Ezra is a fascinating book about the remnant of Israel that returned from the Babylonian captivity. The book begins with the edict from Cyrus king of Persia which made it possible to return to the land and rebuild the temple. This edict is one of seven official documents or letters included in Ezra, all written in Aramaic except this first edict from Cyrus.
After the edict, the author (probably Ezra) gives a remarkably detailed record of all those who returned, including totals! The book tells the story of the work of two special men: Zerubbabel and Ezra. Zerubbabel returns first to the land and leads the rebuilding of the temple. Ezra returns next and works to reform the people. The book is divided into two halves around these two men: (1) Zerubbabel and the temple and (2) Ezra and the people.
