Introduction

(Read Ezra 7:1–10) To appreciate this text, we must first step back and set it in historical context (timeline). Remember that Ezra 1–6 tell the story of the 1^st return. Jeshua and Zerubbabel led 42,000 Jews home from Babylon in 538 B.C. They endured many challenges, but finally, they finished the temple and celebrated God’s blessing in 516 B.C.

But 7:1 jumps to the reign of Artaxerxes, which you can see extends from 464–424 B.C. And v. 8 narrows these events to his 7^th year which scholars date to 458 B.C. So, there is roughly a 60-year gap between 6:22 and 7:1.

What happened during these 60 years? The incredible story of Esther took place in Persia during the reign of Xerxes. But we don’t know much about what happened in Jerusalem. 4:6 does say that the Samaritans tried to turn Xerxes against the Jews, and they probably did other things as well to make life difficult. So, while we don’t know many details, we can imagine that life in Israel remained hard.

That is hostility is probably why when Ezra does return, he will find that the returnees’ zeal for the Lord had waned in the days since the temple was finished. In fact, Ezra will find that many of the Jews had gone so far as to marrying Samaritan women, probably in an effort to gain favor with the Samaritans.

So, Israel’s zeal for the Lord and for holiness and grown cold, and the returnees were slowly blending in with their pagan neighbors. But God is always faithful to his purpose. Back in Babylon he was quietly moving in the heart of Ezra. And God will use him, not only to impact a nation but to set a course for Israel that continues into the time of Christ.

Ezra 7 introduces us to this incredible man. We’re going to see that the narrator will repeatedly emphasizes two themes. First, Ezra sets a powerful example for us in the fact that he spent years preparing for this moment. He studied God’s Word, he lived God’s Word, and he prepared to impact others with God’s Word. He was ready to be used of the Lord. Second, the narrator emphasizes the fact that God blessed Ezra’s preparation. It wasn’t ultimately Ezra who changed Israel’s course; it was God graciously working in response to Ezra’s diligence.

Therefore, I trust that we will be challenged by Ezra’s diligence and encouraged by God’s kindness. With that said, let’s jump into the text. Verses 1–10 highlight the fact that…

I.  Ezra prepared diligently (vv. 1–10).

But really, the text first highlights the fact that God uniquely prepared him for this important role.

Ezra’s Ancestry (vv. 1–5): The narrator makes this point by tracing his lineage back to Aaron, Israel’s first high priest. The narrator skips many people in the genealogy, but he also highlights some significant ancestors.

Seraiah, the first ancestor mentioned, was high priest when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed the 1^st temple, and 2 Kings 25:18–21 says that Nebuchadnezzar executed him. Zadok (v. 2) was a significant high priest in the time of David and Solomon. He helped bring the Ark into Jerusalem, he stood by David through Absalom’s rebellion, and he anointed Solomon as king. Phinehas;s zeal for God’s holiness stopped a plague in the wilderness (Num 25).

So, the narrator wants to emphasize that Ezra’s ancestors were some of God’s most devoted, influential servants. And we’ll see that Ezra lives up to their standard and surpasses most of them. And the narrator emphasizes that Ezra’s greatness was rooted in…

Ezra’s Preparation (vv. 6, 10, 11, 25): Ezra’s greatness didn’t fall into his lap. He worked hard to make himself impactful. Verse 6 describes Ezra as “a scribe skilled…” Verse 11 say that Ezra was also a priest, but his primary impact was as a scribe.

Throughout much of history a scribe was a secretary. They transcribed speeches and copied manuscripts. But Ezra transformed scribes into OT scholars who knew the Law inside and out. They interpreted the Law for Israel and taught them how to apply it. They became Israel’s Bible professors and teachers, and this continued into the time of Christ.

Ezra began this tradition because he was a “scribe skilled in the Law of Moses.” The Hebrew word literally means “rapid.” Derek Kidner says it describes “a quickness of grasp and ease of movement amid this complex material which was the fruit of…devoted study.” Ezra was a gifted scholar.

And v. 10 tells us how he worked to become this leader (read). This is the most famous verse in Ezra. It came up often in my pastoral training, and it sets a good pattern for anyone who aspires to spiritual leadership whether as a pastor, a missionary, a teacher, or a parent.

So, if you want to make an impact for Christ, which I hope that all of us do, pay attention to v. 10. In particular, the text highlights 3 steps to fruitful ministry. First, Ezra…

Studied: I want to emphasize that Ezra’s study grew out of reverence for God’s Word. Notice how v. 6 describes the Law. It is “the Law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given.” Chapters 7–10 repeatedly emphasize that Ezra really believed that the Bible is God’s Word to us. Therefore, Ezra’s study wasn’t merely an academic duty; v. 10 says he “set his heart to study.”

Spiritual impact always begins with a passionate desire to know God’s Word because you treasure God’s Word. “The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces” (Ps 119:72). “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps 119:97). “Like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation” (2 Pet 2:2).

Do you treasure God’s Word like that? Do you need it like a newborn baby needs milk? And does that passion inspire the devoted study of Ezra. We must not be content to with a golden crumb for the day. No, if I want to know God, I will go deep into what he has said, study hard, and think hard.

All spiritual impact begins here. Christianity is not fundamentally a religion of emotion like Mormonism. We don’t empty ourselves like Buddhists, and we don’t merely perform like Muslims. We know our God through deep, heartfelt study of his Word. Then we impact others through the Word because God saves and God transforms through the Bible.

That’s why rigorous academic study is necessary for a pastor. Most ministry training today is built on teaching people how to run slick programs and build stunning presentations. Obviously, those things have their place, but we must always remember that our power is rooted in the Holy Spirit working through the Bible. So, pastors and all Bible teachers must study the Word. And this includes you because every Christian is a disciple maker. So, “set your heart to study” the Word, so you can impact with the Word.

Obeyed: This is important. Ezra didn’t study out of mere curiosity or to be smartest guy in the room. No, v. 10 says he “set his heart” “practice(ing) it.”

We’re going to see over and over that Ezra was no egghead. Rather, v. 25 says that the king saw an obvious wisdom about Ezra that surely came from a life transformed by the Word. And his obvious godliness is going to make a huge impact throughout his story.

And this is always how godly leadership and impact happens. “Do as I say, not as I do” is a terrible moto that only embitters people to the truth. But it is true as it’s said, “You talk talks, and your walk talks, but you walk talks louder than your talk talks.”

So, deacons, youth workers, disciple makers, parents, and all of us, do you want to make a lasting impact on others? I hope that you do. Cultivate a godly heart and an obedient life. The best gift you can give to those you love is a life walking by the Spirit producing the fruit of the Spirit. Set your heart on living God’s Word just as Ezra did.

Taught: First, I want to highlight the order of the verse. Some people love to talk, but no one is listening because they are ignorant hypocrites. And then there are spiritual influencers who demand our attention because they clearly know what they are talking about, and they have the life to match it. So, don’t jump to #3 without first investing in #1, 2.

But assuming you are learning and obeying, please teach according to the gifts and opportunities God gives. The Bible everywhere emphasizes that teaching is vital to the Christian family and God’s church. Jesus said that we are sanctified or transformed by the Word. That’s why preaching and teaching the Bible are the central ministries of the church.

If you are a parent or grandparent, the best gift you can give a child is God’s Word, so teach it constantly. If you’re married, disciple your spouse through the Word. When you get together with Christian friends, talk about Christ.

Folks, when Ezra prepared for ministry, Israel had a lot of needs—political, financial, administrative, etc. All of them mattered, but he knew that their greatest need was to know God in his Word and to be near to him through a life of obedience. So, he prepared to teach. And that’s just as true today as ever. The perpetuation of Christianity from a human perspective depends on skillfully teaching God’s Word to the next generation. Embrace the challenge. So, Ezra prepared diligently. As a result, notice…

Ezra’s Reward (vv. 6–9): Verses 6–9 give a wide-angle view of the events in Ezra 7–8. Ezra prepared diligently to impact his nation, and the narrator repeatedly emphasizes that God blessed his diligence.

We don’t know how, but the Lord opened a door for Ezra to appeal to the king. And apparently, he didn’t hold back. Verse 6 says “the king granted him all he requested. Verses 12–26 tell us that the king was very generous. So, Ezra must have boldly asked for a lot.

But again, it was rooted in diligent preparation. Therefore, God responded to Ezra’s diligence. Verse 6 says “the hand of the Lord his God was upon him.” As a result, “The king granted him all he requested.”

And vv. 7–9 say that God enabled Ezra to lead a second major return from Babylon to Jerusalem. We’ll learn more about the trip next week in Ezra 8, but for now notice the main point of vv. 1–10. Ezra prepared diligently. As a result, v. 6 says, “The hand of the Lord his God was upon him.” And in case we missed it, v. 9 reminds us, “The good hand of his God was upon him.”

Would you like the “good hand of God” on you? Absolutely! God’s favor is the most wonderful blessing we can enjoy. Therefore, “Study to show yourself approved unto God” (2 Tim 2:15). Live a disciplined life of study, grace-filled obedience, and disciple making. Then, vv. 11–26 follow by offering greater detail about the blessing Ezra enjoyed.

II.  God moved the king to respond favorably (vv. 11–26).

We’ve already looked at a couple similar decrees, but don’t forget that this decree once again comes from a pagan king who according to extrabiblical records was a ruthless, evil emperor. Yet “the good hand of the Lord” was on Ezra; therefore, Artaxerxes shows incredible generosity. First, he granted…

Freedom to Return (v. 13): It had been almost 80 years since the last return. But Artaxerxes allowed Ezra to rally more Jews to return home and strengthen their foothold in Israel and their national identity. Ezra 8 will say that he didn’t bring a large group, but they were certainly a boost.

