Ezra's return

Ezra's return (Ezra 7–8)

David A. Dorsey, The Literary Structure of the Old Testament

1. a
   Ezra's return to Jerusalem with Jews7:1–10
2. b
   king's blessing on trip: gifts of gold, silver, etc., for temple7:11–26
3. c
   Ezra gathers the people to return7:27–28
4. d
   CENTER: list of returnees8:1–14
5. c′
   Ezra gathers the people to return8:15–21
6. b′
   Jews ask God's blessing on trip: care of king's gifts of gold, silver, etc., for temple8:22–30
7. a′
   Ezra's return to Jerusalem with Jews; sacrifices [of gratitude]8:31–36