Nehemiah, Ezra, and Esther: The last days of the Old Testament

The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther conclude the historical books of the Bible as they are found in the present biblical order. Ezra was written in the 5th Century B.C., along with Nehemiah and Esther. It is about the return of the remnant from Persian Empire captivity. The emphasis is on the rebuilding of the temple. The books contains extensive genealogical records, principally for the purpose of establishing the claims to the priesthood on the part of the descendants of Aaron. Nehemi...