Topical Bible: Obedience: Ezra

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Ezra, a central figure in the post-exilic period of Israel's history, is a profound example of obedience to God's law and commands. As a scribe and priest, Ezra's life and mission were deeply rooted in the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. His account is primarily found in the Book of Ezra, which details his efforts to reestablish the law of God among the people of Israel.

Ezra's Commitment to the Law

Ezra's obedience is first and foremost demonstrated through his unwavering commitment to the Law of Moses. Ezra 7:10 states, "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." This verse highlights Ezra's dedication not only to understanding the law but also to living it out and instructing others in its precepts. His obedience was not passive; it was an active pursuit of God's will, reflecting a heart fully devoted to the Lord.

The Journey to Jerusalem

Ezra's journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was marked by his reliance on God and his adherence to divine guidance. Before embarking on this significant mission, Ezra sought the Lord's favor through fasting and prayer, as recorded in Ezra 8:21-23 : "Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a safe journey for us, our children, and all our possessions." Ezra's obedience is evident in his dependence on God for protection and success, rather than seeking military support from the king.

Reformation and Covenant Renewal

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra was confronted with the issue of intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding pagan nations. This was a direct violation of God's commandments, and Ezra's response was one of deep mourning and intercession. Ezra 9:3-4 describes his reaction: "When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some of the hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror." Ezra's obedience to God's law compelled him to address the sin within the community, leading to a covenant renewal and the people's recommitment to God's statutes.

Ezra's Leadership and Influence

Ezra's leadership was characterized by his obedience to God, which in turn inspired the people to follow suit. His influence was instrumental in the spiritual revival of the Jewish community. Ezra 10:1 illustrates the impact of his obedience: "While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him. And the people wept bitterly." Ezra's example of obedience led to collective repentance and a renewed dedication to the covenant.

Legacy of Obedience

Ezra's legacy is one of steadfast obedience to God, serving as a model for future generations. His life underscores the importance of aligning one's actions with God's will and the transformative power of obedience in restoring and maintaining a covenant relationship with the Lord. Through his commitment to the law and his leadership, Ezra played a pivotal role in the spiritual and communal restoration of Israel, demonstrating that true obedience to God involves both personal devotion and communal responsibility.

Nave's Topical Index

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Spiritual Revival
... Above all else, Ezra was a teacher of the law; and as he gave personal ... people with
the holiness of this law and the blessings to be gained through obedience. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 51 a spiritual revival.htm

Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
... Neither Ezra nor Nehemiah originated the gathering together ... true defence of Israel
was in God, and the condition of His defending was Israel's obedience to His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/reading the law with tears.htm

Reformation
... describe also the nobility, devotion, and self-sacrifice of Ezra and Nehemiah. ... God's
commands are placed over against the blessings resulting from obedience. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 57 reformation.htm

Altar and Temple
... Surely their glad and unanimous obedience to the summons, or, as it may even have
been, their spontaneous ... Similarly in Ezra 2:2, Zerubbabel precedes Jeshua. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

"The House of Israel"
... These promises were conditional on obedience. ... Under the leadership of Zerubbabel,
of Ezra, and of Nehemiah they repeatedly covenanted to keep all the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 59 the house of.htm

From Malachi to the Birth of Christ.
... Ezra and Nehemiah were at Jerusalem, one the governor and the other the priest ... too
far away; (b) They laid too much stress upon outward obedience and, thereby ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter xvii from malachi to.htm

The Name of the Place Where John Baptized is not Bethany, as in ...
... who is called the friend of the Saviour, than Bethany, the House of obedience? ... the
beginning down to, say, the passage about Dan, [4929] and similarly in Ezra. ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/24 the name of the.htm

Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... time of Josiah, 2 Chron.34.29 to 33, and in the time of Ezra, Ezra 10..1 ... Gospel taught
by a Minister of the Gospel, it bindeth to faith and obedience, not only ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm

A Reformer's Schooling
... rebuilding the defences, which had been stopped by superior orders (Ezra 4:12 ... ample
space of His covenant, and ourselves within its terms, by loving obedience. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a reformers schooling.htm

The Christian State
... strong enough to be always master, unless he transform his strength into right and
obedience to duty ... Matthew 5:17; 22:36-40; Hebrews 8:10; Titus 3:1,2; Ezra 7:25 ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study xiii the christian state.htm