We need to preach the text of Ezra again and learn the important lessons from that part of God’s Word that the Spirit wants us to hear. I know of nothing more helpful in that task than Adrian’s excellent book. It is more than a commentary– well researched and helpful as a commentary– but it makes all the right connections with a sound biblical theology and biblically shaped systematic theology to be really helpful to the preacher. With suggestions how to preach the material in an expository fashion with sensible application it is gold dust for the preacher. In preaching Ezra it is an indispensable guide. Get it, read it, and above all preach this neglected part of Holy Scripture!

The teacher of Ezra needs to do two things well: to understand the historical contours of the book sufficiently to draw hearers into its colourful world, and to see how this somewhat unfamiliar book points to Christ and finds fulfilment in Him. With his characteristic freshness, wit and insight, Adrian serves the Bible teacher admirably in both these tasks. I suspect that his guide will be an indispensable companion and aid for teachers of this rich book for many years to come.