Free at Last: Ezra & Nehemiah

The Babylonians had destroyed Jerusalem and its temple and had dragged thousands of Jews into captivity in Babylon. However, the books of Ezra and Nehemiah report the end of the Babylonian Captivity and the Jews’ returns to Jerusalem and Judea. The first return occurred around 537 B.C. under Zerubbabel, who led the rebuilding of the temple. The second return took place under Ezra in 458 B.C. whose task was to beautify the temple and lead a revival. Nehemiah led the third return in 444 B.C. to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls that the Babylonians had destroyed. The books of Ezra and Nehemiah reveal God’s faithfulness to keep His promises. In turn, His people should place their confidence in Him, be thankful for His care, obey Him, and serve Him faithfully.