Other Books. Three other books should be read in connection with this
study. (1) The book of Esther, which relates to this time and should
be read between chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Ezra. (2) The books of
Haggai and Zechariah. These two prophets were associated with the
first return of Zerubbabel and their words incited the Jews to
complete the temple in spite of opposition.


The Return from Captivity. The return consisted of three expeditions
led respectively by Zerubbabel. Ezra and Nehemiah. The time covered
can not be accurately calculated. It is probably not fewer than ninety
years. Some think it may have been as many as one hundred and ten
years.

Analysis of Ezra.

I. The Rebuilding of the Temple, Chs. 1-6.

1. The proclamation of Cyrus, 1.

2. Those who returned, 2.

3. The foundation laid, 3.

4. The work hindered, 4.

5. The work finished, 5-6.

II. The Reforms of Ezra, Chs. 7-10.