Ezra 10:1-44 Problem Solved
What a mess! Ezra faces the problem of intermarriage; The men of Israel have married foreign women and brought them into the camp of Israel. These women have not converted to Judaism, they brought their foreign gods with them. Ezra solves this problem.
Ezra 8:24-9:15 Trouble in the Camp
Ezra is settled in Jerusalem. It has been about 80 years since Cyrus encouraged some Jews to return to Jerusalem to build the Temple and restore their worship. But now, there is trouble in the camp. Ezra prepares to deal with it.
Ezra 7:1-8:23 Finally, We Meet Ezra
This begins a new period in the historical compilation Ezra. We meet Ezra. Ezra is commissioned by the King to travel to Jerusalem to beautify the Temple and to establish a civil court system.
Ezra 5:1-6:22 The Temple Finished
The account of the politics surrounding the finishing of the Temple, and celebrating the Passover. This is reminiscent of the celebration of Solomon finishing the first Temple.
Ezra 4:6-23 Political Theater
This is a parenthetical portion, out of chronological sequence from what goes before, and what comes after. This is political theater designed to frustrate the efforts of the exiles in restoring the Temple.
Ezra 4:1-5 The Opposition Mounts
The opposition to the building of the Temple in Jerusalem begins in this chapter. We look at the forces arrayed against the project, and note the concurrence in Esther and Daniel.
Ezra 3:8-13 Setting the Foundation
The importance of the foundation cannot be overstated. Here, the returning Jews have made provision, and are setting the foundation for the Temple. Today, we are the Temple of the Holy God, how is your foundation?
Ezra 3:3-7 Restoring The Altar
Returning to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity, the first item of business is to restore the altar in its proper place. Practically, do you have an altar? We will look at that.
Ezra 3:1-2 Background on Seventh Month, Jeshua, Zerubabbel
We cover only two verses, but there is a lot of history that should be understood about the seventh month, about Jeshua, and about Zerubbabel before proceeding.
Ezra 1 Introduction to Ezra
An introduction to the book of Ezra, including a chronology of the events of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther. Then we look at the first chapter.
