Ezra

About Ezra

Ezra was a Jewish priest, scribe, and reformer who led the spiritual restoration of Judah after the Babylonian exile. A descendant of Aaron and Zadok the high priest, Ezra was "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses whom the LORD, the God of Israel, had given" (Ezra 7:6). Living in Babylon during the exile, he received permission from Persian King Artaxerxes I in 458 BC to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, carrying royal support and gifts for the Temple. Arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra discovered that many returned Jews had intermarried with pagans, compromising their covenant faithfulness. He led a religious reform, teaching the Law and calling people to renewed covenant obedience. In a pivotal moment, Ezra publicly read and explained the Torah to the assembled people (Nehemiah 8), leading to revival and covenant renewal. Tradition credits Ezra with collecting and editing biblical books, establishing the canon of Hebrew Scripture, and founding the Great Synagogue. He represents renewal of faith through Scripture study and teaching. Venerated in Eastern Christianity as a righteous teacher and restorer of worship.