A Joyful Return Turns to Mourning Ezra chapter 9 presents a dramatic and painful shift in the narrative. The triumphant arrival in Jerusalem and the successful completion of the journey described in the previous chapter give way to a profound spiritual crisis. Soon after his arrival, Ezra is confronted with a report of widespread sin […]
Ezra 9 Commentary: Ezra’s Prayer on Intermarriage Read Post »
The Gathering of the Returnees Ezra chapter 8 provides a detailed account of the preparations for and the journey of the second group of exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. The chapter begins by listing the heads of the fathers’ houses and their genealogies, those who accompanied Ezra. This list, similar to the one in
Ezra 8 Commentary: Journey to Jerusalem, God’s Protection Read Post »
A New Phase of Restoration Begins Ezra chapter 7 marks a significant shift in the book’s narrative. There is a gap of nearly six decades between the end of chapter 6 and the beginning of chapter 7. The temple has been rebuilt and dedicated, but the spiritual and social life of the people in Judah
Ezra 7 Commentary: Ezra the Scribe Arrives Read Post »
The Royal Search for Truth Ezra chapter 6 marks a significant turning point in the post-exilic history of Israel. The opposition that halted the temple’s reconstruction in previous chapters is met with divine intervention through a pagan king. This chapter details the search for and discovery of Cyrus the Great’s original decree, King Darius’s subsequent
Ezra 6 Commentary: Temple Rebuilding Completed Read Post »
The Prophetic Encouragement and the Resumption of Work (Ezra 5:1-5) Ezra 5:1-2 Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the prophet, a descendant of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem. They prophesied in the name of the God of Israel. Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak responded. They began
Ezra 5 Commentary: Prophets Motivate Temple Work Read Post »
The Opposition from the Adversaries (Ezra 4:1-5) Ezra 4:1-3 When the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of families. They said to them, “Let us build with you. We worship your God just as you
Ezra 4 Commentary: Opposition to Temple Rebuilding Read Post »
Rebuilding the Altar and Resuming Worship (Ezra 3:1-6) Ezra 3:1-3 When the seventh month came, and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people gathered in Jerusalem. They gathered as one person. Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar
Ezra 3 Commentary: Altar and Temple Foundation Laid Read Post »
Ezra 2 records the detailed census of Jewish exiles who returned from Babylonian captivity under Zerubbabel’s leadership to rebuild Jerusalem and restore temple worship. This chapter demonstrates God’s faithfulness in preserving His covenant people through exile while documenting the families, clans, and religious personnel who participated in the restoration community. The narrative emphasizes divine providence,
Ezra 2 Commentary: Exiles Return for Temple Restoration Read Post »
The Decree of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4) Ezra 1:1-2 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah was fulfilled. The Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia. He made a proclamation throughout his kingdom. He also put it in writing. He said, “This is
Ezra 1 Commentary: Cyrus’s Decree and Exile Return Read Post »
The Short-Lived Reigns of Jehoahaz and Jehoiakim (2 Chronicles 36:1-8) 2 Chronicles 36:1-4 The people of the land took Josiah’s son Jehoahaz and made him king in Jerusalem. He was twenty-three years old when he became king. He reigned in Jerusalem for three months. The king of Egypt, Necho, dethroned him in Jerusalem. He imposed
2 Chronicles 36 Commentary: Final Kings and Captivity Read Post »
