The Book of Ezra the Priest and Scribe (At the Monastery)
1️⃣ Historical Background of Ezra and Nehemiah
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explained that Ezra and Nehemiah were originally one book, describing the era of return from Babylon during the reigns of the Persian kings Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes.
2️⃣ Ezra: The Priest, the Scribe, and the Teacher
He described Ezra as a priest from the line of Aaron, a skilled scribe, a teacher of the Law, and a reformer who organized and preserved the Scriptures, serving God with humility despite his high position in the royal court.
3️⃣ The Exile: External Darkness and Inner Light
Although the exile was harsh—Jerusalem destroyed, the Temple ruined, and the people spiritually weakened—yet God raised saints and prophets such as Daniel, the three youths, and Zerubbabel, who influenced even the pagan kings.
4️⃣ God Working Through Pagan Kings
The Pope highlighted God’s marvelous work through Persian kings:
Cyrus allowed the return and restored the Temple vessels.
Darius strongly supported the rebuilding and punished any opposition.
Artaxerxes gave Ezra gold, silver, and privileges to the priests.
Truly, “the king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord.”
5️⃣ Rebuilding Despite Opposition
Zerubbabel and the priests began the altar and foundations with great joy, but enemies tried to halt the work through fear and accusations. Evil succeeded temporarily, yet God prepared a greater work through His prophets.
6️⃣ The Role of Haggai and Zechariah
Haggai and Zechariah prophesied powerfully, encouraging the people to continue the work. After searching the royal archives, the decree of Cyrus was confirmed, and the building was completed joyfully.
7️⃣ Ezra: Spiritual Reformation First
Upon his arrival, Ezra refused to rely on the king’s protection. Instead, he gathered the people at the river, fasting and praying for God’s guidance. When he saw the people’s sinful mingling with foreign nations, he wept, tore his garments, and led the community into repentance and a new covenant.
8️⃣ Unity Between Ezra and Nehemiah
Thirteen years later, Nehemiah came, and together the priest-scribe and the governor worked to rebuild the walls and renew spiritual life. Their joint effort aimed at rebuilding Jerusalem and rebuilding the people.
9️⃣ The True Return
His Holiness emphasized that more important than returning to Jerusalem is returning to God. The essential deliverance is not from the captivity of kings but from the captivity of sin. This was the heart of Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s mission.
For better translation support, please contact the center.
