EZRA PREPARED HIS HEART. Ezra 7:1-10 The hand of God was surely on Ezra when he had “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” Restoration requires understanding and instruction that come from God’s word, so we don’t mistake our opinions for divine guidance. A man God uses is a man dedicated and devoted to God, and who is committed to obeying Him. God reinforces His chosen man in unexpected ways, preparing him to pass on what God has taught him. He can trust God to provide what is needed from unexpected sources.
Ezra was from a priestly lineage, but the priesthood was not active in Babylon, so he dedicated himself as a scribe (secretary) to studying the law. Initially, a scribe simply recorded what others said and copied the law. Over time, scribes became teachers of the law and, in some ways, replaced prophets. By the time of the New Testament, scribes had become the spiritual leaders of the Israelites. What Ezra learned, he practiced, and his expertise seemingly qualified him for a position in the court of political power. He was able to approach King Artaxerxes with requests, and the king granted them all.
When a person maintains fellowship with God, takes His “yoke” on him, and learns from the Lord, God works on their behalf and opens doors that would be closed to others.
The temple was rebuilt, and those who returned from Babylon resettled in their land, gradually integrating into the surrounding society. The older generation had passed away, and the younger generation became accustomed to life as it was, to the point of overlooking their unique place in the world. They viewed temple worship as routine and had become like everyone else, marrying those who were not God's chosen people. The sense of separation was lost because of the desire for personal pleasure.
This remains a recurring issue among God's people today, just as it was in the past. While we might not notice it at first, it eventually reaches a point where God can no longer treat us as "sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty." Thankfully, the Lord our God has plans and purposes for His people and does not easily give up on us. He is capable of reaching us when we stray from Him in ways we would never expect.
There is about a sixty-year gap between chapters 6 and 7. During this period, the events recorded in the book of Esther took place. Ezra, a man of God who was probably born in Babylon, dedicated himself to studying the Scriptures. He had “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” He was committed to living out what he learned and teaching others in the land of captivity. There were very difficult times when the Jews were even scheduled to be completely eliminated, if it hadn't been for Mordecai and Esther's willingness to stand up. Another king, Artaxerxes, rose to power in Babylon, and the godly Ezra gained his ear.
This is what holds lasting significance in the lives of God’s people. We need to understand the Word of God ourselves, then share it with our children and others through our words, actions, lifestyle, practical application of divine truth, and attitude toward God and others. Effective leaders don’t seek to promote themselves, but serve as examples of how God works through those who love, obey, and take joy in being His children. They don’t bother to keep track of their success, but often, unknowingly, they demonstrate what God can do through a person who is surrendered to Him. The influence of such people is often profound on those who know them.
The biblical accounts of historical events are not just meant to share interesting stories; they also serve spiritual purposes. Since not every detail is recorded, we understand that the passages included are intended to be understood within the context of God's people, providing knowledge of the times and the people for our growth. This allows us to learn from both the mistakes and the successes of those who came before us. Furthermore, there are moral lessons behind these stories that influence how we act and think. By reflecting on these people and events, we gain life lessons that we can apply today.
A rebuilt temple does not produce a committed people. "Things," no matter how inspiring and beautiful, do not alter a person's will. We can experience emotional highs that evoke feelings and short-term dedication, but it is the heart of a person that is truly drawn to our Lord that transforms a person and a life. It is concerning that, despite external changes, there is often a lack of genuine commitment to God and His will. Whenever God's work is in progress, some opposition is to be expected. Some opposition is overt and hostile. Some is subtle, suggestive, and alluring. The latter is often the most effective at stopping Christian testimony. The former is usually open and targets the physical and public aspects of God's work. The latter is appealing, tolerant, and pleasing to the flesh.
Ezra enters the situation and condition of the people of Israel and includes himself in the narrative throughout the rest of the book. He is the leader of another group of people who, sixty years after the temple's completion, traveled to Jerusalem. This group of returnees was able to go from Babylon to Jerusalem because God's hand was first on Ezra, then on the king, and finally on those who wished to go with Ezra. If they wanted to go, they could; therefore, there were priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and servants who aimed to preserve their national identity, testify to the Lord, and were willing to make the journey.
Doing work for God requires leadership that understands the Word of God and is willing to take responsibility and bear the necessary cost to accomplish the task. Ezra's genealogy in the priestly line traces back to Aaron, which not only gives him credibility as a leader but also as a man and spiritual leader who would speak for God. It was his initiative, generated by "the hand of the Lord his God upon him," that prompted the king to issue a decree of permission, opening the way for 2000 people to go to Jerusalem with Ezra. God once again used a pagan king to fulfill His will.