We’re studying the book of Ezra, but it is now over half way through the book and some 80 years after the events took place at the start of the book, that Ezra comes on the scene.

Ezra’s lineage is given, right back to Aaron the first high priest (v1-5). He is described as someone who was skilled in the law of God (v6). Ezra’s desire is to go from Babylon up to Jerusalem to do three things (v10);- a. study God’s law, b. obey God’s law and c. teach God’s law.

Not all believers are called to an official priestly teaching role like Ezra, but all believers are called to study, obey and share God’s word as Jesus’ witnesses. Does God’s Word have such a place in your life?

King Artaxerxes sends  a letter to accompany Ezra encouraging people to support the work of beautifying the temple and also promising resources from the king’s treasury. Again God’s hand of providence is moving the hands of a civil leader to do the right thing.