Invitation to the Old Testament 28: Return from Exile (Ezra)

RETURN FROM EXILE: 

RETURN FROM EXILE

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah): 

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah) A. Decree to Return - 2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra 1:2-4; 6:3-5 B. Rulers and Biblical Accounts 1. Cyrus the Great - 559-530 B.C. a. Issued the decree for the first return of Jews to Judah in 536 B.C. (Ezra 1, 2) b. This first return was led by Shesbazzar (another name for Zerubbabel ). Ca., 50,000 captives returned at this time (Ezra 2:64). c. Construction on the Temple began during Cyrus' reign (Ezra 3, 4).

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah): 

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah) 1) Led by Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest. ~ Zerubbabel was the grandson of King Jehoiachin and a descendant of David. He was an heir to the throne of Judah (1 Chron. 3:17-19) and is listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:12-13). 2) Due to opposition the work ceased.

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah): 

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah) 2. Cambyses - 530-522 B.C. 3. Darius I - 522-486 B.C. a. During Darius' reign Haggai and Zechariah stir the people to return to work on the Temple. b. Temple construction resumes in 520 B.C. (Ezra 5, 6) c. The temple was completed in the 4 th year of Darius' reign: 515 B.C. (Ezra 6:15). 4. Xerxes I (also known as " Ahasuerus ," Esther's husband) - 486-465 B.C.

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah): 

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah) 5. Artaxerxes - 465-425 B.C. a. Second Return (Ezra 7-10) 1) 458 B.C. was the date for this second return (7th year of Artaxerxes ). 2) This return was led by Ezra. b. Third Return 1) 444-445 B.C. (20th year of Artaxerxes ) 2) This return was led by Nehemiah. 3) The walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt at this time (52 days to complete [Neh.6:15]). 4) Malachi prophesied after the walls were completed.

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah): 

History (2 Chron. 36:22-23; Ezra; Esther; Nehemiah) Three Books of Biblical History cover the Period of Return. 1. Ezra 2. Nehemiah 3. Esther

EZRA EZRA: 

EZRA EZRA The Exiles Return

Introduction: 

Introduction Ezra was a scribe in the law of Moses (7:6) and a priest (7:11). Tradition teaches that Ezra was the founder of the synagogue which arose in the days of captivity. It was also Ezra who formed the Scripture cannon of the Old Testament. He may have written Psalm 119. Ezra aided Nehemiah in bringing revival to Judah (Neh. 8, 9).

What do we know about Ezra the scribe?: 

What do we know about Ezra the scribe? "Ezra" means help. Led the second return in 458 B.C. He taught the people the Law of Moses.

What were the dates?: 

What were the dates? A. Date of the Events - 536-456 B.C. B. Date of Writing - 456-444 B.C.

What is the primary message of Ezra?: 

What is the primary message of Ezra? The theme of Ezra is the return of the exiles under Zerubbabel and Ezra.

What would an overview of Ezra look like?: 

What would an overview of Ezra look like? A. Return under Zerubbabel (1-6) First Return 1. Decree of Cyrus (1) < 535 B.C. 2. Returnees (2) 3. Temple construction begins (3) 4. Opposition to and suspension of work (4) ~ Opposed by Samaritans 5. Resuming the work (5:1 - 6:12)

What would an overview of Ezra look like?: 

What would an overview of Ezra look like? 6. Temple completed (6:13-22) {60 years elapse between the completion of the Temple and the return of captives under Ezra} < The events in Esther took place during this 60 year period. B. Return under Ezra (7-10) Second Return 1. Ezra's return (7, 8) < 1,700 returnees 2. Ezra's reforms (9, 10)