OUTLINE OF EZRA

1. Return from Babylon to Jerusalem (1:1-2:70)
   The edict of Cyrus (1:1-4)
   The preparation (1:5-11)
   The list of emigrants (2:1-70)

2. Settlement at Jerusalem (3:1-4:24)
   The altar erected -- worship instituted (3:1-3)
   Feast of Tabernacles observed (3:4-7)
   Temple foundation laid (3:8-13)
   Cessation of building (4:1-24)
   (Opposition in later times) (4:6-23)

3. The New Temple (6:1--6:22)
   Leaders stirred to action (5:1-2)
   Appeal to Darius (5:3-17)
   The royal Decree (6:1-12)
   Temple completed (6:13-15)
   Feasts instituted (6:19-22)

4. Return of Ezra (7:1-8:36)
   Preparation (7:1-10)
   Decree of Artaxerxes (7:11-28)
   Organization for return (8:1-30)
   Journey and arrival (8:31-36)

5. Reformation in Jerusalem (9:1--10:44)
   Problem of mixed marriages (9:1-5)
   Ezra's prayer (9:6-15)
   Public assembly (10:1-15)
   Punishment of the guilty (10:16-44)