Ezra

Technical Profile

Name Meaning: Hebrew ʿEzrāʾ (“help,” “helper”), indicating aid or support
Period/Era: Post-Exilic
Main References: Ezra 7–10; Nehemiah 8; 12:26, 36
Key Connections: Descended from Aaron through Seraiah (Ezra 7:1–5); commissioned by Artaxerxes of Persia (Ezra 7:11–26); associated with Nehemiah in Torah instruction (Neh. 8:1–8)

Who was Ezra?

Ezra was a priest and trained scribe who arrived in Jerusalem from Babylon during Persian rule.
He is described as skilled in the Law of Moses and committed to studying and teaching it.
His leadership focused on restoring proper worship and community order among the returned exiles.

Key Events & Achievements

Event 1: Led a return of exiles to Jerusalem with authorization and resources from Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:6–10; 8:1–36)
Event 2: Addressed unlawful intermarriage through confession, investigation, and communal reform (Ezra 9–10)
Event 3: Read and explained the Torah publicly, enabling covenant renewal and national instruction (Nehemiah 8:1–8)

Life Lesson & Legacy

Ezra’s life highlights how careful handling and public teaching of Israel’s covenant law shaped post-exilic identity and worship.

Key Verse

"For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." — Ezra 7:10, ESV

Quizzes

Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.

1. What roles are Ezra specifically described as having?

2. Which Persian ruler authorized Ezra’s return to Jerusalem with resources?