Why Ezra, the Prophet and Priest, Has Such a Powerful Story
Share
Ezra. Who was this important man? Have you heard the name or perhaps participated in a study of Ezra? Ezra was a scribe and a priest. We read about him in the Old Testament. Although details of his birth, youth, and family information are not shared in Scripture, we learn that Ezra was a man dedicated to God and to following the will of God.
Who Was Ezra in the Bible?
The Bible shares limited details about Ezra. His role in fulfilling prophecy and in sharing the message of God was vital to believers and non-believers. His hair color, height, weight, and other facts are not shared in Scripture. We don’t learn things like what he liked to eat, or if he was a large person or a small person.
As with other important people in the Bible, Ezra’s main goal was to further the kingdom of God. By not knowing the exact features of Ezra, we can focus on his journey and mission for God. Instead of thinking about his appearance, what he ate each day or specifics about his family, we are able to focus on God and not on the scribe named Ezra.
God gives each person special and unique talents. Those gifts given by God can be used to bring others closer to Him.
If we focus on a person, we may lose sight of the journey to God.
Ezra knew the law of Moses. He had his heart set on studying the law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10 NIV). The king granted Ezra all he asked because the hand of the Lord was on him.
Imagine being so fully dedicated to the Lord that your main mission in life would be to serve Him and share the message with others.
Ezra studied the Torah, lived it, and taught the Torah to others.
Ezra listened, prayed, followed the Word of God, and obeyed.
What Did He Do in His Lifetime?
Ezra the scribe was a courageous man. When Ezra led the exiles back from Babylon, he didn’t ask for an army to guide them. Ezra believed the group would be protected by God.
He knew there could be severe consequences for following God, yet he chose to obey. His dedication to God is important for believers and showed non-believers the possible results if they did not obey the law of God.
Today, we have consequences for our actions. God’s Word is forever. His mercy and forgiveness are available if sins are confessed, and we ask for His mercy.
Ezra showed his obedience to God by leading a group of Jewish exiles home from Babylon. He arrived about 58 years after the Temple was completed. He was sent by Artaxerxes with specific assignments to complete.
Scripture tells that not all exiles returned. Only those people who the Spirit of God had stirred returned.
During this time, vessels that had been taken from the Temple were returned as well. Some scholars suggest that the return of the vessels may have had a special meaning of continuity between the new Temple and the destroyed one.
When the Temple was completed and dedicated, offerings of bulls, rams, lambs, and a sin offering for all of Israel were presented. Also, 12 male goats were presented to represent the number of tribes of Israel (Ezra 6:16-18 NIV).
A controversial matter arose when Ezra learned about mixed marriages occurring. Marrying someone from another tribe was a concern.
Artaxerxes gives a letter to Ezra, telling the people that whatever Ezra requires of them, they are to do that with dedication. Ezra is given authority by Artaxerxes to appoint judges and others for positions of importance.
In the matter of breaking the law, Scripture tells that those who don’t obey God will be judged and put to death or banishment or confiscation of their goods (Ezra 7:26 NIV).
Ezra is ashamed of how some people have broken the law. He prays and tells God that he is ashamed of the iniquities of the people. He asks for forgiveness for the people (Ezra 9:5 NIV). Ezra was extremely upset, tore his clothing, and pulled out hair from his beard and head.
How did the people respond, knowing they had broken the law? They swore to make a covenant with God to send away all foreign wives and children (Ezra 10:6 NIV).
At one point, when Ezra learned there were no Levites in the group of exiles, he sent for Levite leaders. The group fasted and prayed to God for a safe journey as they returned from exile. He mourned the faithlessness of the exiles.
They had claimed to want to do one thing, but they pursued another way. How often do we fail? We plan to follow His way, yet we get caught up in our own desires. Do we ask for God’s forgiveness?
This account in the Bible reminds us there are people who will follow God at all costs and others who will only follow God when things work out the way they desire.
Why Is the Story of the Exiles Returning so Powerful?
Have you ever been given a second chance at something? Or perhaps a third, fourth, fifth, or more chances? The returning of the exiles is filled with emotion and drama. Do you think the road was dusty? Were people becoming sick along the journey? What did each day hold for the people?
Returning from exile meant a new start for those who aimed to obey the will of God.
The actions of the people meant they had the opportunity for a new beginning. The forgiveness of sins and the ability to start new.
Laws were created by God and those laws were meant to be obeyed. Did the people have failures once they returned from exile? Yes. We can aim to follow the will of God, yet there are times when we fail. In those times of failure, we are able to go to God and ask for His forgiveness and mercy. Ezra asked God for forgiveness of the people who had broken the laws.
Ezra led the exiles back while understanding there would be consequences for sins. There would be struggles and trials. Ezra knew God would be with the people.
We are responsible for our words and actions. Yet, our hope is found in Him.
25 Important Lessons to Learn from Ezra’s Life
Be alert for God’s message.
Dedicate yourself to following God.
Dedicate yourself to obeying the will of God.
Ask for His guidance.
Pray before making any decisions.
Be ready to act according to the plan God has for your life.
Give thanks in every circumstance.
Share the love of God with others.
Help guide others to a relationship with God.
Be strong and courageous.
God is always with you.
When trials come, go to God first.
Follow His commandments.
Remember Ezra and others who dedicated their lives to God.
There are consequences for our words and actions.
Set your eyes on the goal ahead, the goal of drawing closer to God.
When questions or doubts arise, go to God.
Seek wisdom from others who follow God.
Remember we all sin and fall short of the glory of God.
Remember God forgives when we ask.
The love of God is forever.
The journey may be hard at times, but God will never leave.
God will equip us with what is needed to further His kingdom.
We can learn from the mistakes and successes of others.
God loves you forever.
Ezra was dedicated to serving God. Our hope is found in Him.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Javier Art Photography
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our People from the Bible Series featuring the most well-known historical names and figures from Scripture. We have compiled these articles to help you study those whom God chose to set before us as examples in His Word. May their lives and walks with God strengthen your faith and encourage your soul.
The Bible Story of Elijah
The Life of Ruth - 5 Essential Faith Lessons
The Bible Story of Queen Esther
The Greatest Villain - King Nebuchadnezzar
The Bible Story of Mary Magdalene