1. The families who returned (1-20)

Ezra was the leader of a new wave of exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. About 1500 men are numbered in this chapter, not counting women and children. Ezra had to use all his God-given wisdom to organize this large journey team. At the last minute, he had to search for Levites who were qualified to serve in the temple, and God blessed him to find them.

2. Prayer for a safe journey (21-36)

The journey would be long and dangerous, especially with the large amount of goods and money the returning exiles were bringing (26-27). Ezra was well aware of the danger, but he overcame his fear by depending on God. He could have asked the king for soldiers to escort the journey team, but he decided to glorify God by relying only on prayer. He led the whole team in a fast and pray for a safe journey. God answered and brought them safely to Jerusalem, where they faithfully delivered the offerings and the king's orders.