Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes to Israel.
Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;
And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:
That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.
The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.
And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,
Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.
Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem:
And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.
Ezra 7 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, shifting focus to the second return of exiles to Jerusalem, led by Ezra himself. This chapter highlights not only Ezra's lineage and expertise but also the remarkable favor he found in the eyes of King Artaxerxes of Persia. Understanding Ezra 7 is crucial for grasping the themes of restoration, obedience, and God's sovereign hand at work in the lives of His people.
Ezra's Lineage and Calling (Ezra 7:1-6)
The chapter opens by establishing Ezra's credentials. Several decades after the events of the previous chapters, during the reign of King Artaxerxes in 458 BC, Ezra arrives in Jerusalem. Ezra_7:1 provides his genealogy, meticulously tracing his lineage back to Aaron, the first high priest. This careful record serves to underscore his priestly heritage and legitimizes his role as a spiritual leader.
More than just a priest, Ezra is identified as a "scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra_7:6). In that era, a scribe was far more than a mere copyist. He was an expert in interpreting and teaching the Law, a vital role considering the spiritual state of the returning exiles. Although they had physically left Babylon, the influences of Babylonian culture, including idolatry and immorality, still lingered among them. Ezra's primary mission was to address this spiritual contamination and lead the people back to faithful obedience.
The text emphasizes that the king granted Ezra everything he requested, attributing this to the fact that "the hand of the LORD his God was on him" (Ezra_7:6). This is a recurring theme throughout Ezra and Nehemiah, highlighting God's active involvement in orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes for Israel. While human leaders like Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes provided protection, authority, and resources, God was the ultimate King, working behind the scenes to ensure the restoration of His people.
Ezra's Heart and Ministry (Ezra 7:10)
Ezra_7:10 reveals the secret to Ezra's effectiveness: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." This verse encapsulates the essence of godly leadership and offers a timeless model for all who seek to serve God.
First, Ezra studied the Law. He recognized the supreme authority of God's Word. When the divine Ruler of the universe communicates, it demands our utmost attention. Ezra was determined to know God's Word intimately.
Second, he obeyed it. Ezra was not content with mere intellectual understanding. He understood that true knowledge of God's Word must translate into transformed living. God desires His Word to shape our decisions and guide our lives. Knowing it is not enough; we must live in submission to it.
Third, he taught it. Ezra understood that his responsibility extended beyond personal study and obedience. He was called to share God's Word with others so that they, in turn, could understand and obey it. This three-fold commitment – studying, obeying, and teaching – is the key to personal and communal transformation.
Ezra's example reminds us of the vital importance of godly leadership within the church. God uses leaders to build His kingdom in history. Spiritual leadership today involves helping others mature in their faith and become effective in ministry. A true leader, like Ezra, knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
The King's Decree (Ezra 7:11-26)
Ezra arrived in Jerusalem carrying a letter from King Artaxerxes (Ezra_7:11), granting permission for any Jew in his kingdom to return to Jerusalem (Ezra_7:13). The letter also detailed how local authorities were to provide financial assistance to the Jews (Ezra_7:15-24). The king’s edict focused on facilitating the worship of "the God of the heavens" (Ezra_7:12, 21).
The returning exiles brought with them silver and gold from the king and his counselors for God's house, as well as offerings from people throughout the province of Babylon (Ezra_7:15-16). These details are remarkable, showcasing the extent of God's provision. The king not only allowed the exiles to return but also ensured they had the resources to restore the temple and worship their God.
While Artaxerxes may not have been a true follower of the Lord, he recognized the power of "the God of the heavens." Like Darius before him (see Ezra_6:10), he likely sought to experience the favor of the God of Israel. He commanded obedience to God, so that wrath would not fall on his realm (Ezra_7:23). This highlights a common theme in the Old Testament: even pagan rulers acknowledged the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel.
Ezra's Response: Praise and Courage (Ezra 7:27-28)
Ezra responded to this extraordinary display of royal support with heartfelt praise: "Blessed be the LORD" (Ezra_7:27). He recognized that praise was the only appropriate response to God's sovereign provision. Ezra acknowledged that God had put it into the king's mind to glorify the house of the LORD in Jerusalem (Ezra_7:27).
Furthermore, Ezra was emboldened to accomplish the work before him because he had been strengthened by the hand of the LORD (Ezra_7:28). When we know our God and experience His powerful work in our lives, we gain the confidence and courage to fulfill the ministry He has given us.
Ezra 7 serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. He uses both human leaders and seemingly coincidental circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Like Ezra, we are called to dedicate ourselves to studying, obeying, and teaching God's Word, trusting that He will provide the resources and strength we need to fulfill His calling.
Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,
The son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub,
The son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth,
The son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki,
The son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest:
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.
For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord, and of his statutes to Israel.
Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time.
I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee.
Forasmuch as thou art sent of the king, and of his seven counsellors, to enquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of thy God which is in thine hand;
And to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counsellors have freely offered unto the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
And all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem:
That thou mayest buy speedily with this money bullocks, rams, lambs, with their meat offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.
