Priests and Levite · People associated with book · Old Testament
The Story of Ezra
Also: Ezra (Kiswahili)
Priest and scribe who led returning exiles to Jerusalem and taught the Law of Moses.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Ezra, a priest descended from Aaron and a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, came from Babylon to Jerusalem with the authority of King Artaxerxes. Ezra 7:1–10
He mourned over the people's unfaithfulness and led them in confession, and he read the Law aloud to all the people. Ezra 9:1–15Nehemiah 8:1–8
Life at a glance
- Descent
- A priest in the line of Aaron Ezra 7:1–5
- Role
- Scribe skilled in the Law of Moses Ezra 7:6
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Ezra
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
The journey to Jerusalem
With the king's letter, Ezra gathers exiles, fasts for protection, and arrives in Jerusalem.
More about this event
Places named: Babylon, Jerusalem
Prayer of confession
Learning that many have married foreign wives against the Law, Ezra prays and confesses; the people resolve to put things right.
Reading the Law
Ezra reads the Book of the Law from morning to midday, and the Levites help the people understand; the people weep and then celebrate.
More about this event
People: Nehemiah
Family and relationships
- NehemiahServed alongside him in JerusalemNehemiah 8:9Nehemiah 12:36
Books associated with Ezra
- Ezra Main narrative figure
- Ezra Book named after them
Parts of Ezra (7:27–9:15) are written in Ezra's first person; the book as a whole does not name its compiler. Ezra 7:27–28
- Nehemiah Their story appears here
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
ScriptureRepentance
- What three things did Ezra set his heart to do (Ezra 7:10)?
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