What qualities made Ezra a "skilled scribe" in the Law of Moses? Verse under consideration “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 granted him everything he requested, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.” (Ezra 7:6) Considering Ezra’s background • Descendant of Aaron through a long, carefully recorded priestly line (Ezra 7:1-5) • Raised in Babylon yet remained uncompromised in faith and practice • Carried both priestly and scribal responsibilities—he knew the text and loved the God behind the text Qualities evident in Ezra 7:6 • Skilled – fluent in the Hebrew text, able to read, write, copy, and explain it accurately • Centered on the Law of Moses – his expertise focused on God’s revealed Word, not human philosophy • Recognized by secular authority – even the Persian king trusted his competence, granting “everything he requested” • Supported by divine favor – “the hand of the LORD his God was upon him,” underscoring that true skill is empowered by God Further insights from Ezra 7:10 “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.” • Set his heart – an intentional, wholehearted commitment • Study – disciplined examination, memorization, and meditation • Practice – personal obedience; he lived what he learned • Teach – a passion to pass on truth accurately and compellingly The role of God’s hand • Ezra 7:9 – “the gracious hand of his God was upon him” • Psalm 119:98-100 – the Word gives wisdom beyond teachers; Ezra exemplified this • God’s enabling presence turned Ezra’s diligence into Spirit-empowered effectiveness Application for today • Revere Scripture as fully accurate and authoritative, just as Ezra did • Cultivate disciplined study, not casual reading • Align life with learned truth—obedience is the bridge from knowledge to wisdom • Share Scripture faithfully, trusting God to work through His Word (2 Timothy 2:2) |
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