Ezra

Kōresh (Cyrus) king of Persia, stirred by YHWH to fulfill Yirmeyahu's prophecy, issues a decree allowing Yehudim to return to Yerushalayim and rebuild the Beit Hamikdash, returning the sacred vessels taken by Nəvūkadnetstsar.[1][2][4]

The list of the golah returning under Zerubbavel, totaling 42,360, along with their attendants and livestock, is recorded, with freewill offerings collected for the Beit Hamikdash.[2][4]

Yeshua and Zerubbavel rebuild the mizbeach, reinstate zivkhei tamid and Chag haSukkot, then lay the Beit Hamikdash foundation amid mixed joy and weeping.[2][4]

Aramic adversaries offer insincere help to Zerubbavel and Yeshua, then hinder the rebuilding through intrigue under Kōresh, Akhashverosh, and Artachshasta, halting work.[2][4]

Hagai and Zekharyah prophesy, prompting Zerubbavel and Yeshua to resume Beit Hamikdash work; Tatnai questions them and writes to Daryavush for verification.[2][3]

Daryavush finds and confirms Kōresh's decree, ordering completion; the Beit Hamikdash is finished, dedicated with simkha, and Pesach observed.[2][3]

Ezra, a sofr skilled in Torat Mosheh, receives Artachshasta's decree with resources and authority to appoint shofetim and enforce Torah in Yehud.[2][4]

Ezra lists the golah accompanying him, proclaims a tzom for divine protection instead of a military escort, and delivers qorbanot safely in Yerushalayim.[2][4]

Ezra learns of intermarriages with surrounding peoples, rends his garments, prays confessing kol Yisra'el's sins and pleading for mercy despite past khēsed.[2][4]

Shekhanyah proposes putting away nokhri wives; after tzom and tefillah, the people confess sin, assemble in winter rain, and compile lists of guilty men who divorce.[2][5]