Synopsis of Ezra

Ezra Synopsis: Cyrus, King of Persia, is visited by the spirit of the Lord and commands that the Jews be allowed to return to Jerusalem and Judah and to rebuild the Great House (their entire fortune is returned as well). When in Jerusalem, while building the temple, the occupants of Judah begin to harass the builders, and put forth pleads to the kings to have them stop the building. Cyrus passes on and Artaxerxes writes two letters; the first, in response to the outraged occupants, commands the Jews to stop; the second letter (sent later), in response to the Jews, stated that the temple be built, all costs and sacrifices be upon Persia, and that tribute be lifted. In between these, somehow, exists a letter by Darius, who having under the urge of the Jews, searched the room of scrolls and upon finding Cyrus' decree, gave defense and aid to the Jews so that the temple was finished in his 6th year. Also, the people began to breed with the impure inhabitants to which Ezra makes them repent