Wrap-Up

The book of Ezra starts with the good news of Cyrus’ invitation to return to the promised land. But it ends with the hard realities of living again in God’s covenant.

Remember that we are in what’s called the restoration period at the beginning of the second temple period, when return was to be accompanied by spiritual renewal and the restoration of the covenant. Things looked better when we were in the Diaspora with Esther. But Ezra and Nehemiah will be leaders in this same period, bringing that same Diaspora faith back to Jerusalem to rebuild the community. 

Next up is Nehemiah, the man who would lead a dramatic rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls—and ignite the morale of a people under enormous opposition.