In post-exilic biblical history, who were Zerubbabel and Ezra?

• A. Kings of Judah
• B. Prophets who wrote letters
• C. Leaders who helped rebuild the temple
• D. Apostles in the early church

Answer: (C)

Zerubbabel and Ezra are leaders who helped restore worship and temple life in Jerusalem after the exile. Zerubbabel, a governor and descendant of David, oversaw the initial rebuilding of the temple and reestablished the people’s worship under Persian rule. Ezra, a priest and scribe, led a later return and focused on teaching the Law and reforming practices to reestablish covenant faithfulness. They are not kings, they aren’t prophets who wrote letters, and they aren’t apostles in the early church. Their roles center on guiding the community’s religious rebuilding and renewal of Temple worship in the post-exilic period.