Agape Bible Study
The Book of Ezra
The Book of Ezra relates the crucial period of the reestablishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem after their release from the seventy-year Babylonian exile. It was an event of the utmost importance for the future of the covenant people and God's divine plan for humanity's salvation. After King Cyrus of Persia conquered the Babylonian empire, in an official decree (539/8 BC), he magnanimously authorized the return and extended certain privileges to all peoples displaced from their homelands by the Babylonians, including the citizens of Judah. Led by Sheshbazzar, a prince of Judah, the faithful remnant of God's covenant people returned to their native land determined to reinstate the daily Tamid liturgical worship services, rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple, and with the assistance of the scribe Ezra, reestablishing the Law of the Torah. References for the course are found in the Course Bibliography.
| Lesson Number | Chapter | Description | Handouts |
| Lesson 1 | Introduction and Chapters 1-2 |
King Cyrus' Decree and a Davidic Prince Leads the Return of the Exiles The List of the First Returning Exiles |
Handouts |
| Lesson 2 | Chapters 3-4 |
Resumption of the Sacrificial Liturgy of Worship Opposition from the Samaritans |
Handouts |
| Lesson 3 | Chapters 5-6 |
The Covenant People of Judah Rebuild the Temple and Celebrate the Feasts of Passover and Unleavened Bread |
Handouts |
| Lesson 4 | Chapters 7-8 | The Mission of Ezra the Priestly Scribe | Handouts |
| Lesson 5 | Chapters 9-10 | Ezra's Decree Concerning Marriages to Pagans and the People's Response |
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