Summary of the Book Of Ezra

Quote:
By H. A. (Buster) Dobbs
I.        Introduction
A.        The book tells of the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity
B.        Ezra was the author and compiler of the book
1.        Ezra was a priest and scribe
2.        A descendant of Aaron through Eleazar
3.        Ezra had extensive knowledge of the Jewish sacred books
C.        The book may be divided into two parts
1.        The restoration under Zerubbabel (Chapters 1 to 6)
2.        The work of Ezra (Chapters 7 to 10)
II.        Return and restoration under Zerubabel
A.        Proclamation of Cyrus (1:1-4)
B.        Provision for return of some of the Jews (1:5-6)
C.        The sacred vessels restored to Israel (1:7-11)
D.        Census of the people who returned (2:1-70)
1.        Zerubbabel lead the company of about 50,000 people
2.        The journey of about 700 miles took many months
3.        Description of the caravan (2:64-67)
4.        Gifts of returning people (2:68-70)
E.        Rebuilding of the temple (3:1 to 6:22)
1.        The building of the altar (3:1-3)
2.        Keeping the feast of tabernacles (3:4)
3.        Revived daily sacrifices (3:5-6)
4.        Other contributions toward the building of the temple (3:7)
5.        Foundations of the temple were laid (3:8-13)
a.        There was shouting and weeping (3:12)
b.        Joy heard afar off (3:13)
6.        Opposed by the Samaritans (4:1-24)
a.        Samaritans offer to help in the building refused (4:1-6)
b.        Samaritans send a letter to Artaxerxes (4:7-16)
c.        The decree of Artaxeerxes (4:17-22)
d.        Construction of the temple is stopped (4:23-24)
7.        Work resumed (5:1-17)
a.        Encouraged to continue the work by Haggai and Zechariah (5:1-2)
b.        Another letter written to try to stop the work (5:3-17)
8.        Temple completed and dedicated (6:1-22)
a.        Decree of Darius to continue the building (6:1-12)
b.        Temple finished (6:13-15)
c.        Dedication of the temple and revival of worship (6:16-22)
III.        Second Return Under Ezra (7:1 to 8:36)
A.        The decree of Artaxerxes (7:1-28)
1.        Ezra a descendent of Aaron through Eleazar (7:1-5)
2.        Ezra leads a delegation from Babylon to Jerusalem (7:6-10)
a.        Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law (7:10)
b.        Ezra determined to teach the law to the people (7:10)
3.        Artaxerxes letter (7:11-26)
4.        Ezra blesses God 7:27-28)
B.        List of returning Jews (8:1-14)
C.        Preparation for teaching and worship (8:15-23)
1.        Ezra sends to Iddo for priests, Levites, and Nethinim (8:15-20)
2.        Fasting and prayer in preparation for the journey (8:21-23)
3.        Twelve appointed to carry the wealth entrusted to them (8:24-30)
4.        They come to Jerusalem and the money is surrendered (8:31-35)
5.        Commission of Artaxerexes given to the governors and satraps (8:36)
D.        Restoration of the people (9:1 to 10:44)
1.        Leaders and the people intermarried with foreigners and turned to the abominations of idolatry (9:1-4)
a.        Ezra astonied (9:3)
b.        Ezra tore his garments and pulled out his hair (9:3)
c.        Gathered those who respected God and trembled at his law (9:4)
2.        Ezras prayer of confession (9:5-15)
3.        Shechaniah consoles Ezra and proposes putting away the foreign wives (10:1-8)
4.        Israelites put away their foreign wives who would not follow God and keep his law, but clung to their idols (10:9-44)
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And Jesus Speaking; " He that rejecteth me, receiveth not my words, hath one that, judgeth him:the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in
( John12:48 KJV)