Who is Ezra in the Holy Bible?

As an expert in biblical studies, I can provide you with a detailed account of Ezra's role in the Holy Bible. Ezra is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly within the historical books that are part of the Old Testament. His story is primarily found in the Book of Ezra, which is named after him, and he is also mentioned in the Book of Nehemiah and the Book of 1 Esdras. Ezra was a scribe, a priest, and a leader who played a crucial role in the post-exilic period of the Jewish people. He is often associated with the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and the subsequent religious reforms that took place. The Book of Ezra is believed to have been written between 450 and 400 BCE, and it provides a historical account of the events that transpired during this period. According to the biblical narrative, Ezra was living in Babylon when, in the seventh year (c. 457 BCE) of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, the king sent him to Jerusalem. The king's decree allowed Ezra to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem and to bring with him the treasures of the temple that had been taken by the Babylonians. Ezra was given the authority to teach the laws of God to any who did not know them, which indicates his deep knowledge of the Torah and his role as a religious teacher and leader. One of the key issues that Ezra faced upon his arrival in Jerusalem was the matter of intermarriage. He discovered that Jewish men had been marrying non-Jewish women, which was seen as a violation of the religious laws and a threat to the Jewish community's identity. Ezra was deeply troubled by this and led a significant reform movement to address the issue. He called for the repudiation of foreign wives and the purification of the community through adherence to the laws of Moses. Ezra is also known for his efforts to reestablish the worship of God in Jerusalem. He led the people in the reading and interpretation of the Law, which was a pivotal moment in the religious life of the community. This event, often referred to as the "Ezra's Reading of the Law," is celebrated in the Jewish festival of Simchat Torah, which marks the completion and the beginning of the annual cycle of Torah readings. Ezra's legacy is one of religious devotion, leadership, and the pursuit of purity within the Jewish community. His actions and teachings had a profound impact on the religious and cultural life of the Jewish people during the post-exilic period and continue to be relevant in Jewish tradition and practice. In summary, Ezra was a pivotal figure in the history of the Jewish people, serving as a scribe, priest, and leader who played a critical role in the return from exile and the religious reforms that followed. His commitment to the teachings of the Torah and his efforts to maintain the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish community have left an indelible mark on the biblical narrative and the history of Judaism.

Ezra was living in Babylon when in the seventh year ( c. 457 BCE) of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, the king sent him to Jerusalem to teach the laws of God to any who did not know them. Ezra led a large body of exiles back to Jerusalem, where he discovered that Jewish men had been marrying non-Jewish women.