Ezra Exegetical Breakdown

The book of Ezra is an Old Testament book that tells the story of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem and the restoration of the Jewish community after their exile in Babylon. Here is an exegetical breakdown of the book of Ezra:

I. The Return from Exile (Ezra 1-2)

Cyrus the Great of Persia issues a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple.A group of Jews led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the temple.A list of the returning exiles is given, including the number of people, their families, and their possessions.

II. The Rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 3-6)

The foundation of the temple is laid, and sacrifices are offered.Opposition arises from neighboring peoples, but the work continues.The temple is completed and dedicated with great celebration.The decree of Cyrus is found and confirmed, allowing the Jews to continue their work.

III. The Restoration of the People (Ezra 7-10)

Ezra, a priest and scribe, leads a group of exiles back to Jerusalem.Ezra reads the Law of Moses to the people, and they renew their covenant with God.Ezra discovers that many of the Jews have married foreign wives, violating the law of God.The people confess their sin and agree to put away their foreign wives, restoring themselves to proper covenant relationship with God.

Overall, the book of Ezra tells the story of the restoration of the Jewish community after their exile in Babylon, with a focus on the rebuilding of the temple and the renewal of the people's covenant with God. It highlights the importance of following God's law and of remaining faithful to Him even in the midst of opposition and difficulty.