Ezra’s story is told in Ezra 7:1-10:16; Nehemiah 8:1-12:36
Ezra: A Faithful Teacher Who Brought God’s Word Back to the People
Have you ever had to start over? That’s what the people of Israel had to do after years of living far from their homeland. They were returning from exile, trying to rebuild their lives and reconnect with God. In the middle of all this, one man stood out—Ezra. He wasn’t a warrior or a king. He was a teacher, a priest, and a man who loved God’s Word.
Ezra’s story shows us how powerful it can be when one person decides to learn, live, and share the truth.
Who Was Ezra?
Ezra was a priest and a scribe, which means he had an important job—he copied and taught God’s laws. He was a descendant of Aaron, Moses’ brother, which connected him to the priests of Israel’s early history.
Ezra lived during a time when many Jews were returning to Jerusalem after being in exile in Babylon. The city and the temple were in ruins. The people needed more than just buildings—they needed to reconnect with God. That’s where Ezra came in.
The Journey Back to Jerusalem
Ezra was chosen to lead a group of people back to Jerusalem. The king of Persia, Artaxerxes, gave him permission and support, even sending gold and silver to help rebuild the temple.
Before starting the journey, Ezra gathered everyone and called for a time of prayer and fasting. They didn’t ask for guards to protect them—instead, they asked God for help. Ezra trusted that God would keep them safe, and He did.
Ezra’s Love for God’s Word
One verse sums up Ezra’s heart perfectly:
“Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those laws to the people.” — Ezra 7:10
This tells us three important things about Ezra:
- He studied God’s Word.
- He lived what he learned.
- He taught others how to follow it.
Ezra wasn’t just a scholar. He didn’t want to know Scripture just for knowledge—he wanted to live it out and help others do the same.
Helping the People Turn Back to God
When Ezra arrived in Jerusalem, he discovered that the people had once again turned away from God. Many had married people who worshipped other gods, which led to compromise and sin. Ezra was heartbroken.
Instead of getting angry, he fell on his knees and prayed, asking God to forgive the people. His prayer was honest and humble. He didn’t act like he was better than everyone else—he included himself in the prayer.
Because of Ezra’s example, the people began to repent—they realized they had done wrong and wanted to make it right. That’s what true spiritual leadership looks like.
What We Can Learn from Ezra
Ezra’s life teaches us several important lessons:
1. God can use anyone who loves His Word.
Ezra wasn’t a king or warrior, but he made a huge difference because he cared deeply about God’s truth.
2. Real change starts with personal faithfulness.
Before Ezra taught others, he made sure to live out what he believed.
3. Turning back to God is always possible.
Even when things seem broken, God welcomes us when we come to Him with humble hearts.
Final Thoughts
Ezra wasn’t flashy or famous like some Bible heroes, but his quiet faithfulness made a big impact. He helped an entire nation rediscover the beauty of God’s Word and the power of true worship.
In a world filled with noise and distraction, Ezra reminds us to slow down, open our Bibles, and let God’s truth shape our lives.
Are you learning, living, and sharing God’s Word like Ezra did?