Ezra Arrives in The Land
May 29, 2020
Commentary
Between the events of chapter 6 and the return of Ezra in this chapter is a period of fifty-seven years. Although the people had reestablished temple worship under Zerubbabel and Joshua, they were clearly living in a backslidden and despondent condition. Life had become difficult, and many had lost spiritual focus. Families faced struggles and distractions from daily life, which weakened their devotion. No further reference is made to Zerubbabel and Joshua, so it is assumed that these leaders had died in the interval between chapters 6 and 7. Ezra, who was still residing in Babylon, had it laid upon his heart to lead another group back to Jerusalem and help the people return to faithful worship, teaching them to trust God completely.
Ezra went from Babylon to Jerusalem, for the good of his country. He gives information about himself that establishes his priestly lineage and gives him authority to deal with the law and worship of Jehovah. His lineage is traced all the way back to Aaron, the high priest under Moses. His home had been in Babylon, and he was a “ready scribe of the law”. This shows that he was more than just a scholar; he was deeply committed to living and teaching God’s Word faithfully, guiding others in understanding its meaning and applying it daily. Ezra came to Jerusalem with the approval of the king and was accompanied by a group that included priests, Levites, singers, and porters. Even though the heathen king permitted the return of Ezra, it was ultimately the hand of the Lord that made the return possible. Ezra spent his entire life studying the Law of the LORD and teaching it to others, inspiring the people to obey God, rebuild their community, and follow His commandments with devotion and faith.
Application
I take time to reflect before God. Am I choosing obedience over comfort? How am I preparing my heart through God’s Word to-day? Who can I encourage in faith today? I want to trust God’s guidance and take faithful steps, even in small moments. I de-pend on Him. I ask God to shape my heart for obedience.
Ezra 7:1–10 (NET)
1 Now after these things had happened, during the reign of King Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra came up from Babylon. Ezra was the son of Seraiah, who was the son of Azariah, who was the son of Hilkiah, 2 who was the son of Shallum, who was the son of Zadok, who was the son of Ahitub, 3 who was the son of Amariah, who was the son of Azariah, who was the son of Meraioth, 4 who was the son of Zerahiah, who was the son of Uzzi, who was the son of Bukki, 5 who was the son of Abishua, who was the son of Phinehas, who was the son of Eleazar, who was the son of Aaron the chief priest. 6 This Ezra is the one who came up from Babylon. He was a scribe who was skilled in the law of Moses which the Lord God of Israel had given. The king supplied him with everything he requested, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him. 7 In the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, Ezra brought up to Jerusalem some of the Israelites and some of the priests, the Levites, the attendants, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants. 8 He entered Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. 9 On the first day of the first month he had determined to make the ascent from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he arrived at Jerusalem, for the good hand of his God was on him. 10 Now Ezra had dedicated himself to the study of the law of the Lord, to its observance, and to teaching its statutes and judgments in Israel.
G. Campbell Morgan – Mother is The Best Preacher
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