Ezra• Name–Ezra, the key figure in chapters 7-10

• Author & Date–Author unknown, but some by Ezra–Probably late 5th century B.C.

Ezra• Structure–Chapters 1-6: Return from Babylon• Chapter 1: Decree of Cyrus• Chapter 2: The return• Chapters 3-6: Rebuilding the temple

–Chapters 7-10: Ezra to Jerusalem• Chapters 7-8: Journey and arrival• Chapters 9-10: Intermarriage

Ezra• Significant themes & theology–Obedience as a response to grace–God as sovereign over the affairs of

men–God’s Word as central to the

community–Marriage as a “glory of God” issue

Ezra• Ezra 9-10–Intermarriage was a serious issue–Marriage is to glorify God• By reflecting the image of God• By multiplying and making disciples• By joining in the Great Commission