Ezra 7:7-10 – To Study the Law of the LORD
Today, we learn something of Ezra’s motives for moving to Jerusalem. In the seventh year of Artaxerxes’ reign (about 458 B.C.), Ezra sets out on his journey from Babylonia. Accompanying him are several other Israelites, some of whom are priests, others are Levites who are the hereditary singers and gatekeepers in the Temple, as well as some Temple servants. (The term used for these “servants” is the same we saw before that indicates that these are likely the descendants of the Gibeonites – Canaanites who became servants of the LORD and, thus, eventually became Israelites by faith). As verse nine indicates, the journey took four months – and we will learn more about what occurred during that time in chapter eight.
Why did Ezra do this? Why did he lead this expedition on this arduous journey? Was it because he knew that in Jerusalem his priestly status might offer him privileges and honor? Was it historic nostalgia – a desire to live where his ancestors lived? The Scripture tells us his main motivation was to study the Law of the LORD “and to teach His statutes and rules in Israel.” Of course, Ezra was already a scribe who studied the Law of Moses. There were plenty of copies of the Scriptures available in Babylonia. If he merely “set his heart to study the Law of the LORD,” he could have done that without moving – though it is certain that Jerusalem, with the new Temple was clearly becoming the center of such study of Scripture. More than just private study, Ezra desired to teach. He knew there was a need for qualified teachers of Scripture in Jerusalem, and so he went there.
Not everyone is called to teach in the Church. It is important that we have well-trained and well-qualified elders to carry out the formal instruction of God’s people. Nevertheless, Ezra is an example to us all. We must not be content merely to engage in private Bible study, but rather be ready to share what we learn. By doing so, believers can be iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17), helping each other grow in the knowledge of the LORD, and we can be better prepared to share God’s Truth with the world around us.
Questions
- Why did Ezra make this move to Jerusalem?
- What does this encourage us to do?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we may be bold to share what we learn from God’s Word.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.