I.Introduction
The book of Ezra-Nehemiah is a crucial document in Jewish history that narrates the return, restoration and rebuilding of Jerusalem and the temple. It provides valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of the Jewish people during this time and offering important historical context for understanding the development of Judaism as a religion.
1.1.Authorship of Ezra-Nehemiah
Ezra-Nehemiah is a one book in the Hebrew Bible; even today, Bible writers treat them as separates books. These books narrate the last events of Old Testament period. They encompass the time from immediate postexilic times (the decrees of Cyrus, 539 BC) through the work of Nehemiah (end of the fifth century BC). The book of Ezra, tells the story of the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple under the leadership of Ezra the scribe. The second account is the Book of Nehemiah, which details the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem and the restoration of the city under the leadership of Nehemiah, a high official in the Persian court. Archeological evidence shows that the author of Ezra-Nehemiah relied on accurate traditions, sources, and memory to construct his narrative. This book assumes Cyrus, the Mede and Persian, defeated Babylon in 550 BC and laid the foundations of the Persian Empire.
When we are looking at the authorship of the two books, we discuss about two controversial ideas. First, Unity of Ezra-Nehemiah is discussed differently. First, due to the common practice of printing the two books separately, we need to examine the evidence for their unity. Modern Hebrew Bibles and English versions print the books separately, obscuring the ancient unity of the books. Second, the connection with chronicles. Since 1832 until recently, most scholars believed that the Chronicler wrote Ezra-Nehemiah. Briefly, there is scholarly disagreement, on the author, the date and the unity of the Books.
1.2.Importance of Ezra-Nehemiah in Jewish history
Ezra-Nehemiah is of great significance in Jewish history, as it documents a pivotal time in the history of the Jewish people. After being exiled from their homeland in Babylon, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple and city, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians. This period of restoration and rebuilding was a crucial time for the Jewish people, as it marked the beginning of their return to their homeland and their reestablishment as a nation. Additionally, the books of Ezra-Nehemiah provide valuable insights into the cultural and religious practices of the Jews during this period time, and offer important historical context for understanding the development of Judaism as a religion.
