Lessons From Ezra

What we are talking about in Ezra is God’s Work. Specifically in Ezra God’s Work to fulfill His Promises. While the law is hard and full of must do’s.  God’s Work to fulfill His promises is not. The law condemns man. The law does not and cannot not fulfill God’s promises. The law cannot give grace or mercy. So when God wants His Work done to fulfill promises and give grace and mercy.  God does not use the law to do this. God works another way. Showing that way is a large part of what the book of Ezra is about.  God wants His work to be done from the heart out of a free will. You should do the lessons from Nehemiah and from Esther before you do the lessons in Ezra.

These lessons will also include Haggai and Zechariah.  Those 3 book should be looked at together.  

General Information about Ezra

Three books tell the story of the Jews return from Babylon.  The books are Ezra Esther and Nehemiah. 

They cover about 100 years.  From about 536 to 432 B.C.

Babylon is about 700 miles from Jerusalem.

5,400 vessels of gold and silver were returned to Jerusalem for the new temple.

There were 3 returns 536 B.C. with Zerubbabel.  He brought the vessels.  457 B.C. Ezra returns with 100 talents of gold and 750 talents of silver.  The trip took about 4 months.  444 B.C. Nehemiah returns.