And whatsoever shall seem good to thee, and to thy brethren, to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do after the will of your God.
The vessels also that are given thee for the service of the house of thy God, those deliver thou before the God of Jerusalem.
And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure house.
And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily,
Unto an hundred talents of silver, and to an hundred measures of wheat, and to an hundred baths of wine, and to an hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.
Whatsoever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven: for why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons?
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that is in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that are beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know them not.
And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.
Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, which hath put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem:
And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.
Ezra 7 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, shifting focus to the second return of exiles to Jerusalem, led by Ezra himself. This chapter highlights not only Ezra's lineage and expertise but also the remarkable favor he found in the eyes of King Artaxerxes of Persia. Understanding Ezra 7 is crucial for grasping the themes of restoration, obedience, and God's sovereign hand at work in the lives of His people.
Ezra's Lineage and Calling (Ezra 7:1-6)
The chapter opens by establishing Ezra's credentials. Several decades after the events of the previous chapters, during the reign of King Artaxerxes in 458 BC, Ezra arrives in Jerusalem. Ezra_7:1 provides his genealogy, meticulously tracing his lineage back to Aaron, the first high priest. This careful record serves to underscore his priestly heritage and legitimizes his role as a spiritual leader.
More than just a priest, Ezra is identified as a "scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra_7:6). In that era, a scribe was far more than a mere copyist. He was an expert in interpreting and teaching the Law, a vital role considering the spiritual state of the returning exiles. Although they had physically left Babylon, the influences of Babylonian culture, including idolatry and immorality, still lingered among them. Ezra's primary mission was to address this spiritual contamination and lead the people back to faithful obedience.
The text emphasizes that the king granted Ezra everything he requested, attributing this to the fact that "the hand of the LORD his God was on him" (Ezra_7:6). This is a recurring theme throughout Ezra and Nehemiah, highlighting God's active involvement in orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes for Israel. While human leaders like Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes provided protection, authority, and resources, God was the ultimate King, working behind the scenes to ensure the restoration of His people.
Ezra's Heart and Ministry (Ezra 7:10)
Ezra_7:10 reveals the secret to Ezra's effectiveness: "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel." This verse encapsulates the essence of godly leadership and offers a timeless model for all who seek to serve God.
First, Ezra studied the Law. He recognized the supreme authority of God's Word. When the divine Ruler of the universe communicates, it demands our utmost attention. Ezra was determined to know God's Word intimately.
Second, he obeyed it. Ezra was not content with mere intellectual understanding. He understood that true knowledge of God's Word must translate into transformed living. God desires His Word to shape our decisions and guide our lives. Knowing it is not enough; we must live in submission to it.
Third, he taught it. Ezra understood that his responsibility extended beyond personal study and obedience. He was called to share God's Word with others so that they, in turn, could understand and obey it. This three-fold commitment – studying, obeying, and teaching – is the key to personal and communal transformation.
Ezra's example reminds us of the vital importance of godly leadership within the church. God uses leaders to build His kingdom in history. Spiritual leadership today involves helping others mature in their faith and become effective in ministry. A true leader, like Ezra, knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
The King's Decree (Ezra 7:11-26)
Ezra arrived in Jerusalem carrying a letter from King Artaxerxes (Ezra_7:11), granting permission for any Jew in his kingdom to return to Jerusalem (Ezra_7:13). The letter also detailed how local authorities were to provide financial assistance to the Jews (Ezra_7:15-24). The king’s edict focused on facilitating the worship of "the God of the heavens" (Ezra_7:12, 21).
The returning exiles brought with them silver and gold from the king and his counselors for God's house, as well as offerings from people throughout the province of Babylon (Ezra_7:15-16). These details are remarkable, showcasing the extent of God's provision. The king not only allowed the exiles to return but also ensured they had the resources to restore the temple and worship their God.
While Artaxerxes may not have been a true follower of the Lord, he recognized the power of "the God of the heavens." Like Darius before him (see Ezra_6:10), he likely sought to experience the favor of the God of Israel. He commanded obedience to God, so that wrath would not fall on his realm (Ezra_7:23). This highlights a common theme in the Old Testament: even pagan rulers acknowledged the power and sovereignty of the God of Israel.
Ezra's Response: Praise and Courage (Ezra 7:27-28)
Ezra responded to this extraordinary display of royal support with heartfelt praise: "Blessed be the LORD" (Ezra_7:27). He recognized that praise was the only appropriate response to God's sovereign provision. Ezra acknowledged that God had put it into the king's mind to glorify the house of the LORD in Jerusalem (Ezra_7:27).
Furthermore, Ezra was emboldened to accomplish the work before him because he had been strengthened by the hand of the LORD (Ezra_7:28). When we know our God and experience His powerful work in our lives, we gain the confidence and courage to fulfill the ministry He has given us.
Ezra 7 serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. He uses both human leaders and seemingly coincidental circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Like Ezra, we are called to dedicate ourselves to studying, obeying, and teaching God's Word, trusting that He will provide the resources and strength we need to fulfill His calling.