STUDY GUIDE AND STUDY QUESTIONS FOR EZRA Historical Time and Background for Ezra This historical book of Ezra covers the beginning of what is called the Post-Exillic period of Israel’s history. It is also linked with Nehemiah, which is considered the 2nd book of Ezra in the Jewish Scriptures. Those who had been living in Babylon and Persia during the 70 year Captivity that began approximately 605 BC were allowed to return to their homeland. This captivity was a judgement upon Israel’s Southern Kingdom (tribes of Judah and Benjamin) for not giving the land its Sabbath rest. See the following Scriptures for some basic insight into the Captivity — Leviticus 25:1-7 / 2 Chronicles 36:20-23 / Jeremiah 25:11-12; 29:10-14; 30:3 / Daniel 9:1-3. It was written somewhat concurrently with the ministries of Haggai and Zechariah, and begins with the proclamation of Cyrus, king of the Persian empire, giving the Jews the provision to rebuild the Temple. Haggai and Zechariah were called by God to exhort the returned exiles to rebuild the Temple. There are many of the same problems spoken of in Nehemiah and in Malachi about a hundred years later (see Neh 13:1-28 & Malachi). Reading the last chapter of 2 Chronicles, along with Haggai and Zechariah, should help provide a better understanding of the historical context of Ezra (and Nehemiah). Familiarity with the Old Covenant Law and history of Israel is also very helpful. The book of Ezra covers the years 537-458 BC and covers the longest time period of three books related to Israel’s post-exillic history (overlapping with Esther). The book of Esther covers the years 483- 471 BC , and Nehemiah covers the years 444-425 BC (all dates are approximate).These three books are the history that covers the time when Israel was able to return to its homeland after the period of Captivity in Babylon and Persia, paralleling the prophetic ministries of Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi. Important Contemporary People of Ezra The influential leaders of Israel were Zerubbabel, Ezra and Nehemiah . Zerubbabel was the leader of the first wave of exiles returning from Captivity (about 537 BC ). Ezra was a scribe (and teacher) who returned with a second wave of returning exiles in 458 BC ). Nehemiah came to Jerusalem as a governor in about 444 BC with another wave of returning exiles. These three waves of returning exiles roughly correspond this way — the 1 st captives were exiled in 605 BC and included the prophet Daniel and his three faithful companions. These were mostly the royal and noble classes. The 1st return of exiles (roughly 70 years later) begins in 537/536 BC . There was a 2nd wave of captives taken in 597 BC . The 3rd wave of captivity took place in 586 BC when both the Temple and the city of Jerusalem were destroyed. This is recorded by and during the ministry of the prophet Jeremiah. This corresponds to the completion of the temple in 516 BC, which was begun under Zerubbabel’s leadership in 520 BC , and corresponds to Haggai’s prophecies. The kings of Persia who ruled over the Jews (in a worldwide empire) would be Cyrus (539-530 BC ), Cambyses (530-522 BC ), Darius I (522-486 BC ), Xerxes I also called Ahasuerus (486-464 BC ), Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC ), Possibly Xerxes II (424 BC ), and Darius II (423-404 BC ). [See the NIV Study Bible time-line chart within the book of Ezra and see the following website — http://www.biblica.com/niv/studybible/ezra.php ] Ezra Study Guide & Questions — Copyright Nov 2009 — TK — page 1 STUDY QUESTIONS FOR THE BOOK OF EZRA Chapter 1 1. How does the book of Ezra begin — what special proclamation is made? a. Who makes this proclamation and why is this significant? b. Who else is mentioned and why do you think they are mentioned? 2. What is the primary purpose for this proclamation? Why is this so important? a. Who is this proclamation especially addressed to? 3. Where are these people (to whom it is especially addressed) when this proclamation is given? a. Why are they in these places? b. What are they invited or exhorted to do? 4. Is there anything in vs 1 that gives a sense of the timing of this proclamation? a. Why do you think this Jewish prophet would be mentioned? 5. Who is “stirred” and “moved” to go up to Jerusalem? a. What is significant about who is mentioned here? 6. What are they given to take with them? a. Who gives these things to them and why? 7. Is there anything God has stirred up in your heart? a. Have you responded to this stirring in some way? If not, what holds you back from responding? b. If so, what have you seen as a result of responding to God’s stirring in your heart? Chapter 2 1. Who are included among the people who return to Jerusalem and Judah from captivity? a. Who was the leader of this first group of returning exiles? b. What is the purpose and value of this listing and numbering of the various people? 2. Why would this genealogical list be so important? a. What does it reveal about all these returning from captivity? 3. Were all of the people returning to Jerusalem and Judah clearly shown as descendants of the exiles? a. If not, why not? What would prevent them from being included? 4. What was one important consequence of not being able to show themselves as being descended from the exiled families? a. What did this exclude them from and why (for what reasons) would this be important? 5. How many returning exiles were there? Who else came with these returning Jews? a. Where did all the exiles and returning peoples live? 6. Who contributed freely for the Temple to be rebuilt? What does it say about how they gave? a. How could this be an illustration and example for us as believers today? Ezra Study Guide & Questions — Copyright Nov 2009 — TK — page 2 STUDY QUESTIONS FOR THE BOOK OF EZRA 7. What application can be drawn from this chapter and part of the story of Ezra? a. How could the idea of the genealogy and inclusion into Israel be related to us as believers now? Chapter 3 1. What time reference is given in verse 1? a. In what way is this time reference relevant? b. Is it related to King Cyrus’ reign or something else? What helps us know this from the context? 2. What significant thing happens in verse 1? a. Why is this significant? What does this express about these exiles who had returned? 3. What significant event takes place in verse 2? a. Who is involved with this event? Why is it so important? 4. What could have prevented them from doing this event (in vs 2), but did not? a. What does this illustrate for us today as believers? b. How does it apply as something we can put into practice? 5. What important event happens in verse 4? a. Again, why is this so important or significant? b. When was the last time this event was celebrated? 6. What else does it say the people did at this time, in verse 7? a. What does it say had not taken place? 7. What does this tell us about their situation? a. Considering church services nowadays— How might this be relatable to the church? 8. What other time reference is given in Chapter 3? a. What is the significance of this time reference? b. What takes place at this time and who is involved? 9. How is the next important event described, in verse 10? a. What happens? Who gets involved? 10. What is the result or response of the people to this great event? a. How is their response described? b. How is the response of some different than others? Who has which response and why? 11. What picture does this paint for you? How would you describe this situation IYOW? a. How could this be something to be applied to a worship service nowadays? Ezra Study Guide & Questions — Copyright Nov 2009 — TK — page 3 STUDY QUESTIONS FOR THE BOOK OF EZRA Chapter 4 1. What new situation develops in Chapter 4? a. What seems to bring this situation on? 2. Who comes and speaks to Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders? a. How are these people described? b. How are the Jews described? 3. What do they ask of Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders? a. What is the basis for their response to these leaders? 4. What is the response of Zerubbabel and Joshua to these men? a. On what do they base their response? 5. Why do you think these other men were not allowed to build the Temple with the Jews? a. Do you think this was justified or wise? If yes or no — why or why not? 6. What takes place after this first encounter? a. How does it say this took place? How long does it appear to go on? 7. What is the outcome of all this as stated in verse 24? a. How long does it say this later situation lasted? 8. What lesson can be drawn from all of this? a. How can this be instructive for us as believers? 9. What kind of opposition have you faced in your own relationship with the Lord? a. How have you learned to handle opposition and spiritual warfare? b.