| CHRONOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP OF EZRA-NEHEMIAH-ESTHER |
||||
| 538-515BC | 483-473BC | 457BC |
13 Year Gap |
444-425BC |
| Ezra 1-6 | Book of Esther | Ezra 7-10 | Book of Nehemiah | |
| First Return of Jews from Babylonian Exile |
58 Year Gap |
Second Return of Jews from Babylonian Exile |
Third Return of Jews from Babylonian Exile |
|
| EZRA: RESTORATION AND REFORM |
|||
| Restoration of the Temple Under Zerubbabel |
Reform of the People Under Ezra |
||
| First Return To Jerusalem Ezra 1:1-Ezra 2:70 |
Construction of The Temple Ezra 3:1-Ezra 6:22 |
Second Return to Jerusalem Ezra 7:1-8:36 |
Restoration of the People Ezra 9:1-Ezra 10:44 |
| First Return of 49, 897 |
Second Return of 1754 |
||
| 22 Years (538-516BC) |
1 Year (458-457BC) |
||
| Key Passages: Ezra 1:3, Ezra 2:2, Ezra 6:21, 22, Ezra 7:10 Key Words: Went up (Ezra 1:11, 7:1, 6, 7, 8:1), Jerusalem (48x), Decree (17x), House of the LORD (Ezra 1:3, 5, 7, 2:68, 3:8, 11, 7:27, 8:29), Law (...of the LORD, ...of Moses, ...of God) (Ezra 3:2, 7:6, 10, 12, 14, 21, 26, 10:3) |
|||
Cyril J. Barber - This set, originally published in 1903, contains expositions by both conservative and liberal theologians. The most important works are by Dod (Genesis), Chadwick (Exodus and Mark), Kellogg (Leviticus), Blaikie (Joshua, I and II Samuel), Adeney (Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther), Maclaren (Psalms), Moule (Romans), Findlay (Galatians and Ephesians), Plummer (Pastoral Epistles and the Epistles of James and Jude), and Milligan (Revelation.)
Warren W. Wiersbe - If you can locate the six-volume edition of the Expositor’s Bible, buy it immediately! It takes up less space than the original fifty-volume set, and not everything in the original set is worth owning. Samuel H. Kellogg on Leviticus is a classic; so is Alexander Maclaren on the Psalms and on Colossians.
- Ezra and Nehemiah
- Ezra 1:1 - Cyrus
- Ezra 1:2-4, 7-11 The Royal Edict
- Ezra 2:1-67 The Second Exodus
- Ezra 2:68-Ezra 3 - The New Temple
- Ezra 3 - The New Temple
- Ezra 4:1-5, 24 The Limits of Comprehension
- Ezra 4:6-23 The Cost of an Idealist's Success
- Ezra 5:1-2 Zechariah the Prophet; The Mission of Prophecy
- Ezra 5:3-6:5 New Difficulties Met in a New Spirit
- Ezra 6:6-22 The Dedication of the Temple
- Ezra 7:1-10 Ezra the Scribe
- Ezra 7:11-Ezra 8 - Ezra's Expedition
- Ezra 9 Foreign Marriages
- Ezra 10 The Home Sacrificed to the Church
- Ezra 1,2 Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?
- Ezra 3 Worship Restored
- Ezra 4-6 Check...Check...Checkmate
- Ezra 7,8 Rebuilding the People
- Ezra 9,10 Ezra’s 10 Step Program in confronting sin
Has some nice charts, timelines and tables with extensive reference notes. Excellent background material if you are preaching, teaching or studying the Book of Ezra!
- Introduction to A Literary and Theological Analysis of the Book of Ezra
- Ezra 1 Temporal Ordering In Ezra Part I
- Ezra 2 Temporal Ordering In Ezra Part II
- Ezra 3 An Analysis Of Plot In Ezra
- Ezra 4 An Analysis of Point of View in Ezra
- Ezra 5 Yahweh: God of Israel, God of Heaven and Earth
- Ezra 6 Holiness in Ezra Separated Fr Uncleanness and Seeking the Lord
- Ezra 7 Continuity With The Past And Hope For The Future
- Ezra 8 A Reader’s Guide to the Theological Message of Ezra
- Conclusion to A Literary and Theological Analysis of the Book of Ezra
- References To God In Ezra
- Selected Bibliography for the Book of Ezra
Notes on Ezra
Click for brief critique
Over 100 Pages of Expositional Sermons, Functions much like a Commentary
Highly Recommended
- Ezra 1:1-11 God's Way Of Renewal
- Ezra 2:1-70 Lessons From A List (God's Faithfulness)
- Ezra 3:1-13 A New Beginning With God (Renewal) (Valley of Vision)
- Ezra 4:1-24 Spiritual Setbacks (Perseverance)
- Ezra 5:1-39 Overcoming Discouragement
- Ezra 6:1-22 God, the Cause of our Joy
- Ezra 7:1-28 The Life that God Blesses
- Ezra 8:1-36 The Work that God Blesses
- Ezra 9:1-15 The Godly Reaction to Sin
- Ezra 10:1-44 Genuine Repentance
See also Unabridged version of Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
HINT: Click here to Scroll Bible text synchronized with Constable's notes. Very useful feature!
