Ezra

About the Book of Ezra

Ezra and Nehemiah are the last two books in the history of the Israelite people. They had lived as prisoners in Babylon for 70 years. The books tell us how the Israelite exiles returned to Jerusalem from Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar had taken them to Babylon as prisoners. But later, Persia won against Babylon and Persian kings ruled there. The new king decided to send Nebuchadnezzar's prisoners back to their own countries. King Cyrus told the Jews to go back to Jerusalem and to build God's temple again.
Ezra was a priest who studied God's Law. He taught the people how they should live to please God. He helped God's people to live well in their own land.

Contents