Author
Originally Ezra and Nehemiah were one book. They were separated into two by Jerome in the Latin Vulgate. Ezra is the author, and also a primary character in the books.
Date
Probably between 450 and 425B.C. The book picks up immediately after 1 & 2 Chronicles closes.
Audience and Purpose
Ezra/Nehemiah was written to the Jews returning to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon during the reign of Artaxerxes I.
The primary focus of Ezra is God’s fulfillment of His promise to restore the people to their homeland, and also the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem.
The primary focus of Nehemiah is the rebuilding of the walls around Jerusalem, and a return to life in the land, led by the Law of Moses and the priesthood.
Major Themes
- Restoration.
- God’s Faithfulness.
- Spiritual Commitment.
- Idolatry and Culture.
- Partnering with God in His Work.
Key Scriptures in Ezra
- Ezra 6:16 — “And the people of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the returned exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy.”
Key Scriptures in Nehemiah
- Nehemiah 6:15-16 — “So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem, for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our God.”
Outline of Ezra
- Ezra 1:1-2:70 — Exiles Return from Babylon
- Ezra 3:1-6:22 — Rebuilding the Temple
- Ezra 7:1-8:36 — Ezra the Priest Returns to Jerusalem to Reestablish the Law of Moses
- Ezra 9:1-10:44 — Ezra calls for Separation from Intercultural Marriages
Outline of Nehemiah
- Nehemiah 1:1-2:20 — Nehemiah Returns to Jerusalem to Rebuild Walls
- Nehemiah 3:1-7:4 — Wall is Rebuilt in 52 Days Despite Opposition
- Nehemiah 7:5-73 — List of Original Returnees from Exile
- Nehemiah 8:1-8:8 — Public Reading of the Law by Ezra
- Nehemiah 8:9-10:39 — Covenant Renewal to the Law by the People
- Nehemiah 11:1-36 — Resettlement of Towns and Villages Around Jerusalem
- Nehemiah 12:1-26 — High Priest and Leading Levites Since Time of Zerubbabel
- Nehemiah 12:27-43 — The Dedication of the Rebuilt Walls
- Nehemiah 12:44-13:31 — Nehemiah Governs in Jerusalem
Gospel Summary
The book of Ezra follows the initial return of the Jewish exiles under the governorship of Zerubbabel, who although he did not carry the title of King, was appointed as ruler over the Jewish people and a descendant of King David (the grandson of King Jeconiah; take note of Jeremiah 22:30). As the people return to the land, there is a restoration of worship, leading to the rebuilding of God’s Temple. This would be the temple where Jesus would one day stand and fulfill many of the prophecies concerning Messiah.
In Ezra, the people recommit themselves to living according to God’s plan and rule, there is a revival of holiness among the people. This leads the people to separate from their mixed marriages. The community of faith is restored, and God is at the center of life once again.
In Nehemiah, we see the community of faith come together to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, as they also rebuilt their national identity as the people of God.
This points us to Jesus who would become the ultimate Temple of God and sacrifice on the altar, as He dwelt with man on earth. He would call all of God’s people – not just Jews, but gentiles as well – back to true worship and holiness. He is rebuilding us- His church – into a royal priesthood and a holy nation in Him.
© Anthony Scott Ingram 2020. All Rights Reserved.
Photo by Carolyn V on Unsplash
Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
Please note that I do get a small kickback from Amazon for any purchases made using the links on this post. Should you choose to purchase from them, I just want to say thank you for further supporting my work in ministry!