Note: Commentary does not include introduction with can be found here.
Rosscup has these comments on Davis' exposition of the Book of Joshua: Former Professor of Old Testament at Reformed Theological Seminary. Davis furnishes evangelical material to help preachers blend sound exegesis, theological substance, interesting exposition and practical application....The studies are not on every verse but key portions out of each chapter, done in a very readable style...(that) preachers or lay people can enjoy...(with) many ideas to provoke sermons and point to application. (Commentaries for Biblical Expositors: An annotated bibliography of selected works)
Keith Mathison in his review of best commentaries on Judges makes general comments that would apply to his short commentary on Nehemiah - “If you can only have one commentary on the historical books, get the commentaries by Davis. There are other commentaries that go into more detail on technical issues (see below), but Davis provides what most Christian readers of these books need — a concise and readable explanation of the text that sets each book within the larger context of biblical redemptive history all without ever becoming boring or trite. This commentary (referring to Davis' commentary on Judges), like the others, is also very practical, but it avoids the kind of moralizing exposition that rips passages out of context in order to make some vague inspirational point.” (Keith Mathison - Ligonier Ministries Blog)
Richard Pratt - “There is no more gifted expositor of the Old Testament in our day than Ralph Davis.”
Derek Thomas - “Dale Ralph Davis is among the finest expositors of the Old Testament alive today. His style is unique and his content infectious. A pastor at heart, his insights are always governed by an absolute loyalty to the text, a belief that the Bible was written for today as much as yesterday, and a desire to encourage his readers to fall in love with Scripture and to trust it.”
- Ezra-Nehemiah Commentary - the complete 80 page Pdf (below you will find the same Pdf in its separate parts and also in HTML)
- Ezra 1:1-11 Introduction; God Moves History for his People Webpage, Word, PDF
- Ezra 2:1-70 What You Can Discover on the Church Roll Webpage, Word, PDF
- Ezra 3:1-13 God's People in Gray Times Webpage, Word, PDF
- Ezra 4:1-24 No Surprises, or "Let the Troubles Begin" Webpage, Word, PDF
- Ezra 5:1-6:22 God is the Ruler Yet Webpage, Word, PDF
- Ezra 7:1-8:36 The Strong Hand Webpage, Word, PDF
- Ezra 9:1-15 Trouble in Covenant City, part 1 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Ezra 10:1-44 Trouble in Covenant City, part 2 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Debriefing (Summary of Ezra & Nehemiah): Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 1:1-11 Prayer in the Palace Webpage, Word, PDF (Same material as Pdf above)
- Nehemiah 2:1-20 From Court to City Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 3:1-32 Blessed Builders Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 4:1-23 Thru Many Dangers, Toils & Snares, pt 1:Threats against God's Work Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 5:1-6:19 Through Many Dangers, Toils and Snares, part 2 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 7:1-73 Reformation Days, part 1 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 8:1-18 Reformation Days, part 2 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 9:1-38 Reformation Days, part 3 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 10:1-39 Reformation Days, part 4 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 11:1-12:26 The Work of Consolidation, part 1 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 12:27-13:3 The Work of Consolidation, part 2 Webpage, Word, PDF
- Nehemiah 13:4-31 Is Reformation an Event or a Process? Ongoing Perils of the Church Webpage, Word, PDF
- Debriefing (Summary of Ezra & Nehemiah): Webpage, Word, PDF
Here is a sample excerpt from Davis' comments on Ezra 7:10 - Design (Ezra 7:10) Note the initial ki (for, because) in the Hebrew text. It explains why the good hand of his God was upon him (Ezra 7:9). God prospered the venture because of Ezra’s purpose. This then is a warning against sloth and carelessness, and a sloppy view of grace. The subject comes before the verb in the Hebrew text, so there is some stress on “Ezra.” On “setting the heart,” the Hiphil of kun plus leb, see Psalm 78:8; 2Chr 12:14; 20:33 (all negative); and 1Sa 7:3; 2Chr 19:3; 30:19. The language of Ezra 7:10 speaks of a ministry that is focused in its objective (set his heart) and intense in its labor (to seek). It is both anchored and vigorous, not content with a little ministerial piddling. Note that Ezra purposes a total ministry: seek, do, teach; the cognitive, the experiential, and the didactic. Note that there are both academic and existential qualifications before
teaching. The process, ever repeated, is: concentration (seek), consistency (do), communication (teach).
