Return, Rebuild, and Restore
A Study Guide for Coming Back to God
1. Introduction: A New Beginning After Exile
Ezra records the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian exile back to Jerusalem.
The book is split into two parts:
Chapters 1–6 focus on rebuilding the temple.
Chapters 7–10 focus on spiritual reform under Ezra’s leadership.
Reflection: Restoration isn’t just about rebuilding what was lost—it’s about returning to God with your whole heart.
2. The Return Begins
God stirs the heart of King Cyrus of Persia to allow the Jews to return and rebuild the temple (Ezra 1).
Nearly 50,000 return under Zerubbabel’s leadership (Ezra 2).
They rebuild the altar and begin work on the temple with joy (Ezra 3).
Takeaway: Revival starts when God stirs hearts—and people respond in obedience.
3. Opposition and Delay
Local enemies oppose the rebuilding and discourage the people (Ezra 4).
Work on the temple stops for years.
Prophets Haggai and Zechariah reignite the mission, and the work resumes with boldness (Ezra 5).
Lesson: Expect resistance when doing God’s work—but never forget that God finishes what He starts.
4. The Temple Is Finished
King Darius confirms the right to rebuild and even orders support for the project (Ezra 6).
The temple is completed, and the people celebrate with joy and sacrifices.
Passover is observed again—a sign of restored worship.
Truth: Worship must be central to any true restoration.
5. Ezra Arrives: A Priest with a Mission
About 60 years later, Ezra arrives in Jerusalem (Ezra 7).
He’s a priest and scribe “skilled in the Law of Moses” and devoted to living and teaching it (Ezra 7:10).
He brings more exiles and treasures for temple worship (Ezra 8).
Encouragement: God uses people of both knowledge and character to bring spiritual reform.
6. Confronting Sin in the Community
Ezra is devastated to learn that many, including leaders, have taken pagan wives—something God forbade (Ezra 9).
He prays a heartfelt confession and leads the people in repentance (Ezra 10).
The community agrees to correct the compromise and return to holiness.
Challenge: Revival means removing anything that pulls your heart away from God—even when it’s painful.
7. Key Verses to Memorize or Meditate On
Ezra 1:1 – “…the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia…”
Ezra 3:11 – “They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord…”
Ezra 7:10 – “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach…”
Ezra 8:22 – “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him…”
Ezra 10:4 – “Arise, for it is your task… be strong and do it.”
8. Questions for Discussion or Journaling
What does Ezra show us about God’s faithfulness to restore after judgment?
How do you see God’s hand working through both kings and common people?
What’s the difference between rebuilding physically and restoring spiritually?
In what ways can sin—even tolerated or unnoticed—delay the work of God?
Why is Ezra’s example of studying, doing, and teaching the Word so important today?
What do you need to “remove” in order to fully return to God?