Key Verses and Themes in Ezra, Nehemiah & Esther
| Verse (s) | Theme |
| Ezra 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king ... | God is at work throughout the world, eve ... |
| Ezra 7:28b I took courage, for the hand ... | Human work is successful when God blesse ... |
| Ezra 8: 22 I was ashamed to ask the king ... | Sometimes trusting in God means not rely ... |
| Nehemiah 2: 8b-9 The king granted me wha ... | Sometimes trusting in God means recogniz ... |
Full Answer
What is the purpose of the Book of Ezra?
Ezra calls the people back to covenant loyalty and obedience to the Mosaic law. The book rejoices in God’s provision in returning them to the land, rebuilding the temple, and calling his people back to himself. The book also warns against falling away again through sin and against serving other gods.
What is the main theme of Ezra and Nehemiah?
The events narrated in Ezra–Nehemiah occur over a century: Ezra 1–6 covers 538–515 b.c.; Ezra 7 – Nehemiah 13 covers 458–433 b.c. The theme of Ezra is faithfulness to the Lord, both in keeping the Mosaic law ( 7:6) and in worship.
What is the setting of the Book of Ezra?
The events in Ezra are set in Jerusalem and the surrounding area. The returning exiles were able to populate only a tiny portion of their former homeland. Why is Ezra so important? The book of Ezra provides a much-needed link in the historical record of the Israelite people.
What is the significance of Ezra 8 in the Bible?
Ezra 8 includes a first-person reference, implying the author’s participation in the events. He plays a major role in the second half of the book, as well as in the book of Nehemiah, its sequel.
What is the lesson of Ezra?
God protected them “from enemies and bandits along the way” allowing a safe arrival in Jerusalem (8:31-32). For the first time in many years, they offer sacrifices to the LORD. Lesson 5: God protects His people. Sometimes we don't have because we don't ask.
What is the theme of Ezra and Nehemiah?
Themes. The Mercer Bible Dictionary notes three notable theological themes in Ezra and Nehemiah: God's use of foreign rulers for Israel's sake; opposition to Israel from foreign neighbours; and the need to separate Israel from foreign neighbours to preserve the purity of the people of God.
Where is Ezra mentioned in the Bible?
Modern Hebrew Bibles call the two books Ezra and Nehemiah, as do other modern Bible translations. A few parts of the Book of Ezra (4:8 to 6:18 and 7:12–26) were written in Aramaic, and the majority in Hebrew, Ezra himself being skilled in both languages.
What was Ezra known for in the Bible?
Ezra, Hebrew ʿezraʾ, (flourished 4th century bc, Babylon and Jerusalem), religious leader of the Jews who returned from exile in Babylon, reformer who reconstituted the Jewish community on the basis of the Torah (Law, or the regulations of the first five books of the Old Testament).
What is the key verse in the book of Ezra?
Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.
What is the meaning of Ezra?
helpOrigin: Ezra comes from the Hebrew word azar meaning “help,” “aid,” or “protect.” The original long form of the name may have been Azaryahu, meaning “God helps” or “God protects.” Gender: Ezra is traditionally a masculine name. Ezri has been used as a feminine variant. Pronunciation: EZ-rah.
How does Ezra point to Jesus?
Ezra points us to Jesus because Jesus is the perfect priest that leads us to freedom. Not only is Jesus a better priest but he leads us into a better freedom. As a priest both Ezra and Jesus made intercession for God's people through sacrifice and prayer. They both spoke for God.
Why did Ezra read the law?
Ezra reads the law (8:1–12) The commission given to Ezra was to 'restructure the Jewish community' under God's laws, so he read and instructed the people who gathered around in 'the commands and intentions of God's revelation'.
Opposition
Both Ezra and Nehemiah The governor of Jerusalem who rebuilt the city walls after the exile More encounter strong opposition to their work from the neighboring peoples. In Ezra, this is introduced in Ezra 3:3 with stronger opposition in 4:1-24.
Prayer
Both Ezra (9:6-15) and Nehemiah (1:5-11) pray. The long prayer in Nehemiah 9:6-37 is attributed to Ezra in the Septuagint and the NRSV, but more likely it is a prayer of the Levites. All three are prayers of confession.
Return depicted as a second exodus
The exodus is recalled when the Babylonians provide the returnees with silver, gold, and other gifts ( Ezra 1:4, 6 ), much as the Egyptians had done ( Exodus 3:21-22; 11:2; 12:35-36 ); the “freewill offering” of materials for the rebuilding of the temple in Ezra 2:68-69 recalls a similar response for the erection of the tent of meeting in Exodus 35:21-29.
Separation
Ezra-Nehemiah sees the community as a holy people situated in a holy city ( Ezra 8:28; 9:8 ). Ezra 7-10 emphasize that the true people of God were those Judeans who had returned from Babylonian exile and their descendants.
What Is the Book of Ezra About?
The book was originally written for those Jews who were returning to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. Composed around 450 B.C., though perhaps started earlier, it documents events that occurred between 538-450 B.C.
What role did Ezra play in the Bible?
Though Ezra is not one of the more widely known figures in the Bible, he played a vital role in the spiritual health of the Jewish people. He spent his life as a priest, serving the Israelites during their exile in Babylon and as they returned to Jerusalem.
How long did it take for Ezra and Nehemiah to travel back to Jerusalem?
It covers two spans of time: the first journey back to Jerusalem (538-515 B.C.) directed by Zerubbabel, and then the second group under Ezra, starting about 60 years later in 458 B.C. In the Hebrew Bible, Ezra and Nehemiah were presented as one book, and can still be read that way.