You might also want to listen to Dr Davis' Mp3 messages on Ezra-Nehemiah
Note: Click links in right margin for available notes.
- Ezra Outline
- Ezra 1:1-6; 3:1-3,10-11 Seizing New Opportunities
- Ezra 4:4-5,24; 5:1-5; 6:8,13-16 Working with Confidence in God
- Ezra 7:8-10; 9:1-2,4; 10:1-5 Following Godly Spiritual Leaders
Mp3's Only
Right click and select "Save Target As" (to Desktop, Ipod, etc)
- Ezra Intro
- Ezra Writer
- Ezra 1:1
- Ezra 1:2
- Ezra 1:3-11
- Ezra 2:1-40
- Ezra 2:41-70
- Ezra 3:1
- Ezra 3:2-3
- Ezra 3:4-11
- Ezra 3:12-13
- Ezra 4:1-24
- Ezra 5 Intro
- Ezra 5:1-4
- Ezra 5:5-17
- Ezra 6:1-5
- Ezra 6:6-22
- Ezra 7 Intro
- Ezra 7:1-5
- Ezra 7:6-10
- Ezra 7:11-28
- Ezra 8:1-36
- Ezra 9:1
- Ezra 9:2-3
- Ezra 9:4-5
- Ezra 9:6-7
- Ezra 9:8
- Ezra 9:9-15
- Ezra 10:1-3
- Ezra 10:4-6
- Ezra 10:7-8
- Ezra 10:9-44
An annual $50 or monthly $5 subscription (click here) is required to view the entire article but will give you access to literally thousands of conservative articles. Click the following links to search by topic, author, or bible reference.
- Russell T. Fuller, "Ezra: The Teacher of God’s Word and Agent of Revival," Southern Baptist Journal of Theology 9.3 (Autumn 2005): 52-61. - Excellent Discussion
- Stephen Dray, "Ezra: an Applied Overview," Evangel 24.2 (Summer 2006): If you are going to preach through Ezra check out this resource
- H. L. Ellison, From Babylon to Bethlehem. The People of God from the Exile to the Messiah. Exeter: The Paternoster Press, Ltd., 1976. Pbk. ISBN: 0853641900. pp.41-54
- P. Richard Choi, "The Intra-Jewish dialogue in 4 Ezra 3:1-9:25," Andrews University Seminary Studies 41.2 (Autumn 2003): 237-254
- Leslie McFall, "Was Nehemiah contemporary with Ezra in 458 BC," Westminster Theological Journal 53.2 (Fall 1991): 263-293
- Ezra’s Ethics on Intermarriage and Divorce -- By: William R. Eichhorst
- A Philip Brown II - Temporal Ordering In Ezra- Part II - Bible.org
- A Chronological and Literary Harmony of Ezra & Nehemiah - Time Chart:
- H. G. M. Williamson, "Ezra and Nehemiah in the Light of the Texts from Persepolis," Bulletin for Biblical Research 1 (1991): 41-61
- J. Stafford Wright, The Date of Ezra's Coming to Jerusalem, 1947. London: The Tyndale Press, 1958. pp.32.
- J. Stafford Wright, The Building of the Second Temple. London: The Tyndale Press, 1958. pp.20.
- Edwin M. Yamauchi, "The reverse order of Ezra/Nehemiah Reconsidered," Themelios 5.3 (1980): 7-13
- Ezra - Bible Study Old Testament - Powerpoints
- The Big Idea: Ezra - nice 36 slide power point (check it out)
- The Book of Ezra with Notes (1873)
From the Intro: Ezra provides an unusually clear and inspiring pattern of expository preaching in his ministry to the people of Judah at the outset of the postexilic period. He models an expositor's commitment "studying, practicing godliness, and teaching" which leads him to perform an expositor's task reading distinctly and explaining the Scriptures. In so doing, he challenges expositors of all generations to handle accurately the Word of truth. (See related article by Richard Mayhue - Rediscovering Expository Preaching)
- The Temple--It's Ministry and Services - Chapter 4 (scroll down to section subtitled "The Courses After the Captivity" for mentions of Ezra)
- Table of Contents of The Temple--Its Ministry and Services
- Holman Christian Standard Bible Study Bible - Nice study notes but you need to open a free account. They are a bit difficult to locate but once you find them, you will find that although they are brief and not on every verse, they are conservative and often have related word studies.
