In Ezra 7–10 we are introduced to Ezra who prepares his heart in God’s law to return with the second wave of Exiles to rebuild the House of God. Ezra mourns and leads the people in a deep time of repentance from compromise, and mourns their sin with hope. This passage reminds us that even in seasons of brokenness and disobedience, God’s hand still offers the blessing of hope and favor when His people return to Him in obedience and faith.