2. Name Name – Ezra, the key figure in chapters 7-10 Author & Date Author & Date – Author unknown, but some by Ezra – Probably late 5 th century B.C.

3. Structure Structure – Chapters 1-6: Return from Babylon Chapter 1: Decree of Cyrus Chapter 1: Decree of Cyrus Chapter 2: The return Chapter 2: The return Chapters 3-6: Rebuilding the temple Chapters 3-6: Rebuilding the temple – Chapters 7-10: Ezra to Jerusalem Chapters 7-8: Journey and arrival Chapters 7-8: Journey and arrival Chapters 9-10: Intermarriage Chapters 9-10: Intermarriage

4. Significant themes & theology Significant themes & theology – Obedience as a response to grace – God as sovereign over the affairs of men – God’s Word as central to the community – Marriage as a “glory of God” issue

5. Ezra 9-10 Ezra 9-10 – Intermarriage was a serious issue – Marriage is to glorify God By reflecting the image of God By reflecting the image of God By multiplying and making disciples By multiplying and making disciples By joining in the Great Commission By joining in the Great Commission