Old TestamentHistorical
Ezra Chapter Summaries
Ezra records the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple, followed by Ezra's ministry of spiritual restoration.
10
Chapters
280
Total Verses
Ezra
Author
450-400 BC
Date Written
Book Outline
First Return
1:1-6:22Zerubbabel rebuilds temple
Second Return
7:1-10:44Ezra's reforms
All 10 Chapters
First Return
1
Ezra 1: Decree of Cyrus
11 versesCyrus issues decree to rebuild the temple
2
Ezra 2: Return of Exiles
70 versesList of those returning to Jerusalem
3
Ezra 3: Altar and Foundation
13 versesRebuilding altar and laying temple foundation
4
Ezra 4: Opposition to Rebuilding
24 versesEnemies oppose and halt temple construction
5
Ezra 5: Prophets Encourage Work
17 versesHaggai and Zechariah urge rebuilding to resume
6
Ezra 6: Temple Completed
22 versesTemple construction finished and dedicated
Second Return
7
Ezra 7: Ezra's Commission
28 versesEzra sent to teach the law in Judah
8
Ezra 8: Ezra's Journey
36 versesEzra leads exiles back to Jerusalem safely
9
Ezra 9: Confession of Sin
15 versesEzra mourns intermarriage with foreign peoples
10
Ezra 10: Covenant to Separate
44 versesPeople agree to put away foreign wives
Now that you have read the overview, test your Ezra knowledge.
Key Themes
RestorationTemple RebuildingLawPurityPrayerConfession
Key Verses
“Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD.”Ezra 7:10
“O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face.”Ezra 9:6
“Let him go up to Jerusalem, and build the house of the LORD.”Ezra 1:3