How to Read Ezra

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The book of Ezra describes several highly emotional events. Yet it reads like a historical report, citing official documents, letters, and lists written over an 80-year span. You are often left to imagine for yourself the feelings of the retuning exiles. The book can, therefore, seem confusing and dry unless you take time to imagine how the scenes must have looked and reflect on how people must have felt.

The three distinct periods Ezra deals with all have the same theme: a new beginning for God's people. In each situation God gave opportunity and the outside world threatened it. God's people drifted back and forth in their response. Carefully take note of the "messages" from bothe God and the world, and how the Israelite responded. Examine Ezra's model, as an unwavering man of the law as well as of deep personal faith.

To understand how Ezra fits into Israel's long-term pattern of response to God and the world, read some historical background. Articles on "Ezra,""Haggai" or "Israel, History of" in a Bible dictionary may offer the best summary. The short book of Haggai zeroes in on the crucial months described in Ezra 5:1-2 and makes a valuable companion to any study of Ezra.

People You'll Meet in Ezra

  • Artaxerxes
  • Ezra

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