Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Don’t skip the lists.

The Bible does not waste words. If names are listed in Scripture, they are significant. Ask the questions “Who are they?” and “Why do they matter in this story?” (Hint: the people are categorized in groups – look closely for bolded verse numbers in verses 3-61 indicating a new group.)

Keep the text grounded.

Some Scripture-Digging Tips

Outline the backstory.

Read the introduction to Ezra in your Bible and do any additional research to form an outline of the book’s author, its audience, and the time of its writing.

Consider the context.

Don’t just read the text immediately before and after your passage, you also want to dig into the cross-references!

Identify the key verse.