The book of Ezra, found in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, tells the story of the return of the Israelites from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple. It is named after its main character, Ezra, a priest and scribe who played a significant role in the restoration of Jerusalem.
The book of Ezra is divided into two main parts. The first part focuses on the decree of the Persian king Cyrus, who allowed the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple. Many Israelites, led by Zerubbabel, journeyed back to Jerusalem and began the work of reconstructing the temple. However, they faced opposition and delays from neighboring peoples, which caused a pause in the construction.
The second part of the book introduces Ezra, who arrives in Jerusalem during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia. Ezra was a skilled scribe and priest who was dedicated to studying and teaching the law of Moses. He was granted authority by King Artaxerxes to lead a second wave of Israelite exiles back to Jerusalem and to ensure that the people followed the law of God.
Upon his arrival, Ezra discovered that the Israelites had intermarried with the surrounding pagan nations, which was a violation of God’s law. He led a national repentance and initiated a religious reform to correct this disobedience. The people confessed their sins and separated themselves from their foreign wives.
The book of Ezra also highlights the challenges faced by the returned exiles as they rebuilt the temple and reestablished their worship practices. The construction of the temple was eventually completed with the help of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, and a dedication ceremony was held.
Overall, the book of Ezra in the KJV presents the historical account of the restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s law and the purity of worship. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the need for the people of Israel to remain faithful to their covenant with Him.