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Pages you visit will appear hereThe return from exile and rebuilding of Jerusalem
| Chapter | Summary | Commentary |
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| 1 |
Cyrus of Persia issues a decree allowing Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Sacred vessels taken by Nebuchadnezzar are returned.
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Commentary
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| 2 |
A list of exiles returning from Babylon is recorded, detailing families, priests, Levites, singers, and servants. The total is about 50,000.
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| 3 |
The altar is rebuilt, sacrifices resume, and the Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated. The temple foundation is laid, with great rejoicing and weeping.
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| 4 |
Enemies of Judah oppose the rebuilding, writing accusations to Persian kings. Work on the temple halts for many years due to opposition.
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| 5 |
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah encourage the rebuilding. Tattenai, governor of Trans-Euphrates, questions the work and reports to Darius.
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| 6 |
Darius confirms Cyrus’ decree. The temple is completed and dedicated with joy. Passover is celebrated by all who returned.
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| 7 |
Ezra, a skilled scribe, receives royal authority from Artaxerxes to teach and enforce God’s law. He leads a new group of exiles to Jerusalem.
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| 8 |
Ezra lists those returning with him. He proclaims a fast for safe travel. God protects them, and temple treasures are delivered safely.
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| 9 |
Ezra learns of intermarriage with pagan nations. He prays in deep grief, confessing Israel’s sin and acknowledging God’s mercy.
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| 10 |
The people confess their sin and agree to separate from foreign wives. A list of those guilty of intermarriage is recorded.
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