group of them back to Jerusalem in 458 B.C When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem thirteen years later, Ezra helped him in ministering to the people about spiritual matters (cf Neh 8:9) Ezra is referred to in the Bible as a priest and scribe (e.g., Ezra 7:6, 21).9 One of his key ministries was to revive the people’s interest in the Scriptures Some believe that Ezra was the author of Psalm 119, the great “Word” psalm In any case, he loved the Word and loved to teach it Hebrew tradition says that Ezra served in Babylon as a high priest, that he originated the Jewish synagogue form of worship, and collected the Old Testament books into a unit Read Ezra 7:1-5 and observe that Ezra was a descendant of Aaron, the high priest of Moses’ day D HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Read Ezra 1:1; 4:5, 24, and 7:1 for the references to three important kings of Persia: Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes.10 You will recall these names from your study of Chart 57 How the account of Ezra proceeds chronologically with reference to these kings is shown on Chart 58 It can be seen from Chart 57 how Ezra is not a continuous or complete historical record of any one period, but follows the principle of selectivity For example, its author passes over the period from the completion of the Temple (516 B.C.) to Ezra’s journey to Jerusalem (458 B.C.).11 Bible authors were inspired to select only those materials of the historical record which had a bearing on the subject being discussed This should always be kept in mind when studying Bible history (It may be observed here also that the two books of Ezra and Nehemiah contain practically all that is known of the history of the Jews between 538 and about 425 B.C.) E PURPOSES OF THE BOOK OF EZRA The book of Ezra shows how the Lord ful lled His promises, given through His prophets, to restore Israel to their own land.12 He moved heathen monarchs to show favor to the Jews, and raised up leaders (Zerubbabel and Ezra) and prophets (Haggai and Zechariah) for the grand task of restoration The restoration involved the physical aspect—moving back to the land of Canaan and rebuilding the Temple buildings; and, more vital, the spiritual aspect— restoring true worship, reestablishing the authority of God’s Law, and initiating reforms in the everyday life of the Jews III SURVEY OF EZRA ... contain practically all that is known of the history of the Jews between 538 and about 425 B.C.) E PURPOSES OF THE BOOK OF EZRA The book of Ezra shows how the Lord ful lled His promises, given... originated the Jewish synagogue form of worship, and collected the Old Testament books into a unit Read Ezra 7:1-5 and observe that Ezra was a descendant of Aaron, the high priest of Moses’ day... involved the physical aspect—moving back to the land of Canaan and rebuilding the Temple buildings; and, more vital, the spiritual aspect— restoring true worship, reestablishing the authority of God’s