- An Introduction to the Books of Ezra-Nehemiah
- An Argument of the Books of Ezra-Nehemiah
- Selected Bibliography of the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah
Outline
I. The First Return under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1–6:22)
A. Cyrus’ Decree to Return (Ezra 1:1–4)
B. Treasures to Rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:5–11)
C. Those Who Returned (Ezra 2:1–70)
D. Construction of the Second Temple (Ezra 3:1–6:22)
1. Building begins (Ezra 3:1–13)
2. Opposition surfaces (Ezra 4:1–5)
3. Excursus on future opposition (Ezra 4:6–23)
4. Construction renewed (Ezra 4:24–5:2)
5. Opposition renewed (Ezra 5:3–6:12)
6. Temple completed and dedicated (Ezra 6:13–22)
II. The Second Return under Ezra (Ezra 7:1–10:44)
A. Ezra Arrives (Ezra 7:1–8:36)
B. Ezra Leads Revival (Ezra 9:1–10:44)
OUTSTANDING TEACHINGS:
In contrast to Assyrian and Babylonian kings, the Persians had a national policy (no doubt GOD's direction) to repatriate deported people. Thus the way was opened for Israel to return to her land.
The first step in re-establishing the nation was to begin rebuilding the temple and observing national religious feasts. This was wise, and GOD gave joy in this (Ezra 3:1ff).
Opposition inevitably developed when GOD's work began (Ezra 4:1-22). But with the leadership of the patriots and the encouragement of the prophets, Haggai and Zechariah, the work of the temple was completed.
King Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:1) was the stepson of Queen Esther. Some 59 years after the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, Ezra the priest-scribe led another expedition under the King's favorable commandment (Ezra 7:11-26). Thus Queen Esther may have been responsible under GOD for the impetus given to the work of the restoration. Ezra took with him 1754 men.
The section of Ezra 7-10 shows a period of reform. Ezra found a rather sad situation in Jerusalem. The very thing which GOD had forbidden was happening without restraint; intermarriage with the peoples of the land. Ezra was astounded.
Ezra's prayer is one of the Bible's great ones (Ezra 9:5-15). He confessed the sins of the people and they became deeply moved, promising before GOD to rectify the abuses, especially the unlawful marriages.
The greatest accomplishments of Ezra occurred when GOD sent another great man to aid him, in the person of Nehemiah. Here are two whose gifts beautifully supplemented each other, supplying to each what the other lacked.
The key to Ezra's character is the statement, "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" (Ezra 7:10).
KEY TO UNDERSTANDING:
GOD is behind all that happens to the Jew, opening the way, encouraging hearts, giving victories. Yet this captivity was but a sample of the world-wide dispersion that was yet to come. Most of the people of GOD had not learned what GOD was trying to teach.
Since the books of Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther are closely connected and deal with the same period, we give here the principal events covered by those books, in order that the student may see at a glance the history of the period following the captivity.
1. The exiles return under Zerubbabel. 536 B. C.
2. The rebuilding of the temple. 535 B. C.
3. The ministry of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah. 520 B. C.
4. The dedication of the temple. 515 B. C.
5. The events related in the book of Esther 478-473 B. C.
6. Ezra visits Jerusalem. 458 B. C.
7. Nehemiah sent to Jerusalem as governor. He rebuilds the wall. 446 B. C.
8. Malachi prophesies.
- Ezra & Nehemiah: Restoration & Reform
- Chronology of the Kingdom of Israel (Nice timeline of Israel's history)
- Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Chart
- The Book of Ezra - Title, Author, Timeline, Outline, etc For Example here are John Stevenson's life lessons from the introduction...
LIFE LESSONS
1. The Sovereignty of God.
The Lord is seen to be directing the events of history as He moves pagan kings to do His will (Proverbs 21:1).
2. The Continuing Need for a Land.
God’s plan called for a return of the Jews to the land. They had been taken away as a punishment for their idolatry. They are now brought back so that they might serve Him and worship them in the land. This would be necessary so that the Messiah could be born in Bethlehem.
3. The Grace of God.
God is a God of second chances. He was bringing the people back into the land to give them a second chance to serve Him and to follow Him. They had formerly sinned in their idolatry. Now there is a call to renewed purity.
This is a book of covenant renewal. The people return to their covenant relationship with God and renew their promises to follow Him.
- Defender's Study Bible - Excellent, conservative, literal study Bible notes from a leading creationist commentator, Dr Henry Morris.
- Ezra Studies (1910)
