The Morning Psalm
Old Testament

The Book of Ezra

Rebuilding — the return from exile and the restoration of worship.

Overview

Ezra tells how God stirred a remnant to return from exile to rebuild the temple and restore true worship. It is a story of new beginnings — of a discouraged people finding the courage to start again under God's good hand.

Ezra himself models a beautiful pattern: a heart set to study God's word, to do it, and to teach it.

Key themes

Restoration

God brings his people home and rebuilds what was broken.

The hand of God

The good hand of God on his people enables the work.

Devotion to God's word

Ezra sets his heart to study, obey, and teach the Scriptures.

Key verses from Ezra

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Ezra 7:10, KJV

A model for anyone who loves God's word.

The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him
Ezra 8:22, KJV

How to read Ezra

  • Read it as a story of new beginnings and rebuilding.

  • Notice the repeated phrase 'the hand of God upon them.'

  • Make Ezra 7:10 a pattern: study, do, then teach.