Purpose

To record the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple and community.

Author

Ezra the priest and scribe, a descendant of Aaron who was skilled in the Law of Moses. He led the second return from exile and was passionate about teaching God's Word and reforming worship.

Historical Context

Written: 450-400 BC. The return from Babylonian exile and rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

Significance

Shows God's faithfulness in restoration and the importance of Scripture in community life.

Key Themes

Restoration, God's Faithfulness, Scripture Authority, Separation from Sin, Worship Renewal

Interesting Facts

• Ezra didn't appear until chapter 7 - the book covers 80 years of history
• The temple rebuilding stopped for 16 years due to opposition, then resumed
• Ezra fasted and prayed instead of asking for military escort - trusting God for protection

Prophecies

• Jeremiah's prophecy of 70 years of exile (referenced in Ezra 1:1) Fulfilled: The return under Cyrus after exactly 70 years (70 years later)

Ezra Chapter 4 recounts the opposition faced by the Jewish exiles as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. The chapter opens with the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin hearing about the reconstruction efforts. They approach Zerubbabel and the leaders of the returning exiles, offering to assist in the rebuilding work, claiming to worship the same God. However, Zerubbabel firmly rejects their proposal, stating that they have no part in building the temple of the Lord since they are not part of the covenant community. This refusal leads to hostility from the local population, resulting in intimidation and efforts to dissuade the Jews from their work. The adversaries go so far as to bribe officials to frustrate the rebuilding efforts during the entire reign of Cyrus, the Persian king. Later in the chapter, during the reign of Artaxerxes, these adversaries write a letter to the king accusing the Jews of rebellion, claiming that they are rebuilding a city known for unrest and defiance against authority. They express concern that if the Jews succeed, it will endanger the king's revenue from the region. The letter emphasizes historical accounts of Jerusalem’s rebellious nature and urges the king to take action against the rebuilding efforts. The king responds by confirming the accusations found in his records about Jerusalem's rebellious past and acknowledges the risks involved. He decrees that the rebuilding should cease, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the Jewish community’s efforts to restore their temple and their city. The chapter illustrates the challenges and resistance faced by the returning exiles as they attempt to re-establish their religious and cultural identity in the face of external opposition.

Purpose

To record the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple and community.

Author

Ezra the priest and scribe, a descendant of Aaron who was skilled in the Law of Moses. He led the second return from exile and was passionate about teaching God's Word and reforming worship.

Historical Context

Written: 450-400 BC. The return from Babylonian exile and rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple.

Significance

Shows God's faithfulness in restoration and the importance of Scripture in community life.

Key Themes

Restoration, God's Faithfulness, Scripture Authority, Separation from Sin, Worship Renewal

Interesting Facts

• Ezra didn't appear until chapter 7 - the book covers 80 years of history
• The temple rebuilding stopped for 16 years due to opposition, then resumed
• Ezra fasted and prayed instead of asking for military escort - trusting God for protection

Prophecies

• Jeremiah's prophecy of 70 years of exile (referenced in Ezra 1:1) Fulfilled: The return under Cyrus after exactly 70 years (70 years later)

Ezra Chapter 4 recounts the opposition faced by the Jewish exiles as they begin rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem after their return from Babylonian exile. The chapter opens with the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin hearing about the reconstruction efforts. They approach Zerubbabel and the leaders of the returning exiles, offering to assist in the rebuilding work, claiming to worship the same God. However, Zerubbabel firmly rejects their proposal, stating that they have no part in building the temple of the Lord since they are not part of the covenant community. This refusal leads to hostility from the local population, resulting in intimidation and efforts to dissuade the Jews from their work. The adversaries go so far as to bribe officials to frustrate the rebuilding efforts during the entire reign of Cyrus, the Persian king. Later in the chapter, during the reign of Artaxerxes, these adversaries write a letter to the king accusing the Jews of rebellion, claiming that they are rebuilding a city known for unrest and defiance against authority. They express concern that if the Jews succeed, it will endanger the king's revenue from the region. The letter emphasizes historical accounts of Jerusalem’s rebellious nature and urges the king to take action against the rebuilding efforts. The king responds by confirming the accusations found in his records about Jerusalem's rebellious past and acknowledges the risks involved. He decrees that the rebuilding should cease, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the Jewish community’s efforts to restore their temple and their city. The chapter illustrates the challenges and resistance faced by the returning exiles as they attempt to re-establish their religious and cultural identity in the face of external opposition.