1. The Proclamation of Cyrus. Ezra 1:1–4.
2. The Response of the Chiefs of Judah and Benjamin. Ezra 1:5–6.
3. The Vessels of the House of the Lord restored. Ezra 1:7–11.
- Ezra 1-4 Witnesses for God in Dark and Evil Times
- Table of Contents of Witnesses for God In Dark and Evil Times
- Ezra 1:1-11 God's Way Of Renewal Recommended
1. The Leaders. Ezra 2:1–2.
2. The Names of the Returning Exiles. Ezra 2:3–35.
3. The Priests. Ezra 2:36–39.
4. The Levites and Singers. Ezra 2:40.
5. The Porters and Nethinim. Ezra 2:42–54.
6. Solomon’s Servants. Ezra 2:55–58.
7. Those of Doubtful Descent. Ezra 2:59–63.
8. The Number of the Whole Company. Ezra 2:64–67.
9. The Offering of the House of God. Ezra 2:68–70.
- Ezra 2:1-70 Lessons From A List Recommended
1. The Altar Set Up. Ezra 3:1–3.
2. The Feast of Tabernacles Celebrated. Ezra 3:4.
3. The Sacrifices Brought. Ezra 3:5–7.
4. The Foundation of the Temple Laid. Ezra 3:8–13.
- Ezra 3:1-13 A New Beginning With God Recommended
1. The Offer of the Samaritans Refused. Ezra 4:1–6
2. The Letter to King Artaxerxes. Ezra 4:7–16.
3. The King’s Reply. Ezra 4:17–22.
4. The Work is Stopped. Ezra 4:23–24.
- Ezra 4:1-24 Spiritual Setbacks Recommended
1. The Prophetic Ministry of Haggai and Zechariah. Ezra 5:1.
2. The Result of their Ministry. Ezra 5:2.
3. Tatnai’s Interference. Ezra 5:3–5.
4. The Letter to Darius. Ezra 5:6–17.
- Ezra 5-6 Witnesses for God in Dark and Evil Times
- Table of Contents of Witnesses for God In Dark and Evil Times
- Ezra 5:1-39 Overcoming Discouragement Recommended
1. The Search of the King and the Result. Ezra 6:1–5.
2. The Command of Darius. Ezra 6:6–12.
3. The King’s Command Obeyed. Ezra 6:13.
4. The House finished. Ezra 6:14–15.
5. The Dedication of the House. Ezra 6:16–18.
6. The Feast of Passover and Unleavened Bread. Ezra 6:19–22.
- Ezra 6:1-22 God, the Cause of our Joy Recommended
1. The Journey of Ezra to Jerusalem. Ezra 7:1–10.
2. The Decree of Artaxerxes. Ezra 7:11–26.
3. Ezra’s Thanksgiving. Ezra 7:27–28.
- Ezra 7-10 Witnesses for God in Dark and Evil Times
- Table of Contents of Witnesses for God In Dark and Evil Times
- Ezra 7:1-10 - Distinctive Life in a Decaying Culture Part I -- Mp3
- From The Return to the Coming of Christ – The Evolution of Error - Ezra/Nehemiah
- Ezra 7:1-28 Ezra - A Man of the Word Mp3 Only
- Ezra 7:1-28 The Life that God Blesses Recommended
1. Those who Returned with Ezra. Ezra 8:1–14.
2. The Gathering at Ahava. Ezra 8:15–20.
3. The Fast Proclaimed. Ezra 8:21–23.
4. The Appointment of Guardians. Ezra 8:24–30.
5. The Departure and Arrival in Jerusalem. Ezra 8:31–36.
- Ezra 8:1-36 Spiritual Integrity, Pt. 1 Mp3 Only
- Ezra 8:1-36 Spiritual Integrity, Pt. 2 Mp3 Only
- Ezra 8:1-36 The Work that God Blesses Recommended
- Ezra 8:18 The Good Hand of Our God Upon Us
- Ezra 8:21-23 Put on the Spot for God
- Ezra 8:21-23 Bragging on God
- Ezra 8:22 The Good Hand of Our God
1. Ezra’s Astonishment and Grief. Ezra 9:1–4.
2. Ezra’s Confession and Prayer. Ezra 9:5–15.
- Ezra 9:1-15 Guilt and Grace Mp3 Only
- Ezra 9:1-15 The Godly Reaction to Sin Recommended
- Ezra 9:5,6 Ezra's Humiliation for the Sins of His People
- Ezra 9:13, 14 Use of God's Diversified Dispensations
1. The Effect of Ezra’s Prayer on the People. Ezra 10:1–4.
2. Ezra Summons an Assembly. Ezra 10:5–8.
3. The Gathering. Confession and the Evil Judged. Ezra 10:9–17.
4. The Register of those who had Married Strange Women. Ezra 10:18–44.
- Ezra 10:1-44 Covenant Renewed Mp3 Only
- Ezra 10:1-44 Genuine Repentance Recommended
Recommended: NETBible notes are in the right panel. You can also select the tab for "Constable's Notes." As you scroll the Bible text in the left panel, the notes are synchronized and will scroll to the same passage. This is a very helpful feature.
