1. Ezra Three exile groups from Judah during the reigning periods of these kings: –Jehoiakim (B.C. 607) –Jehoiachin (B.C. 597) –Zedekiah (B.C. 586)

2. - Three return groups led by: –Zerubbabel (B.C. 538) –Ezra (B.C. 457) –Nehemiah (B.C. 445)

3. Outline of Ezra The first return of the exiles and rebuilding of the temple (Ch.1 - 6) Ezra and the second return of the exiles (Ch.7 - 10)

4. I. The first return (Ch.1 - 6) How did the return of the exiles happen? (Ch.1-2) How was the temple rebuilt? (Ch.3-6)

5. How did the return of the exiles happen? The prophecy through Jeremiah. (Ezra 1:1) –Jeremiah 29:10 “This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place.’”

6. Cyrus king of Persia's proclamation. (Ch. 1) “… let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, …” (1:4) “…provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem.” (1:5)

7. The number of returnees: The whole company - 42,360 Servants - 7,337 Singers - 200 : Total 49,897 people horses(736), mules(245), camels(435), and donkeys(6,720)

8. How was the temple rebuilt? They first rebuilt the Altar. (Ch. 3) Oppositions (Ch.4) –The enemies tried to discourage them. –They hired counselors to frustrate them –Later oppositions under Artaxerxes The work stopped. (B.C. 534)

9. -Resuming to rebuild the temple (Ch. 5) (B.C. 520) The prophets Haggai and Zechariah prophesied in the name of God. Zerubbabel and Jeshua resumed the work. Governor Tattenai’s letter to King Darius  King Darius’ permission (Ch.6) -The temple was completed and dedicated joyfully. (B.C. 515)

10. II. Ezra and the second return (Ch.7 - 10) Who is Ezra? (Ch.7) How did they return to Jerusalem? (Ch.7,8) Ezra’s reform (Ch.9,10)

11. 1. Who is Ezra? (Ch. 7) A teacher well versed in the Law of Moses (7:6) The king had granted him everything he asked. (7:6) The gracious hand of God was on him (7:6, 9, 8:18, 22, 31)

12. “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” (7:10) “Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the Lord my God and prayed…” (9:5,6a)

13. 2. How did they return to Jerusalem? (Ch.7,8) King Artaxerxes helped Ezra. (7:11-28) Ezra called up Levi’s. (8:15-20) –20 men and 220 temple servants He requested prayer for safe journey. (8:21- 23)

14. They safely arrived in Jerusalem. (B.C. 457) The number of returnees: Men only-1,496 (about 5,000)

15. 3. Ezra's Reform (Ch. 9) Intermarriage problem (9:1,2) Ezra prayed to God. (9:3-10) The people’s confession and reform (Ch.10)

16. What I Learned… Ezra’s dedication to the study, observance and teaching of God’s words His prayer life

17. Open Forum Questions and Comments.