Ezra - Summary

Title:	The book of Ezra is named for the main character as well as the suspected author.
Author:	The book does not specifically identify Ezra as the author, however Jewish tradition does credit Ezra as the author.  There are several places in the text where speaking in the 3rd person and describing Ezra, the text slips in to being written in the first person which gives very strong credence to Ezra as the author.
Date:	The book of Ezra covers events that occurred between 538 and 430 BC.  The book would have been written about 430 Bcwhich also fits the time period of Ezra as the author.
Main Theme	Restoration is the main theme of 1st and 2nd Chronicles.  Ezra is telling the story of the people of Israel from creation to the release from captivity.  He is assuring the people that they are the chosen people.  God's plan is deliberate.  In spite of the sins of the people and God's anger resulting in the punishment of the people by the land being confiscated, the Temple being destroyed and the people taken captive.  God's redemptive plan and His desire to restore the people as His is still what God wants.  It reassures the people of ther position with God.
Location:	The events of this took primarily take place in Jerusalem with events also occuring in the capitals of Babylon and Persia.
History	Ezra describes the events leading up to the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem following the return of the exiles from their captivity in Babylon.  Some had been held by the Assyrians, other by the Babylonians and Persians.  Although they had been given permission by one king to rebuild the  Temple, there was opposition by those around Jerusalem who sought assistance from a later king who was unaware of the instructions of the first.  Following a search of archives, it was acknowleged that a decree had in fact been given to rebuild the Temple and full support was given to it's completion.  The Temple was dedicated and worship in the Temple resumed.  It was also discovered that great sin had taken place due to intermarriage by the Hebrews.  Following teaching, prayer and commands regarding the issue, those who were guilty repented of their sin and correted the situation.
Major Characters:	King Cyrus
	King Drius
	King Artaxerxes
	Ezra