- Ezra 1:1-4 The Cyrus Cylinder
- Ezra 3:8 Devotional
- Ezra 3:1-6 As It Is Written
- Ezra 3:8-11 All Generations
- Ezra 3:10-13 Joy In The Midst Of Grief
- Ezra 3:12 All Generations
- Ezra 4:1, 4-5 Rebuilding the Temple
- Ezra 4:1-5 Him Only
- Ezra 5:5-17 Keep Calm and Carry On
- Ezra 7:10 Mom's Translation
- Ezra 7:1-10,27-28 Seeing God's Hand
- Ezra 7:10 No Appetite
- Ezra 8:21-35 Prayer, Work and Praise
- Ezra 9:1-10:1 Devotional
- Ezra 9:1-5 Pride at the Core
- Ezra 9:5-9 Tree of Rest
- Ezra 9:5-15 Mom's Translation
Ezra 1 Exposition (Hint: Scroll down for the homilies in each chapter)
- Ezra 1:1 The Fulfilment of the Word of the Lord
- Ezra 1:1 Resemblance between the Proclamation of Cyrus and the Gospel
- Ezra 1:2-4 The Edict of Cyrus
- Ezra 1:1-5 The Proclamation of Cyrus
- Ezra 1:3 God with us
- Ezra 1:3,5 The Release of the Jews from Babylon an Illustration of the Redemption of Man from Sin
- Ezra 1:5-6 The Return of the Exiles
- Ezra 1:5-6 The Results of the Captivity
- Ezra 1:7-11 The Restoration of the Sacred Vessels
- Ezra 2:1-2 Going up out of Captivity
- Ezra 2:2 A Suggestive Record
- Ezra 2:36-58 Religious Service
- Ezra 2:59-63 The Importance of a Clear Spiritual Pedigree
- Ezra 2:65-70 Possessions and Offerings
- Ezra 3:1-3 The Rebuilding of the Altar: Exemplary Features of Divine Worship
- Ezra 3:4-6 The Celebration of the Sacred Festivals Resumed
- Ezra 3:4 The Work of the Day done in the Day
- Ezra 3:6b-7 The Preparations for Rebuilding the Temple
- Ezra 3:8-13 Laying the Foundation of the Temple
- Ezra 3:11-13 The Building of the Temple
- Ezra 3 The Altar and the Foundation of the Temple
- Ezra 4:1-3 The Proposal of the Samaritans to the Jews
- Ezra 4:1-3 The Proposals of the Wicked and how to Treat them
- Ezra 4:3 The True Builders of the Spiritual Temple of God
- Ezra 4:4-5, 24 The Hostility of the Samaritans to the Jews
- Ezra 4:6-16 The Antagonism of the World to the Church
- Ezra 4:14 Good Cause for Great Zeal
- Ezra 4:17-23 The Success of the Subtle Scheme of the Samaritans, or the Temporary Triumph of the Wicked
- Ezra 5:1-2 The Great Work Resumed
- Ezra 5:3-5 The Great Work Investigated and Continued
- Ezra 5:6-17 The Letter to the King concerning the Work
- Ezra 5:11 The Supremacy of God
- Ezra 5:12 Arguments Against Sinning
- Ezra 6:1-5 A Thorough Search and an Important Discovery
- Ezra 6:6-12 The Decree of Darius
- Ezra 6:4 A Believer's Expenses
- Ezra 6:10 The Desire of a Sovereign and the Duty of Subjects
- Ezra 6:13-15 The Completion of the Temple
- Ezra 6:14 The Subserviency of a Faithful Ministry to the Erection of God's Spiritual Temple
- Ezra 6:16-18 The Dedication of the Temple
- Ezra 6:19-22 The Celebration of the Passover
- Ezra 6:16-22 The Dedication of the Second Temple
- Ezra 6 (Outline of Entire Chapter) The Dedication of the Temple
- Ezra 7:1-10 Ezra the Distinguished
- Ezra 7:10 Studying, Practising, and Teaching the Sacred Scriptures
- Ezra 7:10 The Christian Ministry
- Ezra 7:10 Divine Sequence
- Ezra 7:11-26 The Commission of Artaxerxes to Ezra
- Ezra 7:23 Reasons for Active Devotedness to the Cause of God
- Ezra 7:23 The Decree of Artaxerxes
- Ezra 7:27-28 Exemplary Praise
- Ezra 8:1-20 The Assembly at Ahava
- Ezra 8:1-20 The Companions of Ezra on His Journey to Jerusalem
- Ezra 8:18 Men of understanding
- Ezra 8:21-23 Ezra's Confidence in God
- Ezra 8:21-23 Faith and Prudence
- Ezra 8:21-23 Ezra and His Times
- Ezra 8:21-23 Ezra an Example in Business
- Ezra 8:22 Contrasts
- Ezra 8:22 Seeking the Lord and its Advantages
- Ezra 8:24-30 The Guardianship of the Sacred Treasures
- Ezra 8:31-32 From Ahava to Jerusalem: An Illustration of the Pilgrimage of the Christian
- Ezra 8:33-36 At Jerusalem: The Faithful Surrender of Important Trusts
- Ezra 9:1-4 The Good Man's Sorrow Over the People's Sin
