a canonical book of the Old Testament, comprehending the history of the Jews from the time of Cyrus's edict for their return, to the twentieth year of Artaxerxes Longimanus. It specifies the number of Jews who returned, and Cyrus's proclamation for the rebuilding the temple, together with the laying of its foundation, the obstructions it met with, and the finishing thereof in the reign of Darius.

The illustrious author of this book, was also the restorer and publisher of the canon of the Old Testament.