1ES - 1 Esdras - Open English Translation—Readers’ Version (OET-RV) v0.4.1
WORDTABLE OET-LV_DC_word_table.tsv
The First Book of Ezra
Introduction
The First Book of Ezra, also known as 1 Esdras, recounts the fall of Yehudah (Judah) and the return of exiles to Yerushalem (Jerusalem). It begins with King Yoshiyah’s (Josiah’s) Passover celebration, follows the disasters that lead to exile in Bavel (Babylon), and then describes the return, the rebuilding of the temple, and the work of Ezra. Much of this will be familiar to readers of The Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemyah, although the material is arranged differently.
A distinctive part of this account is the debate between three of King Dareyavesh’s (Darius’) guards about what is strongest. One argues for wine, another for the king, and Zorobabel argues for women before declaring that truth is stronger than everything. His success leads to royal support for the return to Yerushalem and the rebuilding of the temple.
The account emphasises restored worship, support for the temple, and the need to live according to God’s instructions. It ends with Ezra reading and explaining the law to the assembled people, who respond with worship and celebration.
The First Book of Ezra is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox Churches. It is not recognised by the Romaios Catholic Church, but 1 Ezra is placed as an appendix to the Latin Vulgate Bible.
Main components of this account
Yoshiyah’s Passover and the fall of Yehudah 1:1-58
Permission to return and opposition to rebuilding 2:1-30
The guards’ debate and Zorobabel’s request 3:1-4:63
The returning families and the rebuilding of the temple 5:1-7:15
Ezra’s return and the response to marriages with foreigners 8:1-9:36
This is still an early look into the unpolished text of the Open English Translation of the Bible. Please double-check the text in advance before using in public.
The First Book of Esdras is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox Churches. It is not recognised by the Roman Catholic Church, but 1 Esdras is placed as an appendix to the Latin Vulgate Bible.
