Ezra chronicles a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the return from Babylonian exile. The story unfolds in two major movements. First, led by Zerubbabel, a group of exiles responds to the stunning decree of King Cyrus of Persia and journeys home to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. They face intense opposition from their neighbors, but through the encouragement of prophets and the providence of God, they finally complete and dedicate the house of the Lord. Decades later, a second movement begins with the arrival of Ezra, a priest and scribe devoted to the Law of Yahweh. He leads another group of exiles back and discovers that the people have compromised their covenant identity. Ezra's heartfelt prayer of confession leads to a national repentance and a difficult, necessary reform to purify the community.