The book of Ezra records the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the restoration of the temple and worship. Its purpose is to demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore His people after the exile and to emphasize the importance of obedience to His law in rebuilding their spiritual and national identity. The book highlights the sovereignty of God in stirring the hearts of kings and people to accomplish His divine purposes. Ezra serves as both a historical record and a spiritual exhortation, encouraging the Jewish community to remain faithful to God’s covenant as they rebuild their lives in the Promised Land.

     Traditionally, Ezra is identified as the author of the book that bears his name. As a priest and scribe, Ezra was deeply committed to the study and teaching of the Law of Moses. The book contains historical records, royal decrees, and genealogies, suggesting that Ezra compiled these materials to document the events surrounding the return from exile. While the first part of the book (chapters 1–6) describes events that took place before Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, the latter chapters (7–10) provide a firsthand account of his leadership in restoring proper worship and addressing the issue of intermarriage with pagan nations.

     The book of Ezra is addressed primarily to the post-exelic Jewish community, reinforcing their identity as God's chosen people and urging them to uphold the covenant through obedience to the Law. The exiles who returned to Judah needed encouragement and guidance as they faced opposition, spiritual complacency, and the challenge of rebuilding their homeland. The book also serves as a testimony to later generations, reminding them of God's providential care and the necessity of faithfulness to His commands.

     The events recorded in Ezra span approximately a century, beginning with the decree of Cyrus in 538 B.C. and concluding with Ezra's reforms around 457 B.C. The book is set against the backdrop of the Persian Empire, which had conquered Babylon and allowed exiled peoples to return to their native lands. The narrative unfolds in Jerusalem, where the returning Jews undertake the enormous task of reconstructing the temple and reestablishing proper worship. Their efforts are met with opposition from surrounding peoples, internal discouragement, and the need for spiritual renewal. 

     Key verses in Ezra include Ezra 1:1, which declares God's fulfillment of His promise to restore His people, saying, "Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing.”
Another significant passage, one that emphasizes the importance of devotion to God's Word, is Ezra 7:10, which says, "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.” 

     The storyline of Ezra unfolds in two main sections. The first six chapters focus on the initial return under Zerubbabel, the rebuilding of the temple, and the challenges faced by the returning exiles. The work is halted for a time due to opposition but is ultimately completed under the encouragement of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. The final four chapters shift to Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem, where he leads a second wave of exiles and introduces spiritual reforms. He confronts the issue of intermarriage with foreign women, calling the people to repentance and a renewed commitment to God's law. Throughout the book, God's faithfulness is evident as He restores His people, provides for their needs, and calls them to live in holiness before Him.