Ezra

Ezra’s story is told in Ezra 7:1-10:16; Nehemiah 8:1-12:36

  • Who is Ezra?
    • Scribe and Priest: He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses and a priest, belonging to the line of Aaron.
    • Post-Exile Leader: He led the second group of Israelites who returned from Babylonian exile around 458 B.C.
    • Champion of the Torah: Ezra had a deep respect for the Law and was committed to teaching and upholding it.
  • Strengths and Accomplishments
    • Knowledge of the Law: Ezra was “well versed in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6).
    • Favor with Leaders: He found favor in the eyes of Persian King Artaxerxes, who allowed him to return to Jerusalem and provided resources (Ezra 7:11-26).
    • Spiritual Reformation: Organized a public reading and explanation of the Law, which led to national repentance (Nehemiah 8).
    • Rebuilding Community: Helped in the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem, working in tandem with leaders like Nehemiah.
    • Restoring Purity: Took strong measures to abolish the practice of marrying foreign wives, which was against the Law (Ezra 9-10).
  • Weaknesses and Mistakes
    • Limited Political Impact: Ezra did not have the political skill set of someone like Nehemiah; his influence was more on the religious side.
    • Harsh Measures: Some might argue that his actions against those who had intermarried were severe.
  • Lessons from His Life
    • Obedience to God: Ezra’s life exemplified obedience to God’s commandments.
    • Importance of the Word: His commitment to the Law underscores the importance of Scripture in the life of a believer.
    • Spiritual Leadership: He demonstrates the impact that one dedicated spiritual leader can have on a community.
    • Prayer and Fasting: Before undertaking important tasks, Ezra led the people in prayer and fasting (Ezra 8:21-23).
  • Key Verses (NIV)
    • Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.”
    • Ezra 8:21-23: “There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions… So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.”