Time period
5th Century BC
Cultural background
The Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile and were in the process of rebuilding their community and religious practices in Jerusalem.
Political environment
The Persian Empire, under King Artaxerxes, ruled over the region, allowing the Israelites to return and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem.
Geographical setting
Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life, where the temple was being rebuilt and the community was reestablishing itself.
Societal norms
The Israelites were expected to maintain purity by not intermarrying with surrounding nations, as this was seen as a threat to their covenant relationship with God.
Significant figures
Ezra
Connected events