Survey of the book of Ezra

Welcome to The Rapid Pull, daily edition, where we provide a quick biblical interpretations and applications. This is a ministry of striving for eternity.

The Historical Setting of Ezra and Cyrus’s Decree

The book of Ezra. It is about 450 BC. And King Cyrus, whether he realized it or not, is fulfilling scripture. He was prophesied by name that he would send people back to the nation of Israel. After 70 years of captivity in Babylon, now Cyrus sends back the first wave of people back to the land of Israel.

Ezra is part of that. Ezra is rebuilding the nation of Israel. He is rebuilding the area of Jerusalem. He is a priest. And as a priest, he is coming about and he is looking to give the people a historical account.

Not just some miscellaneous historical account, but here they finally return to the land. Something that a whole generation has gone by and a whole generation has looked forward to. A time they can return to the promised land.

The Return to the Promised Land and the Rebuilding Work

They finally get back into that promised land. Here is the accounting as they are rebuilding the temple. As they are going through the difficulties of trying to rebuild Jerusalem. That is the account that we end up seeing in Ezra.

And as he is going through, he is giving this account. He is going through and providing for people the accounting after the return. This is a major event. This is kind of the second exodus. It is kind of like God gives second chances.

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