The Book of Ezra

The Book of Ezra is in the Old Testament. It tells the story of the Jewish people returning to Jerusalem after being taken away to Babylon. They had been in exile for many years. Ezra helped them come back and start over.

The first part of the book talks about the people who returned. They rebuilt the altar and the temple. This was very important for their faith. They wanted to worship God again in their own land.

Ezra shows up in the second part of the book. He was a teacher of God’s law. He helped the people follow the law again. He wanted them to live the way God had taught them.

The Book of Ezra shows how God helped the people come home. It talks about starting fresh, obeying God, and staying faithful. It is a story of hope after hard times. It reminds us that even when things go wrong, we can return to God and begin again.

The Book of Ezra takes place after a hard time for the Jewish people. They had been taken far from home by the Babylonians. Their temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. They lived in a foreign land for about 70 years. Then the Persian Empire took over Babylon. The Persian king, Cyrus, let the Jews go back home.

This return happened around 538 BC. The first group rebuilt the altar and started work on the temple. Later, Ezra came with more people. He helped teach them how to live by God’s law again.

Many think Ezra wrote this book. He was a priest and a teacher. He knew the law of Moses and wanted others to follow it too. Some people believe he also helped write the Book of Nehemiah.

The Book of Ezra shows real events from history. It tells how God’s people came home and tried to live faithfully. It helps us understand the time when the Jewish people rebuilt their lives in Jerusalem.

The Book of Ezra is written like a story. It tells what happened when the people came back to Jerusalem. It gives names, places, and dates. It even shares lists of people who returned. These lists help show that this story is real.

The book has two main parts. The first part is about the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple. The second part is about Ezra himself. It tells how he came to teach the people and help them follow God’s law.

Sometimes the book is written in the third person. It says “he” or “they.” But other times, Ezra speaks for himself. He says “I.” These parts feel more personal, like a diary or prayer.

The book also includes letters. These are messages from kings and leaders. They give orders and permissions. These letters help move the story forward and show what was going on at the time.

The Book of Ezra has many themes that connect with Catholic life and teaching. It reminds us of what it means to return to God and live as His people.

• Returning to God
  The people had been far from their homeland and from God’s ways. When they came back, they wanted to follow Him again. This reminds us of confession and penance. We can always come back to God.
• Worship and the Temple
  Rebuilding the temple was a big part of this book. Worship mattered to them. For Catholics, the Mass is our highest form of worship. We are also called to respect our churches as holy places.
• Following God’s Law
  Ezra taught the people to obey God’s law. Catholics are called to know the teachings of the Church and live them out each day.
• Leadership and Community
  Ezra was a strong leader. He guided the people with care. In the Church, we have priests, bishops, and the pope to lead us. We are also part of a faith community, just like the people in Ezra’s time.

The Book of Ezra shows us that God calls us back even after we fall. It also shows how worship, law, and good leaders help us stay close to Him.

The Book of Ezra has two main parts. Each part has its own focus. One is about rebuilding the temple. The other is about teaching the law. Here is how the book is divided:

• Chapters 1–6: Return and Rebuilding
  These chapters tell how the first group of exiles came back to Jerusalem. They rebuilt the altar and started building the temple. There were some delays, but they finished the work. The temple was finally completed in Ezra 6:15.
• Chapters 7–10: Ezra Arrives and Teaches
  These chapters begin with Ezra coming to Jerusalem. He was a priest and a teacher. He brought more people with him. He read the law and helped the people turn back to God. The book ends with the people trying to fix their past mistakes.

These two parts go together. One is about building a place to worship. The other is about building lives that follow God. Both are needed to stay faithful.

The Book of Ezra tells the story of real people. Each person had an important role in bringing the people back to God. Here are some of the key characters:

• Ezra
  He was a priest and a teacher. He knew God’s law and wanted the people to follow it. He helped guide them back to the right path.
• King Cyrus of Persia
  He gave the order for the Jews to return home. He let them rebuild the temple. He also returned items that had been taken from the temple.
• Zerubbabel
  He led the first group of people back to Jerusalem. He helped rebuild the temple. He worked with the priests to restart worship.
• Jeshua (or Joshua) the High Priest
  He helped with worship and sacrifices. He worked with Zerubbabel to lead the people.
• Artaxerxes
  He was another king of Persia. He allowed Ezra to go to Jerusalem. He gave him support to teach the law.

