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May 12, 2025

Bible Survey: Ezra

by Jason Neill

Scripture reading: Ezra 6

Though I’m not sure how common it is to have favorite books of the Bible, I’ve always been especially drawn to the stories and people in Ezra and Nehemiah. Ezra stands out to me, particularly because of what Scripture says about him in Ezra 7:10:

“Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel” (NLT).

I admire Ezra’s dedication to understanding, living out, and teaching God’s Word. Nehemiah, by contrast, stands out for his steadfast faith and consistent prayer as he took on what appeared to be an impossible task, rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 1).

The book of Ezra is divided into two main sections. Chapters 1–6 focus on the physical restoration of the Temple after its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. The narrative picks up where 2 Chronicles ends, recounting Judah’s exile to Babylon (see 2 Chronicles 36:17–21). This period, known as the Exilic Period, was marked by the prophetic ministries of Ezekiel and Daniel. Chapters 7–10 shift the focus to the spiritual restoration of the people.

In 539 B.C., the Persian Empire conquered Babylon. Shortly afterward, King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree permitting the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple (see 2 Chronicles 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4). The return from exile happened in three major phases. The first, led by Zerubbabel, is detailed in Ezra chapters 1–6. The second, under Ezra’s leadership, is covered in chapters 7–10. A 60-year gap separates these two sections, during which the events of the book of Esther take place. The third return is recorded in Nehemiah chapter 7, under Nehemiah’s leadership.

Authorship and Date: According to Jewish tradition, the book is attributed to Ezra, placing its composition between 450 and 430 B.C. This timeframe is plausible, as Ezra is described as “a teacher of the Law, well versed in the commands and decrees of the Lord for Israel” (Ezra 7:11, NIV). The book is named after one of its central figures, Ezra himself.

Jesus in Ezra: God fulfilled His promise to bring the people of Israel back to their land (see Ezra 2; 8; Jeremiah 30). This restoration was essential for the fulfillment of the Messianic prophecy, that the Messiah, Jesus, would be born in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2; Matthew 1; Luke 2). Had God not brought the nation back; this prophecy could not have been fulfilled in a literal sense.

Application: Through the prophet Jeremiah (see Jeremiah 30), God assured the people of Israel that although they were exiled in a foreign land, Babylon, He would bring them back to the land He had promised. This promise was fulfilled, as seen in Ezra chapters 1–2 and 8.

What makes this return especially remarkable is that God foretold the name of the Persian king who would issue the decree allowing their return. Long before it happened, the prophet Isaiah wrote:

“When I say of Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd,’ he will certainly do as I say. He will command, ‘Rebuild Jerusalem’; he will say, ‘Restore the Temple.’ … I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people—without seeking a reward! I, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” (Isaiah 44:28; 45:13, NLT)

This example is a powerful reminder that God is faithful. No matter your current situation, you can take comfort in knowing that God keeps His promises.

As a faith-building exercise, take time to look up the following promises from Scripture:
• God will provide food and clothing – Matthew 6:25–26
• God will guide us throughout our lives – Psalm 48:14
• God removes our sins far from us – Psalm 103:12
• A glorious future awaits those who believe in Jesus for eternal life – 1 Corinthians 2:9
• God is the source of true satisfaction – Psalm 107:9
• A permanent resurrection body is promised to believers – 2 Corinthians 5:1
• God sustains us in times of trouble – Psalm 55:22
• We are highly valued in God’s eyes – Matthew 10:29–31
• We are blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ – Ephesians 1:3

Let these truths encourage your heart: our God is trustworthy, and His promises never fail.