Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:Ezra is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for his role in the restoration of Jerusalem and the Jewish community following the Babylonian exile. He is traditionally credited as the author of the Book of Ezra and is recognized as a priest and scribe who played a pivotal role in re-establishing the Law of Moses among the Israelites. Historical Context: Ezra lived during the 5th century BC, a period marked by the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. This era followed the decree of Cyrus the Great, the Persian king, who allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Ezra's mission took place during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia, who granted him permission to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and provided him with resources to support the religious and social restoration of the Jewish community. Role and Mission: Ezra is introduced in the Book of Ezra as a "scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6). His primary mission was to teach and enforce the observance of the Torah among the returned exiles. Ezra's journey to Jerusalem is detailed in Ezra 7:8-10, where it is noted that he arrived in the fifth month of the seventh year of King Artaxerxes' reign. His dedication to studying and teaching the Law is emphasized: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10). Reforms and Achievements: Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Ezra discovered that the people, including the priests and Levites, had not separated themselves from the surrounding nations and had intermarried with them, contrary to the Law (Ezra 9:1-2). Deeply distressed, Ezra led a public confession of sin and called for a renewal of the covenant with God. His leadership resulted in a significant reform, as the people agreed to put away their foreign wives and rededicate themselves to the Law (Ezra 10:1-17). Ezra's efforts were instrumental in re-establishing the religious identity of the Jewish people. He is often credited with the establishment of the Great Synagogue, a body that played a crucial role in the preservation and transmission of Jewish tradition and scripture. Legacy: Ezra's legacy is profound, as he is regarded as a second Moses, a restorer of the Law, and a pivotal figure in the post-exilic period. His work laid the foundation for the development of Judaism as a religion centered on the Torah. The reverence for Ezra is evident in later Jewish tradition, where he is often associated with the canonization of the Hebrew Scriptures and the establishment of the synagogue system. Biblical References: · Ezra 1:1-4: Decree of Cyrus allowing the Jews to return. · Ezra 7:6, 8-10: Ezra's qualifications and journey to Jerusalem. · Ezra 9:1-2: The issue of intermarriage among the returned exiles. · Ezra 10:1-17: The reform and renewal of the covenant. Ezra's account is a testament to the power of faith and obedience to God's commandments, serving as an enduring example of leadership and devotion to the divine law. Library Heroic Faith Ezra, the Priest and Scribe Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther. Ezra, the Praying Reformer Reading the Law with Tears and Joy A Spiritual Revival Authorship of the Pentateuch. Ezra-Nehemiah The Restoration. The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. Thesaurus Ezra's (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Ezra's (1 Occurrence). Ezra 10:1 And at Ezra's praying, and at his making confession, weeping and casting ... /e/ezra's.htm - 6k Nations (683 Occurrences) All (60349 Occurrences) Desire (565 Occurrences) Phinees Ezra (28 Occurrences) Malachi (2 Occurrences) Bani (15 Occurrences) Ezra-nehemiah Hashbadana (1 Occurrence) Resources Who was Ezra in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are the numbers in Ezra so different from those in Nehemiah? | GotQuestions.org What is the Feast of Tabernacles / Booths / Sukkot? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ezra's (1 Occurrence)Ezra 10:1 Subtopics Related Terms |
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