Ezra 1 - 3

In this study of the book of Ezra, Steve Gregg begins by tracing the history of the Jewish captivity in Babylon and its eventual release by Cyrus, king of Persia. He notes that Ezra, a priest and likely author of the book, saw the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem as the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy. Gregg also explores the controversy over the identity of Shechbaazur and the loss of genealogical records, which led to difficulty in determining tribal affiliations for some returnees. Finally, he discusses the construction of the altar and temple, including the hiring of workers and the provision of cedar from Lebanon.