Expository Commentary on the Book of Ezra – Lesson 16
Just for your thoughts.
Expository Commentary on the Book of Ezra – Lesson 16
Although there are many scholars of the Scriptures in the Old Testament, Ezra holds a unique place.
Moses received the Law directly from God and gave foundational teachings to the people of Israel. After him, Ezra stands out as one who studied the Scriptures, disciplined himself according to them, and taught them to others.
Who is Ezra?
Ezra was born in Babylon.
During his time, there were no Jewish temples there. Because of this, opportunities to formally study the Scriptures were very limited. In those days, scrolls of the Scriptures were rare and were available only with a few individuals.
Even in such a restricted environment, Ezra eagerly sought out those scrolls, studied them diligently, and learned the Scriptures, as Bible scholars note.
He did not stop with mere learning.
He studied the Scriptures, lived according to them, and taught them to others (Ezra 7:10).
Ezra had an immeasurable love and an unquenchable thirst for the Word of God. A burning passion filled his heart: “I must learn the Scriptures, live by them, and teach them to others.”
Because of this unquenchable spiritual hunger, Artaxerxes, the king of the Persian Empire—one of the greatest empires in the world—recognized this humble teacher of the Law and sent him with official authority to guide the people of Israel according to the Scriptures.
When we read the letter written by Artaxerxes, we can understand how even a king who did not know God showed a desire for the Jewish people to learn the Scriptures.
In chapters 7 and 8 of this book, the phrase “the good hand of the Lord was upon me” appears six times. This highlights an important spiritual truth:
God’s gracious hand will always be with the person who studies His Word, lives according to it, and teaches it to others.
Ezra did not go in search of the king; rather, the king sought him out.
This is a clear expression of God’s grace.
What happened 2,500 years ago is still true today.
If more believers and ministers arise who love, read, study, and teach the Scriptures diligently, the spiritual growth of society will surely reach great heights.
However, the present situation is often different. For many, meditating on the Word of God feels like a burden. They are satisfied with the short messages they hear during Sunday services and neglect personal study of the Scriptures. This is not God’s will.
Every believer should:
Learn the Scriptures personally
Meditate on them
Apply them in daily life
Share them with others
In the New Testament, there is no rule that believers who know the Word should not teach others. According to the grace given by God, anyone can teach.
When church leaders and believers together build a generation that loves the Scriptures and raise many “Ezras,” the gracious hand of God will surely rest upon the Church.
Conclusion
Let us love the Word – read it – meditate on it – and teach it.