Ezra

Portrait of Ezra

In the aftermath of Israel's exile, Ezra emerges as a pivotal figure in the restoration of God's people, serving as both priest and scribe who guided a remnant back to Jerusalem to reestablish worship according to the law. His leadership not only facilitated the physical return but also emphasized the renewal of covenant faithfulness through the teaching of Scripture, underscoring the enduring role of the written word in the redemptive narrative. Traditionally credited with authoring the book that bears his name as well as the Chronicles, Ezra's contributions helped preserve the historical and spiritual heritage of Israel for future generations.

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Books written: Ezra, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles

Read Through Ezra's Writings

75 chapters total

Ezra

1 Cyrus Allows the Return 2 List of Returning Exiles 3 Rebuilding the Altar 4 Opposition to Rebuilding 5 Rebuilding Resumes 6 The Temple Completed 7 Ezra Comes to Jerusalem 8 The Return with Ezra 9 Ezra's Prayer of Confession 10 The People's Repentance

1 Chronicles

1 From Adam to Abraham 2 The Sons of Israel 3 The Line of David 4 Other Clans of Judah 5 Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh 6 The Levites 7 Issachar, Benjamin, and Others 8 The Genealogy of Benjamin 9 Residents of Jerusalem 10 The Death of Saul 11 David Becomes King 12 David's Mighty Warriors 13 The Ark Brought from Kiriath-Jearim 14 David's House and Victories 15 The Ark Brought to Jerusalem 16 David's Psalm of Thanks 17 God's Covenant with David 18 David's Victories 19 War with the Ammonites 20 The Capture of Rabbah 21 David's Census 22 Preparations for the Temple 23 The Levites Organized 24 The Divisions of Priests 25 The Musicians 26 The Gatekeepers and Treasurers 27 Military and Civil Leaders 28 David's Plans for the Temple 29 Gifts for the Temple

2 Chronicles

1 Solomon Asks for Wisdom 2 Preparations for the Temple 3 Building the Temple 4 The Temple Furnishings 5 The Ark Brought to the Temple 6 Solomon's Prayer of Dedication 7 God's Response to Solomon 8 Solomon's Achievements 9 The Queen of Sheba 10 The Kingdom Divided 11 Rehoboam Fortifies Judah 12 Shishak Attacks Jerusalem 13 Abijah King of Judah 14 Asa's Reforms 15 Asa's Covenant with God 16 Asa's Final Years 17 Jehoshaphat's Reign 18 Micaiah Warns Ahab 19 Jehoshaphat Appoints Judges 20 Jehoshaphat's Victory 21 Jehoram King of Judah 22 Ahaziah and Athaliah 23 Joash Made King 24 Joash Repairs the Temple 25 Amaziah King of Judah 26 Uzziah King of Judah 27 Jotham King of Judah 28 Ahaz King of Judah 29 Hezekiah Purifies the Temple 30 Hezekiah Celebrates Passover 31 Hezekiah's Reforms 32 Sennacherib's Invasion 33 Manasseh and Amon 34 Josiah's Reforms 35 Josiah Celebrates Passover 36 The Fall of Jerusalem

Key Passages

Ezra's Prayer of Confession

Ezra 9:5-9

A5nd at the evening sacrifice I arose up from my heaviness; and having rent my garment and my mantle, I fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the LORD my God,

6 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens. 7 Since the days of our fathers have we been in a great trespass unto this day; and for our iniquities have we, our kings, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to a spoil, and to confusion of face, as it is this day. 8 And now for a little space grace hath been shewed from the LORD our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in his holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage. 9 For we were bondmen; yet our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage, but hath extended mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the desolations thereof, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

Solomon's Temple Dedication

2 Chronicles 7:14-16

I14f my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.