- Ezra 9:5-15 The Good Man's Confession of the People's Sin
- Ezra 9:5-6 Ezra's Humiliation for the Sins of His People
- Ezra 9:8 Ezra's Address
- Ezra 9:12 Forbidden Marriages
- Ezra 9:13-14 Use of God's Diversified Dispensations
- Ezra 10:1-25 The Reformation Proposed
- Ezra 10:4 True Loyalty
- Ezra 10:6-12 The Reformation Decided Upon
- Ezra 10:9 A Great and Troubled Assembly
- Ezra 10:13-17 The Reformation Effected
- Ezra 10:18-44 The List of Offenders
The Pulpit Commentary Homiletical Index
Ezra 1:1-11 Exposition (Hint: Scroll down for the homilies in each chapter)
- Ezra 1:1 The Crisis
- Ezra 1:2-4 The Edict
- Ezra 1:1 The Sovereignty of God
- Ezra 1:1-4, 7-11 The Wide Reach of the Rule of God
- Ezra 1:5-11 The Muster
- Ezra 1:5-6 God's Action on the Minds of His People
- Ezra 1:5-6 The Return
- Ezra 1:5-6 The Response
- Ezra 1:1-11 The Beginning of a Great Religious Movement
- Ezra 2:1-67 The Muster-Roll
- Ezra 2:1-2 The Restoration of Israel
- Ezra 2:1-67 Spiritual Significance
- Ezra 2:61-63 The Privileges of the Priesthood
- Ezra 2:1-70 Men Forsaking the Worldly Life
- Ezra 2:68-70 The Arrival
- Ezra 2:68-70 Social and Spiritual Gradations
- Ezra 3:1-3 The First Sacrifice
- Ezra 3:1-3 The Altar Rebuilt
- Ezra 3:1-7 Acceptable Service
- Ezra 3:1-7 Aspects of Worship
- Ezra 3:4-7 The First Feast
- Ezra 3:4-6 The Worship of the First Year
- Ezra 3:8-13 The First Stone
- Ezra 3:7-13 Thought, Work, and Feeling
- Ezra 3:7-13 The Founding of the Temple
- Ezra 3:8-13 The Joyful and Sorrowful in Religious Worship
- Ezra 4:1-3 The Work Endangered
- Ezra 4:1-3 Peace and Purity
- Ezra 4:1-5 A Sinful Alliance Sought and Rejected
- Ezra 4:1-5 The Friendship of the World
- Ezra 4:4-5 The Work Checked
- Ezra 4:4-5 Human Hatred
- Ezra 4:6-16 The Work Maligned
- Ezra 4:4-16 The World's Opposition to the Church
- Ezra 4:6-24 Three Thoughts from Old Documents
- Ezra 4:17-24 The Work Stopped
- Ezra 4:17-24 Man Hindering the Work of God
- Ezra 4:24 Hindrances
- Ezra 5:1-2 The Work Revived
- Ezra 5:1-2 The Inspiration of Prophecy
- Ezra 5:1-5 A Faithful Ministry in the Church
- Ezra 5:3-17 Opposition Revived
- Ezra 5:3-5 The Eye of God
- Ezra 5:3-17 Wisdom in Trial
- Ezra 5:5 The Providence of God over the Church
- Ezra 5:6-17 The Letter to Darius
- Ezra 5:11-17 Things a Church Should Understand Concerning Itself
- Ezra 6:1-12 Opposition Silenced
- Ezra 6:1-5 The Decree of Cyrus
- Ezra 6:1-12 Some Useful Things
- Ezra 6:6-13 The Degree of Darius
- Ezra 6:13-22 The Work Completed
- Ezra 6:12-15 Overthrow and Upbuilding
- Ezra 6:13-15 The Successful Issue
- Ezra 6:14-16 The Temple Finished
- Ezra 6:15 Church Prosperity
- Ezra 6:15 Church Building
- Ezra 6:16-18 The Dedication of the Temple
- Ezra 6:16-22 Timely and Wise Enthusiasm
- Ezra 6:16-22 Church Dedication
- Ezra 6:19-22 The Passover
- Ezra 7:1-10 The Work Completed
- Ezra 7:1-10 The Exodus Under Ezra
- Ezra 7:1-10 Ezra: His Character and Work
- Ezra 7:1-10 Ezra: the Type of an Ideal Minister
- Ezra 7:9-10 Ezra and His Mission
- Ezra 7:11-26 The Reformer's Commission
- Ezra 7:11 The Royal and the Religious
- Ezra 7:11-26 Pagan Piety
- Ezra 7:11-26 Ezra's Commission from Artaxerxes
- Ezra 7:21-24 The Decree of Artaxerxes to the Treasurers
- Ezra 7:27-28 The Extension of the Mercy of the Covenant
- Ezra 7:27-28, Ezra 8:1-20 Influence
- Ezra 8:1-20 The Rendezvous or the Second Muster
- Ezra 8:1-20 The Church Preparing Itself for Duty
- Ezra 8:15-20 The Halt at the Ahava
- Ezra 8:21-30 Before Starting
- Ezra 8:31-36 After Arriving
- Ezra 8:21-23 The Fast at the Ahava
- Ezra 8:21-23 The Spiritual and Secular Aids of Life
- Ezra 8:24 The Sacred Trusts of Life
- Ezra 8:24 The Custody of the Treasure
- Ezra 8:24-36 Zionwards
- Ezra 8:32-36 Progress
- Ezra 9:1-4 An Astounding Discovery
- Ezra 9:5-15 A Flood of Tears
