The book of Ezra documents Israel's first two returns from Babylonian captivity. The narrative covers approximately eighty years, from Cyrus's edict to Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem.
Zerubbabel led the first return in 536 B.C., and the second was under the leadership of Ezra in 457 B.C. The narrative concerns the reconstruction of the holy city's walls in the aftermath of the Babylonian destruction of the city in 586 B.C. Great faith was exhibited, and numerous obstacles (e.g., Samaritan opposition) were overcome.