Why did God choose Ezra?
God chose Ezra to become the protector of His Law and a prayer intercessor for the Jews. Ezra’s heart was burdened for those who had strayed from God’s Ways. He knew that a return to purity and an obedience of the Lord’s commands would set the people on the right path forward.
What did Ezra do when he was told of the people's sin?
When told of the people’s sin, Ezra immediately tore his cloak and sat down. Later, he rose to his knees and prayed out to God for forgiveness. Afterwards, he issued a call for all the exiles to gather in the city, where he directed the men to separate from their foreign wives and children.
What did Ezra do?
Called “the father of Judaism” or “the second Moses” by some, Ezra was passionate about God’s Law. It was the foundation of his own life , and he used the Torah (which later became the first five books of the Old Testament) to remind others how to live righteously.
What book did Moses write?
In addition to the book that bears his name, he contributed to both 1 and 2 Chronicles, as well as to the book of Nehemiah. Psalm 119 , a beautiful 176-verse ode to God’s Word, is thought to have been penned by him as well. “He was a teacher, well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given” ( Ezra 7:6 ).
What is the theme of Ezra?
The theme of Ezra is faithfulness to the Lord, both in keeping the Mosaic law ( 7:6) and in worship. Because of his concern about worship, Ezra stresses the importance of rebuilding the temple.
What does Ezra teach us?
As the priests return and begin to teach the people how to love God and live according to his ways, the people recommit themselves to the Lord. The book of Ezra encourages the postexilic community toward pure worship and holy behavior. Ezra calls the people back to covenant loyalty and obedience to the Mosaic law.
What happens when the people return from exile in Babylon?
As the people return from exile in Babylon to the Promised Land, they are under threat from the non-Jews living there. Having been driven from the land previously because of their sin, they also need to learn once again how to live in covenant with God. The land must be restored through the physical presence of God’s people, and the people must revive a spiritual commitment to serve God alone. As the temple is rebuilt and more exiles come back to the land, the people start to reestablish the nation that God had promised Abraham. As the priests return and begin to teach the people how to love God and live according to his ways, the people recommit themselves to the Lord.
How does the Lord work?
The Lord works providentially by all means, especially through powerful rulers, to bring about his greater purposes (e.g., 6:22 ). The exiles are the remnant of Israel, the “holy race” ( 9:2, 8 ). They are bound by covenant to guard their identity and character as the people of the Lord by obeying his law.
What is the book of Ezra 7:1–26?
Ezra 7:1–26 and 10:1–44 describe events in Ezra’s time, but are written in the third person. It is possible Ezra may have combined the other materials with his autobiographical writings to form the book. Or, a later historian may have collected all the portions to describe Israelite history from c. 538–433 b.c.
What is the book of Ezra?
Ezra 1–6 recounts events that occurred long before Ezra’s time. Ezra 7:27–9:15 clearly comes from Ezra’s own hand, since it is written in the first person. Ezra 7:1–26 and 10:1–44 describe events in Ezra’s time, but are written in the third person. It is possible Ezra may have combined the other materials with his autobiographical writings to form the book. Or, a later historian may have collected all the portions to describe Israelite history from c. 538–433 b.c. Many scholars believe that the same author wrote Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1– 2 Chronicles. In ancient times, Ezra and Nehemiah were counted as one book. The events narrated in Ezra–Nehemiah occur over a century: Ezra 1–6 covers 538–515 b.c.; Ezra 7 – Nehemiah 13 covers 458–433 b.c.
What is the heart of worship?
The heart of worship is joy ( 6:22 ).
What is the emphasis in Ezra?
The emphasis in Ezra is on the rebuilding of the Temple. The book contains extensive genealogical records, principally for the purpose of establishing the claims to the priesthood on the part of the descendants of Aaron. Key Verses: Ezra 3:11 “With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: ‘He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.’.
What is the purpose of the book of Ezra?
Purpose of Writing: The Book of Ezra is devoted to events occurring in the land of Israel at the time of the return from the Babylonian captivity and subsequent years, covering a period of approximately one century , beginning in 538 B.C. The emphasis in Ezra is on the rebuilding of the Temple. The book contains extensive genealogical records, ...
What is the meaning of Ezra 5:1?
Some concept of the nature of the encouraging messages of Haggai and Zechariah, who are introduced in this narrative ( Ezra 5:1 ), may be seen in the prophetic books that bear their names. The Book of Ezra covers the return from captivity to rebuild the Temple up to the decree of Artaxerxes, the event covered at the beginning of the Book ...
What chapter does Ezra begin his ministry?
Chapters 7-10—The Ministry of Ezra. Since well over half a century elapsed between chapters 6 and 7, the characters of the first part of the book had died by the time Ezra began his ministry in Jerusalem. Ezra is the one person who is prominent in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Both books end with prayers of confession ( Ezra 9;
What chapter does the King of Israel give Moses?
The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.". Brief Summary: The book may be divided as follows: Chapters 1-6 —The First Return under Zerubbabel, and the Building of the Second Temple.
Who was the main prophet in the Book of Ezra?
Haggai was the main prophet in the day of Ezra, and Zechariah was the prophet in the day of Nehemiah. Foreshadowings: We see in the Book of Ezra a continuation of the biblical theme of the remnant. Whenever disaster or judgment falls, God always saves a tiny remnant for Himself—Noah and his family from the destruction of the flood;
What does God show us in the temple of the Holy Spirit?
He is willing to show us how to rebuild our lives and resurrect our hearts, wherein is the temple of the Holy Spirit. As with the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, God superintends the work of renovating and rededicating our lives to His service.
