*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.”