The
narrative moves to a time 57 years later when Artaxerxes I is King of Persia
(reign: 464-423). Here we are introduced to the title character, Ezra. We are
told a few things about Ezra: he is a skilled scribe, he is exceptionally
knowledgeable about the Law of Moses, he has favour with God, and he is a doer
of the Word. Not only did Ezra have much knowledge, he acted upon the knowledge
he received. He clearly loved and feared the Lord, as is made evident by the
references “the Lord his God.” Undoubtedly, he was a godly man, and his is a
character we should imitate.
Like
the previous Persian kings mentioned in Ezra’s book, Artaxerxes I was sympathetic
to the Jewish cause in Jerusalem. In fact, he sends Ezra to the city with a
mission, commanding him to go and see if the people are living according to the
Law of Moses. And, for the third time, we see the king offering his own wealth,
and the wealth of his subjects, towards the cause of the Jews. Artaxerxes gives
Ezra free reign to do with the money and the livestock as he sees fit. Ezra is even
given the task to appoint and train people for governance in the region, and to
govern people according to Jewish law. Ezra recognizes this good fortune as a
direct sign of God’s steadfast love and sovereignty. Putting full trust in the
Lord, Ezra gathers some of the leading men and sets out on the journey to
Judah.
Though
the temple has been long standing already, it seems that the worship is not
necessarily happening according to God’s original intent. Judging from the men
Ezra takes with him and hopes to find at Casiphia (all priests and Levites), it
seems he wants to replenish the priesthood. Together this group is going to
reinstate proper Yahweh worship in Jerusalem. Ezra is a man who finds full
confidence in the Lord. Not wanting to put trust in man, he chose not to ask
the king for protection long the journey to Jerusalem. Instead, he proclaims a
fast at Ahava and the group seeks Yahweh for protection. Ezra knows that God is the one who has called him and
these men to this mission; Artaxerxes is merely the Lord’s mouthpiece. The
truth ringing out here is just what Ezra tells the king in verse 22 – that
God’s gracious hand is upon those who look to Him, but His anger is against all
who forsake Him. Ezra looks to the Lord, and after four months of travel, the
group arrives safely in Jerusalem.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Meditate on the truth found in Ezra
8:22. What does it mean to look to God? How will it be evident in our lives if
we truly are looking to God in life’s situations? Where are you looking? Are
you looking to God in the challenges you are facing, or are you looking
elsewhere? This verse tells of a great promise if you are willing to look to
Him in these things.
2. Is there a situation where you are
hoping that God gives you favour with another individual (as Zerubbabel, Jeshua
and Ezra desired favour from the Persian kings)? Ask for it! Ask God to give
you favour in your dealings today. Thank Him for His wisdom and sovereignty.
Thank Him for His mercy and protection.
3. Ezra was sent to make sure that Yahweh
was being worshipped properly in Judah. Take some time to think about your
home. Is Yahweh worshipped properly in your home? Is your home a Christ-centred
place, or is it a place where selfishness and self-centredness and busyness
rule? What would it look like to reinstate proper worship at your house? Spend
some time listening in prayer for anything God wants to say to you about His
place in your home.
