15) The Book of Ezra

EZRA is the first of the post-captivity books (Nehemiah, Esther, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi). Ezra records the return of a Jewish remnant to Palestine, the building of the temple, and the establishment of the Israelites under tribute to Media-Persia. The lawful proclamation of King Cyrus pictures the restoration of the nation of Israel (Isa. 11:10-12; Amos 9:13-15). The original land grant of the Abrahamic Covenant rightfully belongs to the Jewish remnant (Gen. 15: 18-21; Gal 4:22-31). The book contains 10 chapters and 280 verses.

Ezra and Nehemiah contain spiritual admonitions for pastors (Rom. 15:4). The opposition of the Arabs against the Jews pictures the works of the flesh against the spirit (Gale 4:29). The vital ingredient in building a work for God is the preparation of one's heart as demonstrated by Ezra. An holy walk with God supersedes any work for God (2 Cor. 4:1-2; 5:18). Ezra and Nehemiah reveal the opposition one faces when building a work. When defacto agents of the government are the opposition, the proper steps of obeying God rather than men are properly demonstrated by Haggai and Zechariah (Ezra 4:1 -6:14; Acts 5:29).

King James Bible.