Ezra was a descendant of Hilkiah, the high priest who discovered a copy of the law during the reign of Josiah (2 Chron. 34:14). In 458 B.C. Ezra led the second return of exiles back to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:1-9). Shocked at the spiritual condition of the people, he was instrumental in a spiritual revival. After the third return of exiles (444 B.C.), Ezra worked with Nehemiah, reading and interpreting the law of Moses before the assembled congregation, assisting at the dedication of the wall, and helping Nehemiah bring about a religious reformation.
