Outline of Ezra: Basic & Detailed Outlines

In this article, we will look at an outline of Ezra. We will go over a basic and a detailed outline to help you study the Bible.

The book of Ezra is one that Christians should definitely have on their Bible study list. This book offers a lot of great insights into God’s dealings with His people, and it can help to shed light on a variety of different topics. In this post, we will go over an outline some of the main points that are covered in the book of Ezra but also go through a detailed outline of Ezra as well. I hope that this information will be helpful in sparking further study and exploration into this amazing book of God’s Word.

Before we start our outlines it’s good to have a little background on the book. Let’s do this!

>> Check out an Outline of Genesis

Background Facts About The Book Of Ezra

The book of Ezra in the Bible is a history of the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem after the Babylonian Captivity. The book is named after its central figure, Ezra, a priest and scribe who led the group of exiles back to their homeland.

The book begins with a brief overview of the Babylonian Captivity, which lasted from around 586 to 539 BC. After the fall of Jerusalem, the majority of the population was exiled to Babylon. However, a small number of people were allowed to remain in Judea.

In 539 BC, the Persian king Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Under Ezra’s leadership, a group of exiles set out for Judea. Along the way, they faced many challenges, but ultimately they arrived safely in Jerusalem.

Once they arrived, Ezra began working on restoring worship at the temple. He also helped to establish a system of governance for the community and worked diligently to help the people follow God’s law. The book ends with an account of Ezra’s success in leading the Jews back to their homeland.

The Author of Ezra

According to Jewish tradition and many modern theologians it is believed that the author is Ezra himself. But there are some critics who think otherwise.

This is because of the similarities between Ezra, Nehemiah, and 1 & 2 Chronicles. They believe there was one single author for all 4 books and the call him the Chronicler. We don’t have proof of this nor that of Ezra being the author.

The Date or Timeline

The book of Ezra covers a critical moment in the history of the Jewish people. Many historians believe that Ezra was born around 440 BC and his story plays out within the 5th century.

In 537 bc, the Persian king Cyrus conquered the Babylonian empire and issued a decree that allowed the Jews to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple. This event marks the beginning of the Second Temple period. The book of Ezra picks up the story almost 70 years later, during the reign of Artaxerxes I (465–425 bc).

The book of Ezra ends with a list of those who returned to Jerusalem with Ezrathis. The book of Nehemiah picks up where Ezra left off, chronicling the efforts of Nehemiah, another amazing leader of the Jews, that helps rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Key People in the book of Ezra

Ezra — Scribe, priest, and teacher of God’s law. He returned to Jerusalem with the second wave of Jews from Babylon.

Nehemiah — A cupbearer to the King of Persia. He became the governor of Judea and helped rebuild Jerusalem’s walls.

Cyrus — The Persian king who issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1–4).

Artaxerxes I — The Persian king under whom Ezra led a group of exiles back to Judea (Ezra 7:1–10)

Zerubbabel — The leader of the first group of exiles who returned to Judea from Babylon (Ezra 2:1–2:70).

Jeshua — A Levite who assisted Ezra in leading the people back to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:33).

Haggai — A prophet who encouraged the people to finish rebuilding the temple (Ezra 5:1).

Key Verses

Praise be to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem in this way. – Ezra 7:27

Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. – Ezra 6:16

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. – Ezra 7:10

Lord, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.” – Ezra 9:15

Basic Outline of the Book of Ezra

1. The Return from Exile and Rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1-6)
2. The Restoration of the Law and the Return of Ezra (7-10)

Detailed Outline of Ezra

1.The Return from Exile and Rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 1-6)

a. The first return of those being exiled (1)

b. A list of those who were exiled (2)

c. Temple worship restored (3)

d. Opposition comes against the rebuilding (4)

e. The Completion of the Temple (4-6)

2.The Restoration of the Law and the Return of Ezra (7-10)

a. Ezra goes back to Jerusalem (7-8)

b. Ezra’s doxology* (7)

c. A list of those who return with Ezra (8)

d. Prayer & fasting (8)

e. The journey to Jerusalem (8)

f. Revival and reform begins (The Restoration of the Law of Moses) (9-10)

*What is a doxology? a public expression of praise and worship to God.

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I hope you have enjoyed this outline on Ezra and that it has been helpful in your study of God’s Word. If you are curious at looking at more outlines please check out my outlines of the Bible. There you will huge selection to help you dig deep into the Bible.