Jensens survey of the old testament adam 132
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group of them back to Jerusalem in 458 B.C.
When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem
thirteen years later, Ezra helped him in
ministering to the people about spiritual
matters (cf. Neh 8:9).
Ezra is referred to in the Bible as a priest
and scribe (e.g., Ezra 7:6, 21).9 One of his
key ministries was to revive the people’s
interest in the Scriptures. Some believe that
Ezra was the author of Psalm 119, the great
“Word” psalm. In any case, he loved the
Word and loved to teach it.
Hebrew tradition says that Ezra served in
Babylon as a high priest, that he originated
the Jewish synagogue form of worship, and
collected the Old Testament books into a
unit. Read Ezra 7:1-5 and observe that Ezra
was a descendant of Aaron, the high priest
of Moses’ day.
D. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Read Ezra 1:1; 4:5, 24, and 7:1 for the
references to three important kings of
Persia: Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes.10 You
will recall these names from your study of
Chart 57. How the account of Ezra proceeds
chronologically with reference to these
kings is shown on Chart 58.
It can be seen from Chart 57 how Ezra is
not a continuous or complete historical
record of any one period, but follows the
principle of selectivity. For example, its
author passes over the period from the
completion of the Temple (516 B.C.) to Ezra’s
journey to Jerusalem (458 B.C.).11 Bible
authors were inspired to select only those
materials of the historical record which had
a bearing on the subject being discussed.
This should always be kept in mind when
studying Bible history. (It may be observed
here also that the two books of Ezra and
Nehemiah contain practically all that is
known of the history of the Jews between
538 and about 425 B.C.)
E. PURPOSES OF THE BOOK OF EZRA
The book of Ezra shows how the Lord
ful lled His promises, given through His
prophets, to restore Israel to their own
land.12 He moved heathen monarchs to
show favor to the Jews, and raised up
leaders (Zerubbabel and Ezra) and prophets
(Haggai and Zechariah) for the grand task of
restoration. The restoration involved the
physical aspect—moving back to the land of
Canaan and rebuilding the Temple buildings;
and, more vital, the spiritual aspect—
restoring true worship, reestablishing the
authority of God’s Law, and initiating
reforms in the everyday life of the Jews.
III. SURVEY OF EZRA
