Ezra 1 - Introduction

Chapter One

PRELIMINARY QUESTIONS

See if you can find answers to these questions, or figure them out for yourself, as you read the first chapter of this book, and the first chapter of Ezra in your Bible.

1.

How did it come about that a completely defeated people were freed to return to their homeland and to rebuild?

2.

What types, and what percentage, of the people do you think actually took advantage of the opportunity to return?

3.

What might have motivated Cyrus to this generosity?

4.

What help did the returnees get from their kinsmen who chose to remain where they were?

OUTLINE

I.

The Captives Return Under Zerubbabel (Ezra 1:1 to Ezra 2:70)

A.

Authority is given by King Cyrus, and the captives who wish to return to Israel.

1.

Cyrus issues a decree (Ezra 1:1-4).

2.

The people return and begin to rebuild (Ezra 1:5-11).

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1.

Who, and what kind of person, was Cyrus?

2.

Who was Sheshbazzar?

3.

What nation freed the Jewish captives?

4.

What other nation or nations were involved?