Each of these people played a part in the story. Some gave orders. Some taught the law. Others led the building work. Together, they helped the people return to faith.

The Book of Ezra is not just a story from long ago. It still speaks to us today. It reminds us that we can always return to God. Even when we have messed up, we can start again.

We all go through hard times. Sometimes we feel far from God. Ezra shows us that we can rebuild. We can pray, go to Mass, go to confession, and turn back to God.

Ezra also reminds us how important worship is. The people worked hard to fix the temple. Today, we care for our churches too. We come together as a faith family to pray and receive the sacraments.

Ezra teaches us to follow God’s word. We are called to learn about our faith and live it out. Just like the people in Ezra’s time, we need good leaders, strong communities, and the courage to obey God. This message is still true today.

Parts of the Book of Ezra are read at Mass. These readings are used to remind us of God’s faithfulness and our call to return to Him. They are not read often, but when they are, the message is clear.

One reading tells how the people gathered to hear the law. They stood for a long time, listening and praying. This reminds us of how we listen to the Word of God at Mass. It also shows how important Scripture is in our lives.

Another reading shows Ezra praying and asking for forgiveness. He speaks for the people and admits their sins. This helps us think about our own need to say sorry and seek God’s mercy.

The readings from Ezra help us reflect on starting again, worshiping God, and staying faithful. These are lessons we still need today. When we hear them at Mass, we are called to do the same.

Click on a link below for more information and resources for a specific reading.

• Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time I – Ezra 1:1-6: Cyrus’ Proclamation to Rebuild
• Tuesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time I –  Ezra 6:7-8, 12b, 14-20: The Dedication of God’s House
• Wednesday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time I –  Ezra 9:5-9: Ezra’s Prayer of Confession and Mercy

The Return Begins

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the Book of Ezra. He explains that Ezra chapters 1 and 2 mark the start of a new time period in the story—called the return. After years in exile, the people of Israel begin coming back to the promised land.

Fr. Mike points out that King Cyrus of Persia plays an important role. Cyrus allows the people to return and even gives back some of the temple items that were taken long ago. This moment shows how God keeps His promises, just as the prophets had said.

Fr. Mike also says that not everyone returns. Some choose to stay in Babylon. But those who do return come in waves, just like they were taken into exile in waves. This is just the beginning of the rebuilding story.

He reminds us that Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book. These chapters were likely written around the same time as Chronicles. They show the people going home, not just to a place, but to a mission. God brings them back to rebuild.

Joy and Tears at the Temple

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares about Ezra chapters 3 and 4. He explains how the people return to Jerusalem and begin to worship again. They rebuild the altar and start offering sacrifices as Moses had taught. This is a big step in restoring temple worship.

Fr. Mike talks about the joy of laying the foundation of the new temple. There is singing, praise, and shouting. But some of the older people cry when they see it. They remember the first temple and feel sad that this new one is smaller and not as glorious.

He reminds us that there is both good and bad in looking back. It’s good to remember what was once great. But it’s a problem if we get stuck in the past and can’t see what God is doing right now.

In Ezra chapter 4, Fr. Mike explains the resistance that stops the temple work. The Samaritans want to help build but are turned away. They worship other gods, so their offer is not accepted. They then use lies and political tricks to stop the rebuilding until the time of King Darius.

The Temple Work Starts Again

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares how Ezra chapters 5 and 6 tell the story of the temple rebuilding picking back up. The prophets Haggai and Zechariah speak up and encourage the people to get moving. Fr. Mike says their words help restart the work that had been stopped in chapter 4.

Officials question the builders, asking who gave them permission. The people explain that King Cyrus had ordered the rebuilding long ago. Fr. Mike points out how important it was that someone had kept records. That old scroll from Cyrus made all the difference.

