Ezra's arrival in Jerusalem was opportune. There was great need of the influence of his presence. His coming brought courage and hope to the hearts of many who had long labored under difficulties. Since the return of the first company of exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua, over seventy years before, much had been accomplished. The temple had been finished, and the walls of the city had been partially repaired. Yet much remained undone.

Ezra ankom til Jerusalem i et gunstigt øjeblik. Der var hårdt brug for ham byen. Mange af indbyggerne havde arbejdet under store vanskeligheder, og disse indgød han nu nyt håb og mod. Der var blevet udrettet meget, siden den første skare landflygtige vendte hjem under Zerubbabels og Josuas ledelse for over halvfjerds år siden. Templet var blevet bygget færdigt, og Jerusalems mure var blevet delvis repareret, men der var endnu meget at gøre.