Author

Ezra

Written

~450–420 BC

Testament

Old Testament

Chapters

10

Key Theme

The return from exile and the restoration of worship and the law.

Written For

The post-exilic community of Israel

Introduction of Ezra

Ezra takes its name from the priest and scribe who stands at its center. Likely written in the mid-5th century BC, possibly by Ezra himself or a close contemporary, the book records the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon and the challenging work of rebuilding. Key figures include Ezra the teacher of the law, Zerubbabel the governor, and the Persian kings who surprisingly support the effort. After decades in exile, a small community returns to a ruined Jerusalem determined to restore the temple and renew their covenant with God. Their struggle against opposition, compromise, and spiritual drift raises a vital question: can a broken people truly start over?