Fr. Mike says this is a reminder that even small or boring tasks, like filing papers, can matter. Thanks to that written decree, King Darius not only allows the work to continue but agrees to pay for it too. God uses simple things to bring about big changes.

At the end of Ezra 6, Fr. Mike highlights the joy of finishing the temple. The people celebrate with sacrifices and keep the Passover. God helped them, and even the king supported them. Fr. Mike reminds us that small steps of faith can lead to great joy.

Ezra Steps In

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Ezra chapters 7 and 8. He explains that about 60 years pass between chapter 6 and chapter 7. Now Ezra enters the story. He is a scribe and priest from the line of Aaron, and he leads the second wave of people returning to Jerusalem.

Fr. Mike highlights Ezra’s deep commitment to God’s word. Ezra set his heart to study the law, to live it, and to teach it. Fr. Mike connects this to our own journey—how we study Scripture not just to learn, but to live it and share it.

He also points out Ezra’s trust in God. Ezra is given support and resources by King Artaxerxes but chooses not to ask for military protection. Instead, he calls for prayer and fasting. Fr. Mike contrasts this with Nehemiah’s later choice to accept an escort and says both paths show trust in God.

Ezra arrives in Jerusalem with gifts and people to serve in the temple. Everything is counted and recorded. The people make sacrifices and give thanks to God. Fr. Mike reminds us that God’s hand was on Ezra through it all.

Tough Choices After the Return

In this episode of the Bible in a Year Podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz talks about Ezra chapters 9 and 10. Ezra learns that many of the people, including priests and leaders, have married people from other nations. Fr. Mike explains this is not about race. It’s about keeping the people faithful to God.

Ezra is heartbroken. He tears his clothes, pulls out his hair, and prays. He says their sins are like deep water, rising over their heads. Fr. Mike says Ezra feels crushed, not angry—just sad and overwhelmed.

The people decide to make things right. They choose to separate from these marriages. Fr. Mike points out this wasn’t done all at once. It was handled case by case. He compares it to Ruth, who was from another land but followed the God of Israel.

Fr. Mike says this solution is not ideal. He admits it’s full of sorrow. Some Bible scholars think Ezra acted on his own, not by a clear word from God. Fr. Mike reminds us that even in a broken world, people try to fix things the best they can.

The Bible

The Book of Ezra is just one part of the whole Bible. Every book helps us learn more about God and how He works with His people. Ezra teaches us about faith, worship, and starting over.

If you want to know more about how all the books fit together, visit our page called Understanding the Bible. It will help you learn how the Bible is put together and why it matters in our lives today.

Who was Ezra?

Ezra was a priest and a teacher of God’s law. He helped lead the Jewish people after they returned from exile. He taught them how to live by God’s commands.

What is the Book of Ezra about?

It tells how the Jewish people came back to Jerusalem after being taken away. It talks about rebuilding the temple and learning to follow God again.

Why is the Book of Ezra important for Catholics?

Ezra shows how people can return to God. It also reminds us that worship and faith matter. These lessons are still important in the Church today.

Is Ezra the same as Nehemiah?

No, they are different people. But their stories are linked. Ezra focused on teaching God’s law. Nehemiah worked on rebuilding the city walls.

The Book of Ezra tells how the Jewish people came home after years of exile. They had been taken away to Babylon, and now they were allowed to return to Jerusalem. The first thing they did was rebuild the altar and the temple. They wanted to worship God again in their own land.

Later, Ezra the priest came to Jerusalem. He was a teacher who knew the law of God. He helped the people understand how to live by that law. When he saw they were not following it, he called them to change. Many of them listened and tried to do better.

Ezra’s story is one of return, repair, and renewal. It reminds Catholics that we can always turn back to God. It also shows how important it is to worship, to follow the law, and to listen to good leaders who guide us in faith.

Have you ever felt far from God? The Book of Ezra shows that it is never too late to return. God’s people made mistakes, but they came back. They rebuilt what was lost and started again.

Take time to read Ezra. Think about what parts speak to your own life. Then share your thoughts in the comment section. What did you learn? How did the story connect with your faith journey?