talmud and the Hebrew Bible combine the books of Ezra and Nehemiah into a single volume. However, there is evidence that they were originally written and intended to be separate books. The lists in Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 are basically the same, and it would be unusual to include two of the same lists in the same book.

Author

Authorship of Ezra is attributed to Ezra himself based on the second half of the book (Ezra 7-10) being written in the first person with Ezra, referring to himself.

Genre

History

Literary Form

Narrative

Time Frame

The book of Ezra includes two distinct time periods. Chapters 1-6 cover 23 years between the first decree of Cyrus, King of Persia, for the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple (538-515 b.c.).  There is a gap of 57 years between the end of chapter 6 and the start of chapter 7. Chapters 7-10 cover the events of Ezra’s return and his reforms that began in 458 B.C.

Emphasis

The emphasis of Ezra is on:

1. God’s presence in the return of the exiles to Jerusalem.
2. The people’s renewed covenant relationship with God.
3. The importance of the Law and its teaching in the lives of God’s people.
4. The importance of the role of the worship of God.
5. The importance of the role of prayer in the people’s lives.

 Outline

1. Israelites return from exile 1:1 – 6:22
2. Ezra’s return and reforms 7:1-10:44