Ezra
Old Testament Narrative
Following 70 years of exile, the people of Judah return to rebuild their homeland. Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, commences temple reconstruction, which faces a 15-year interruption due to political opposition. Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the resumption of the work. Decades later, Ezra, a scribe, arrives in Jerusalem with a group including priests and Levites for temple service. Discovering the people’s sinfulness, Ezra calls for repentance and a return to God’s law.