The Basics: A Brief Overview of Ezra
The Basics course is designed to help brothers and sisters in Christ, who have a desire for a brief study over each of the books of the Bible. While being more than just a timeline, it is designed to give a person a more realistic overview of the entire Bible. As well as pointing out different highlights along the way. Imagine riding in a car and seeing exit signs for a town. Each sign gives a brief glimpse of what is inside, while if you wanted to thoroughly investigate the town you would have to take the exit. This series is a collected work of the books of the Bible while continuing to drive past each of the exits. I would encourage you to take any exit and allow the Lord God to direct your path to where He would guide.
The Bible is written into 66 different books. Each one unique on its own but designed to be with its other collected works.
Cautionary Note: This work is not to argue for the authenticity of the Bible nor is it to argue over the mechanics of how God used man to write His Words. This is designed as an overview for someone to review the book in passing. Nevertheless, we here at Mill House Ministries believe that the Bible is without error and was written by God, through His divine attributes, through man.
These overviews are sequenced in the below fashion. Each overview is designed to flow in unison.
Introduction
Who wrote it
When did they write it
Key topics
Key sections
Books that interact with each other
Analysis of the Book
As previously stated, if you find yourself drawn to one of these books, please take the time and see what God is wanting to show you in that book.
BASICS COURSE:
Ezra
INTRODUCTION:
For 70 long years, the Jewish people were held captive with the majority of them living outside of the Promised Land. Instead of following the Lord, they had rejected His commandments and forsook the statues He had given them. Yet, God promised that they would return to their own land after the 70 years. The book of Ezra describes how the Jewish people returned.
WHO WROTE IT:
The book of Ezra was written by Ezra, the grandson of the High Priest Hilkiah who in 2 Chronicles 34:14 finds the book of the Law of the Lord given by Moses. Like his grandfather, Ezra is helps lead the people in seeking the Lord. His name even means “helper” in Hebrew. Ezra, with the support of the Lord, is able to lead the return of the Jewish people back to their original calling in the Promised Land.
WHEN DID THEY WRITE IT:
The book depicts the return of the Jewish people and the rebuilding of the temple, thus we can conclude it could not have been written earlier than 450 B.C.
KEY TOPICS:
Forgiveness, love, honor, duty, faith, death, life, temple, God, man, Jewish Nation, Gentile Nations, chronology of the Jewish people, and foreshadowing of Jesus Christ.
KEY SECTIONS:
Chapter 1 shows Cyrus’s proclamation for the Jewish return and rebuilding of the Temple. Chapter 2 is the faithful count of those returning. Chapter 3 is when the Temple restoration begins. Chapter 4 shows enemy distractions. Chapters 5-6 is the return to God’s work. Chapter 7 Ezra leaves Babylon for Jerusalem. Finally chapters 8-10 show Ezra leading the Jewish people in the Promised Land.
BOOKS THAT INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER:
Ezra is connected to Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Each depicts this time period and the interactions of certain people that can be read about in these specific books. However, the book of Ezra does draw significantly on 1stand 2nd Kings as well as 1st and 2nd Chronicles.
ANALYSIS OF THE BOOK:
Ezra is a rich book for those who are willing to take the deserved time to read and study what God’s Word says. Ezra was the first book in which I personally realized that not only do the names in the Bible have significance, but also the order in which they are written. Ezra is a foreshadowing of the Jewish nation coming back again, which occurred May 14th, 1948. Ezra is a declaration of God’s character and His promises being reliable. For the Church today, Ezra is a good reminder that if God is faithful to the Jewish people, than we can be at peace knowing that He is faithful to us as well. If you are wanting to study this book, break the book up into three readings. First read the book for its historical value of the Jewish people. Second, in connection with the other books of the Bible that interact with Ezra. Finally direct each name, number, and sequence to determine the majestic declaration that only God could ordain and declare.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL