There are not many characters in the bible that are known to be well versed in the Law of Moses or in the word of God. Whenever there is one, it is always mentioned as though to remind us that it is not a common thing. Well, Ezra is one of those who were highlighted in the bible to know and love the word of God. In the book that bears his name, it is said that “… he was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses” and again he “had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel” (Ezra 7:6, 10). So, what made Ezra’s character distinct was the fact that he was not only committed to studying the law of God but also to observing it. I couldn’t help but think about Psalm 1 to see how true that scripture is and how it played out in the life of Ezra. So, in today’s post, let’s look at Ezra briefly, what he did and how that should spur us on in our Christian journey.
Ezra was a scribe and a priest. He lived during the Babylonian regime and belonged to the people of Judah living in exile in Babylon because their ancestors had been deported from Jerusalem. Ezra’s influence as priest and teacher of the Law did not extend only to his people but it was noticeable to the Babylonian king. Indeed, it is King Artaxerxes that made a decree that Ezra, as teacher of the Law of God, was to return to Jerusalem to “inquire about Judah and Jerusalem with regard to the Law of your God” (Ezra 7:14). Additionally, the King Artaxerxes ordered that Ezra’s trip be sponsored by his treasury and offered gifts and offerings, in the order of gold, silver and animals. I am persuaded that Ezra’s character was as visible and influential as Daniel’s was. Ezra’s devotion also shows us that indeed “blessed is the man whose delight is in the word of God” for truly he is like a tree planted by streams of water (Psalm 1:1-3). Everything he does prospers. Because of Ezra’s devotion to the word of God, many Israelites returned to Jerusalem. The worship of God had not been done properly since the exile but now that the temple was rebuilt, the right worship could be done again. This was what Ezra wanted the people to understand. God could be among His people again, the people could honour Him again and offer the offerings and sacrifices He had instituted. There were so many things that had to be taught and relearned because most of the generation Ezra was among hadn’t known the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They hadn’t known His statutes and His ways. My guess is all they knew was that they were God’s chosen people. Living in a foreign land can easily make you forget where you come from. You become accustomed to the ways of the land you are living in. Even in our modern day, many immigrants understand the challenge that is associated with leaving your land to a new land and acquiring new lifestyles to the point of forgetting the old. That was precisely the predicament of the people Ezra had the desire in his heart to teach. I personally wonder how this desire came about to him. It is also very impressive because many of his own fellow priests were not necessarily interested in such endeavors. One thing is clear, the Lord’s hand was upon Ezra therefore he had favour and was able to do what he set in his heart to do.
As Ezra embarked on this journey, God protected him throughout the trip as well as all those that were with him showing us again that the man whose delight is in the Law of God is truly one that prospers irrespective of the situation. Being a true follower of the Law, Ezra ensured that his trip was made of the right people which included the Levites and that it was committed to the Lord. Ezra understood that the temple worship had to include these special men as they were the only ones acceptable by God to perform any service in His temple. Ezra also knew that God had to go ahead of them for the trip to be a success. Therefore he summoned the people on the journey with him including the Levites to fast and humble themselves before the Lord for His protection and safe journey which the Lord answered (Ezra 8:21-23, 31). At their arrival, they rested for three days before starting the temple activities. I find it remarkable that Ezra understood the importance of rest in this manner. God’s Law and application was truly his mantra! After resting, they began the main reason for their return which was to worship the Lord their God in His temple. They “sacrificed burnt offerings to the God of Israel” according to the Law of Moses and returned the gold and silver as well as sacred articles to the temple. Ezra was truly ensuring that true worship be reinstated. However, as Ezra would painfully find out, worship in the temple had been corrupted. Ezra was told by another leader that there had been intermarriages among the people of Israel, particularly among priests. I cannot imagine what Ezra thought, it must have been devastating for him. The bible tells us that Ezra went into a mourning phase, he fasted, humbled himself before the Lord and prayed while confessing his sin and the sin of the people. The issue was so grave because these were leaders who should have known better. That is a perfect example of what “not having the whole counsel of God” can do to one’s life. Well, in order to restore the covenant with God and true worship, those detestable covenants made with foreign women had to be broken. Ezra asked everyone to separate from their foreign wives and kids. What is surprising is that all followed through and a few months later, all men that had married foreigners had separated from their foreign wives and kids. I believe what is important to note here is how sacred God views his covenant and how He wants us to also regard it. His words are true and we ought to believe and obey them.
What can we learn from Ezra? In simple terms, we should delight in the word of God which begins by becoming a student of the word of God. We need to learn to move from being “hearers” of the word to “doers” of it so that we would not be tossed around by every wind of doctrine and so that our lives would prosper. It is that simple really. Our obedience to the word of God is for our good and His commands are not burdensome! I love how a man’s life proves the veracity of scripture! God is good to us, He only has good thoughts toward us and His words are for our wellbeing. May we become the next Ezras in the name of Jesus!
A Word Aptly Spoken 