Resources to Renew Worship (vv. 14–23): We are probably safe to assume from these verses that worship in Jerusalem had fallen off from where it was 60 years earlier. Ezra wants to change that, and incredibly, God uses a pagan king to provide the resources Ezra needs.

Artaxerxes gives Ezra a massive amount of silver (thousands of pounds) and other supplies. And the tenor of the entire letter is one of generosity and willingness to give Ezra whatever he needs to do what he thinks is right. Considering how small and weak the Israelites were, these gifts to restore worship are massively important. God blessed Ezra’s diligence. And how about v. 24. Artaxerxes gives Ezra a…

Tax Exemption (v. 24): Everyone who leads in the regular worship of the temple as free from “tax, tribute, and toll.” That would really help free them up to focus on their ministry vs. working to pay taxes.

Authority to Reform (vv. 25–26): Imagine how amazed Ezra must have felt hearing these words. Artaxerxes could clearly see that Ezra was a learned and wise man who was trustworthy. But this pagan king doesn’t send Ezra home to squash rebellions, collect more taxes, and teach Persian patriotism.

Instead, he gives Ezra royal authority to enact spiritual reforms. Ezra is to create a team of Bible preachers and teachers who will train the people. And he even goes so far as to give Ezra authority to severely punish anyone in Israel who refuses to obey God’s Law. I seriously doubt that Ezra used the full extent of this power, but it’s incredible that the king gives it to him.

So, the question is, “Why did the king do all this?” Was he simply feeling generous? No, look again at how v. 11 describes Ezra (read). We already know all that, so why does the narrator repeat it? He’s emphasizing once again that prepared himself to be used of God, and his diligence stood out to a powerful emperor who was surely surrounded by a lot of smart people. None of this was an accident.

So, do you want God to use you to make an eternal impact? Every Christian should. That’s why we are here. Ezra 7 teaches that spiritual impact grows out of a disciplined life of Bible study and obedience that, yes, is ultimately rooted in gospel power working in us. And this diligent pursuit yields a passion to teach and to influence.

So, be Ezra! Don’t be content with a halfhearted Christianity with little to no impact. Yes, you will probably never have the broad impact he had, but if you study the Word deeply, and by God’s grace it transforms your life, and you are passionate to impact others with God’s Word, others will see it. And God will use you to make a spiritual impact. So, God really blessed Ezra’s diligence. Notice in vv. 27–28 how Ezra responded.

III.  Ezra worshipped thankfully (vv. 27–28).

I must mention that this the first of several 1^st person accounts that the author must have taken from Ezra’s personal memoirs. This is a prayer of thanksgiving from Ezra’s own mouth in response to the king’s letter. He praises God for 3 blessings.

God’s Sovereignty: Verse 27 once again emphasizes the fact that Artaxerxes’ generosity was not ultimately about him or a stroke of blind luck. No, God put all of this in Artaxerxes’ heart. God was sovereign, not any human power.

We know that, but it is so important that we work every day to keep this perspective. God is in control of every corner of his creation. And our greatest need is not human skill, brilliant strategies, favor with leaders, or any other earthly power. We need God’s hand above all else. And with him, we always have more than enough. 2^nd, Ezra praises God for his…

God’s Mercy: The first line of v. 28 provides a very important counterbalance to much of what I’ve emphasized today. Yes, God honors diligence and hard work, but we better always remember that our relationship to God and every blessing he gives is built on a foundation of grace, not merit.

Ezra understood that none of this was wages that he had earned or that he could demand of God. No, God did this because of his covenant mercy to Israel. That’s the idea behind the Hebrew word here hesed. God was faithful, but not because Israel deserved it but because he is merciful.

Of course, our relationship to God is also rooted in steadfast mercy. I cannot possibly hope to have a relationship with God today and especially in eternity based on my work because I am a sinner who only deserves judgment. Therefore, I can only know God and come to God through the blood of Christ and the grace that Jesus provided in his death and resurrection.

So, I want to be very clear that Ezra 7 is not teaching you how to earn God’s blessing. Every gift of God is rooted in grace, and this grace flows through the gospel. So, the first step to enjoying God’s favor is to repent of your sin and believe on Christ for salvation. Please do that today.

From there, serve God in the resurrection power of Jesus believing that God sees your labor, and he is pleased. And whenever you experience the kindness of God, don’t praise yourself. Instead, like Ezra, stand amazed that God would show you such kindness to a sinner like you.

God’s Power: Again, I love the humility that Ezra displays in this final statement. I imagine that Ezra was a high-powered personality. And he obviously trained hard for the work ahead. But he understood that he was useless to make a spiritual impact without spiritual power. He needed God’s strength.

So do we. This week I was struck by 1 Peter 4:11, “Whoever servesis to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

I hope we long for the “strength which God supplies.” So, like Ezra live in God’s Word, let it radically transform everything about you, and then be zealous to impact others with God’s Word in the strength that he gives. Then watch God work to do great things.