Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem

1Many years later,a during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, 2the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 3the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, 4the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest— 6this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given.

The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him. 7So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants.b

8Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. 9He had begun the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was upon him. 10For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Artaxerxes’ Letter for Ezra

11This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel:c

12Artaxerxes, king of kings.

To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven:

Greetings.d

13I hereby decree that any volunteers among the Israelites in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem. 14You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand.

15Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 16together with all the silver and gold you may find in all the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests to the house of their God in Jerusalem. 17With this money, therefore, you are to buy as many bulls, rams, and lambs as needed, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings, and offer them on the altar at the house of your God in Jerusalem. 18You and your brothers may do whatever seems best with the rest of the silver and gold, according to the will of your God.

19You must deliver to the God of Jerusalem all the articles given to you for the service of the house of your God. 20And if anything else is needed for the house of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may pay for it from the royal treasury.

21I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates:e Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, 22up to a hundred talents of silver,f a hundred cors of wheat,g a hundred baths of wine,h a hundred baths of olive oil,i and salt without limit. 23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? 24And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.

25And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God, which you possess, are to appoint magistrates and judges to judge all the people west of the Euphrates—all who know the laws of your God. And you are to teach these laws to anyone who does not know them. 26If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

Ezra Blesses God

27Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, 28and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials.

And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me.

1. The Importance of Knowing God's Word
Ezra 7:10 tells us, "For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel." Ezra's dedication to understanding Scripture is a powerful reminder of the importance of immersing ourselves in God's Word. By knowing Scripture, we can better align our lives with God's will and be equipped to share His truth with others.

2. The Power of a Prepared Heart
Ezra's journey begins with a heart prepared to seek the Lord. This preparation is not just about intellectual readiness but a deep, spiritual commitment. When we prepare our hearts to seek God, we open ourselves to His guidance and wisdom, allowing Him to work through us in mighty ways.

3. The Role of Leadership in Spiritual Revival
Ezra was a leader who played a crucial role in the spiritual revival of Israel. His leadership was rooted in his devotion to God and His laws. As leaders in our communities, families, or workplaces, we can inspire others by living out our faith authentically and passionately.

4. God's Sovereignty in Our Lives
Ezra 7:6 states, "This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he requested, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him." This verse highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes. Trusting in God's plan allows us to move forward with confidence, knowing He is in control.

5. The Blessing of Favor
Ezra found favor with King Artaxerxes, which was a direct result of God's blessing. When we walk in obedience to God, we often find favor in unexpected places. This favor is not for our glory but to further God's kingdom and purposes.

6. The Importance of Community Support
Ezra did not journey alone; he was accompanied by others who shared his vision. This underscores the importance of community in our spiritual walk. Surrounding ourselves with fellow believers provides encouragement, accountability, and strength as we pursue God's calling.

7. The Value of Generosity
In Ezra 7:15-16, the king and his counselors provide silver and gold for the temple. This act of generosity supports the work of God and demonstrates the impact of giving. Our resources, when used for God's purposes, can have a profound effect on advancing His kingdom.

8. The Necessity of Obedience
Ezra's life exemplifies obedience to God's commands. His commitment to following God's laws serves as a model for us. Obedience is not always easy, but it is essential for living a life that honors God and reflects His character.

9. The Impact of Teaching God's Word
Ezra was not only a student of the Word but also a teacher. By sharing God's statutes and ordinances, he helped guide the people of Israel back to a right relationship with God. Teaching others about God's Word is a powerful way to influence lives and bring about transformation.

10. The Assurance of God's Presence
Throughout Ezra's journey, the hand of God was upon him, providing guidance and protection. This assurance of God's presence is available to us as well. When we seek Him with all our hearts, we can be confident that He is with us, leading us every step of the way.

Pray for Favor and Guidance
Seek God's favor and guidance in our personal and communal endeavors, trusting in His sovereign plan.

Pray for Godly Leadership
Lift up leaders in the church and community, asking God to grant them wisdom, humility, and a heart for His purposes.

Pray for Revival
Request a spiritual awakening in our communities, similar to the revival led by Ezra, that turns hearts back to God.

2. In Ezra 7:6–7, is there any historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible confirming Ezra’s authority and mission under Artaxerxes?

3. In Ezra 7:11–20, how could a foreign monarch have so willingly granted vast resources and freedom to a Jewish priest when such acts were uncommon in that era?

4. In Ezra 7:21–24, does the decree’s broad tax exemption align with known Persian administrative policies, or is it historically implausible?

5. In Ezra 7:25–26, are there extra-biblical sources supporting Ezra’s power to set up a judicial system in Judah, or might these verses reflect exaggerated claims?

1. How does Ezra's lineage establish his credibility as a leader?

2. What can we learn from King Artaxerxes' actions and how he treated Ezra?

3. In what ways does the king's decree reflect God’s sovereignty?

4. How does Ezra’s dedication to studying, observing, and teaching the law inspire your personal spiritual walk?

5. How do you see God's favor playing a role in Ezra's life, and how have you experienced God's favor in your own life?

6. How did Ezra respond to the decree of King Artaxerxes, and what can we learn from his reaction?

7. How can we apply the principles of obedience to God’s laws in our lives today?

8. How does Ezra 7 portray the importance of godly leadership?

9. In the modern world, what might "rebuilding the temple" symbolize in our personal lives?

10. How does Ezra model humility in his actions, and how can we follow his example?

11. How does Ezra 7 inspire you to use your skills and knowledge for God’s service?

12. How would you handle a situation where you are called to a leadership position like Ezra?

13. In today's context, how can we interpret the king's command to give generously to the house of God?

14. What role does prayer and thanksgiving play in Ezra's journey, and how does it apply to your life circumstances?

15. How does Ezra 7 emphasize the need for righteous judgment in society?

16. How would you respond if you were given the responsibility of enforcing God's laws like Ezra?

17. How does the theme of restoration and renewal in Ezra 7 apply to the church today?

18. In the light of Ezra 7, how can we view secular authorities and their potential roles in God's plan?

19. What does the role of Ezra tell us about God’s use of individuals for His grand purposes?

20. What steps can you take to prepare yourself, like Ezra did, if God calls you to a challenging task?