Esdras The Prophet

Biography

Esdras The Prophet, also known as Ezra, was a revered figure in biblical history and is considered a significant figure in both Jewish and Christian traditions. He was a priest and scribe who played a pivotal role in the restoration of Jewish religious and cultural practices in Jerusalem.

Esdras embarked on an important journey during the 7th year of Artaxerxes, the Persian king, in 458 B.C. He left Babylon along with a group of 1,800 Jewish exiles and made the pilgrimage back to Jerusalem. Accompanying Esdras was a letter from Artaxerxes, which ordered the satraps (local governors) beyond the Euphrates River to assist him in enforcing the observance of the Mosaic Law in Judea.

One of the key aspects of Esdras' mission was to enhance and subsidize the temple worship in Jerusalem. He brought with him valuable gifts from both Artaxerxes and the Jews of Babylon, including an exemption from taxation for the temple officials. With this support, Esdras aimed to revitalize the religious practices and establish a strong foundation for the Jewish community.

Esdras wasted no time in implementing important reforms upon his arrival in Jerusalem. Within a year, he took steps to dissolve mixed marriages, even among the priests, which were seen as a violation of the religious laws. Esdras recognized the significance of maintaining the sanctity and purity of the Jewish faith, and the dissolution of such marriages was an integral part of his mission.

In 444 B.C., after the walls of Jerusalem had been rebuilt, Esdras organized a solemn assembly where the Law was read to the assembled multitude. This event was followed by the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles and the Day of Atonement, among the most important religious rituals in the Jewish calendar. Additionally, the renewal of the Covenant took place, with all present solemnly agreeing to uphold it.

Alongside Nehemiah, who was entrusted with the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls, Esdras played a crucial role in the restoration of the Law. Their efforts were instrumental in re-establishing the religious and cultural identity of the Jewish people during that period. Many of the organizational and ritualistic practices of later Judaism can be traced back to the measures implemented by Esdras.

Esdras is also attributed to the compilation of the Books of Paralipomenon (Chronicles) in the Talmud, a collection of historical writings that recorded the genealogies and history of the Jewish people. Additionally, he is believed to have played a significant role in the collection and preservation of the canonical books of the Old Testament that existed during his time.

Esdras The Prophet remains highly regarded and venerated for his unwavering commitment to the restoration of Jewish traditions and the preservation of the Law. Although he is not specifically assigned any patronages, his legacy lives on as a significant figure in the development of Judaism and the foundational texts of Christianity. Esdras The Prophet's feast day is celebrated on July 13th, although he has not been formally canonized by the Catholic Church.