- Ezra 9:1-4 Spiritual Separation
- Ezra 9:1-4 Ezra's Grief
- Ezra 9:1-4 Disappointment and Disobedience
- Ezra 9:4-15 Sensibility
- Ezra 9:5 The Dawn of Hope
- Ezra 9:5-15 A Good Man's Sight of Sin
- Ezra 9:6-15 Ezra's Prayer
- Ezra 10:6 Ezra's Fast
- Ezra 10:1-5 The Speech of Shekinah
- Ezra 10:5-15 A Flood of Tears
- Ezra 10:18-44 The Names of those Who Had Married the Strange Wives
- Ezra 10:1-5 A Gleam of Hope
- Ezra 10:6-12 A National Call
- Ezra 10:13-44 A Satisfactory Close
- Ezra 10:1-8 Things Exceptional
- Ezra 10:6-44 The Reformation
- Ezra 10:9-44 Sin and Repentance
Ezra/Haggai - Rebuilding the Temple
1-800-763-8280
Much of the material below is from Louisiana Precept
Ezra 1-3: Does God Keep His Promises?
Ezra 4-6: Why So Much Opposition When We Follow His Direction?
- Cross-References
- Kings of Medo-Persia: Cyrus - Artaxerxes:
- Map: The People of The Land
- Timeline: Rebuild the Temple
Ezra 7-8 - Learning from Life, Lineage of Ezra
Ezra 9-10: Open Shame: When God's People Forsake His Commands
- Cross-References
- Chart: You are HOLY to the LORD (& Course Summary):
- Flowchart: Church Discipline :
- Chart: Memorize the 10 Commandments:
Sermons below for first verse - hit arrow to advance to next verse
- Ezra Introduction - Coming Back to God
- Ezra 1. The Decree to Return
- Ezra 2. The Number of Those Who Came
- Ezra 3. The Rebuilding of Worship
- Ezra 4. A Rising Opposition
- Ezra 5-6. Opposition Overcome - The Completion of the Temple
- Ezra 7. Enter Ezra - the Leader of the Second Return
- Ezra 8. The Second Return
- Ezra 9. A Crisis of Faith and Family
- Ezra 10. The Great Divorce
Outline & References
Notes on the Text
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
- The Rebuilding of the Temple - Ezra 3:1-6:22
- The Rebuilding of the Altar - Ezra 3:1-6
- The Rebuilding of the Temple Proper - Ezra 3:7-6:22
- The Rebuilding Begins - Ezra 3:7-13
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
C H Spurgeon: Would it be possible to eulogize too much the incomparably sententious and suggestive folios of JOHN TRAPP?[6] Since Mr. Dickinson has rendered them accessible,[7] I trust most of you have bought them. Trapp will be most valuable to men of discernment, to thoughtful men, to men who only want a start in a line of thought, and are then able to run alone. Trapp excels in witty stories on the one hand, and learned allusions on the other. You will not thoroughly enjoy him unless you can turn to the original, and yet a mere dunce at classics will prize him. His writings remind me of himself: he was a pastor, hence his holy practical remarks; he was the head of a public school, and everywhere we see his profound scholarship; he was for some time amid the guns and drums of a parliamentary garrison, and he gossips and tells queer anecdotes like a man used to a soldier's life; yet withal, he comments as if he had been nothing else but a commentator all his days. Some of his remarks are far fetched, and like the far fetched rarities of Solomon's Tarshish, there is much gold and silver, but there are also apes and peacocks. His criticisms would some of them be the cause of amusement in these days of greater scholarship; but for all that, he who shall excel Trapp had need rise very early in the morning. Trapp is my especial companion and treasure; I can read him when I am too weary for anything else. Trapp is salt, pepper, mustard, vinegar, and all the other condiments. Put him on the table when you study, and when you have your dish ready, use him by way of spicing the whole thing. Yes, gentlemen, read Trapp certainly, and if you catch the infection of his consecrated humor, so much the better for your hearers.
Note: Click Chapter Title for Multiple Devotionals on each chapter
Bonus feature: Devotionals by G Campbell Morgan on each chapter