Ezra 7
Almost 80 years after Zerubbabel’s return, and 60 years after the completion and dedication of the Temple, in the seventh year of king Artaxerxes (7:7), we are introduced to Ezra and his part of God’s story. Ezra, whose genealogy can be traced directly back to “Aaron the chief priest” (7:5), served both as a priest and a scribe (7: 11). He excelled in his ministry as a scribe since he was “skilled in the Law of Moses” (7:6) and “learned in matters of the commandments of the Lord and his statutes for Israel” (7:11). His competency did not happen by accident: “For Ezra had set his heart to study (literally “to seek”) the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (7:11). His commitment to understanding, obeying, and teaching God’s Law prepared him for the ministry assignment God had for him. Where Zerubbabel was sent to rebuild the Temple, Ezra will concentrate on rebuilding the spiritual life of the people.
Though Ezra excelled as a spiritual scholar, his ministry required him to become a wise and effective leader. He oversaw the second wave of exiles to return to Jerusalem; a group comprised of “some of the people of Israel, and some of the priests and Levites, the singers and gatekeepers, and the temple servants” (7:7). While he had spent his life learning Scripture, he would now lead several thousand people on a four-month journey back to Jerusalem (4:9; 8:1-14).
As in Zerubbabel’s case, Ezra also embarks with the blessing and backing of the Persian king—in this case Artaxerxes (7:7). In verses 11-26, we find a copy of the king’s decree that details his mandate: first, to lead the people, priests, and Levites who willingly choose to go with him back to Jerusalem (7:12); second, after arriving in Jerusalem, “to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God” (7:14); third, to resource the Temple with silver and gold provided by the royal treasury and by free will offerings of Jews in Persia (7:15-16); fourth, to “appoint magistrates and judges who may judge all the people” (7:25-26); and fifth, to “teach” those who do not know the law of God (7:25).
In addition, Artaxerxes’ decree also commands the “treasurers in the province Beyond the River” to generously provide “whatever Ezra the priest . . . requires of you” (7:21). The king also forbids local government officials from imposing taxes or custom on any of the “priests, the Levites, the singers, or the doorkeepers, the temples servants, or other servants of this house of God” (7:24).
Artaxerxes’ stated motive in helping Erza’s mission relates to his own stability and success as the ruler of the empire: “Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven, lest his wrath be against the realm of the king and his sons” (7:23). While Artaxerxes had his own reasons for helping, Ezra sees a deeper reason for king’s favor: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem” (7:27). Ezra understands that God had providentially moved Artaxerxes and his officials to “extend to me his steadfast love” (7:28). Three times in this chapter, Ezra’s success is credited to the “hand of God” on his life (7:6, 9, 28).
Knowing God: Understanding His Person and Ways
God can move governmental leaders to support His work. Ezra blesses “the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem” (7:27). In response to Ezra’s request, the Persian king “granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him” (7:6). Here is a case study that highlights the truth of Proverbs 21:1: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” Knowing this should give courage for God’s people today to pray for God’s influence on “kings and all who are in high positions” (1 Tim 2:2). It should also embolden us to ask governmental officials for what we need to carry out God’s mission. While ungodly rulers can oppose God’s work, God can change their disposition when He desires.
God’s good hand is needed for his work to succeed. While Ezra stands tall as an exceptional spiritual leader, the reason for his success can be traced to God’s good hand on his life (7:6, 9, 28). While this truth doesn’t diminish the importance of godly, competent human leaders, it reminds us that that glory for ministry achievement belongs to God. As Proverbs 21:31 says, “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the Lord.” Godly leaders understand this and so they deflect praise upwards.
God good hand rests on leaders committed to His Word. The opening word in verse 10 (“For”) links God’s favour with Ezra’s devotion to God’s Word (7:9-10). God’s good hand rests on leaders who, like Ezra, set their hearts to “study the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach his statutes and rules” (7:10). If we set our hearts on God’s Word, we will have God’s wisdom “in our hands” (7:25). Leaders who build their lives around God’s Word gain clarity on God’s will and vision for God’s work.
Joining God: Moving with God on Mission
Becoming skilled in God’s Word requires setting our hearts on God’s Word. Ezra’s competency in the Scriptures flowed from his commitment to the Scriptures. He “set his heart” to study, obey, and teach God’s Word. This passionate devotion shaped him for spiritual leadership. Those who aspire to lead God’s people today should follow Ezra’s example in setting their hearts towards God’s Word.
Godly, capable teachers strengthen and shape the spiritual life of God’s people. The Lord blesses Ezra’s desire to teach God’s “statutes and rules” by providing opportunities for him to do this important work. As God used the prophetic ministry of Haggai and Zechariah to spur the Jews to rebuild (Ezra 1-6), so God uses the teaching ministry of Ezra (and other Levites) to spur the Jews to reform (Ezra 9-10; Nehemiah 8). God works through prophetic preaching and teaching to strengthen and shape the spiritual life of His people.
Godly leaders courageously gather other leaders to assist in God’s Work. Ezra understood his need for others to complete his mission. Sensing God’s good hand on his life, Ezra “took courage” and “gathered leading men from Israel” to accompany him (7:28). He had the wisdom and courage to intentionally enlist other priest and Levites to help with the monumental task of rebuilding the spiritual life of the nation (7:7; 8:15-20).
Spiritual ministry requires physical resources. While Ezra’s primary mission involved the spiritual renovation of the Jews in Judah and Jerusalem, his ministry required both people (priests, Levites) and provisions (gold, silver). Godly leaders don’t dismiss the need for practical necessities in accomplishing God’s mission. Raising followers and funds can be part of a spiritual leader’s assignment.
Rick and Linda Reed 