Overview of the Old Testament

Cyrus of Persia authorizes the people to return and rebuild. The emphasis is that repentance

and faithfulness open the door for restoration. Ezra. 70 years after exile,

small groups of Jews return to Jerusalem. They begin rebuilding the temple, but face opposition

and discouragement. Ezra himself arrives later as a priest and scribe. He focuses on spiritual

renewal, teaching the law, confronting compromises, and leading confession of sin.

Ezra's message is that being home in the land requires being faithful in heart and practice,

not just rebuilding structures. Nehemiah. Nehemiah, serving in Persia,

hears of Jerusalem's ruined walls. With royal permission, he returns and organizes the rebuilding effort.