The books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Esther conclude the historical books of the Bible as they are found in the present biblical order. Ezra was written in the 5th Century B.C., along with Nehemiah and Esther. It is about the return of the remnant from Persian Empire captivity. The emphasis is on the rebuilding of the temple. The books contains extensive genealogical records, principally for the purpose of establishing the claims to the priesthood on the part of the descendants of Aaron. Nehemiah records the last historical events in the Old Testament, carrying the history to about 430 B.C. The emphasis is on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. Like Ezra, this book contains extensive genealogical records identifying the succession of priesthood. The principal characters in this book are Ezra and Nehemiah. Though the Temple had been rebuilt, as recorded by Ezra, the walls of the city were still in ruins because of the apathy of the people. Eleven times in the text it is recorded that Nehemiah was engaged in prayer. Esther is about God's providential care and closes the historical section of the Old Testament. It records events that occurred when the Jews were captives in Persia. Esther was a Jewish maiden who served as queen of Persia. She used this position to deliver her people from massacre.