Ezra

A Hero of the Faith

Ezra 7:10 Ezra had set his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, to obey it, and to teach God's statutes and judgments in Israel.

The book of Ezra opens with the Empire of Babylon having been overthrown in 539 B.C. by Cyrus the Great. Daniel had just been put into a place of honor by Darius the Mede, whom Cyrus appointed to rule over the Babylonian territories (Daniel 5:30-6:3)

Ezra traveled from Babylon to Jerusalem for the benefit of his country. The king was kind to him and granted all his requests, providing everything Ezra needed to serve his nation. Many people accompanied him on his journey, and he gained favor from the king through Divine blessing.

The hand of God is evident in causing King Cyrus to permit the Jews to return from exile in Babylon and rebuild the temple that had been destroyed (1:1-11).

Ezra gathered a new generation of exiles to accompany him on the challenging journey back home, setting out without an escort (8:1-36). Almost immediately, he encountered the issue of religious compromise. After engaging in prayer and confession, he successfully led most of the people in a thorough examination of the situation, which was a significant scandal. As a result, they made a renewed covenant with the Lord (9:1-10:44).

The book demonstrates God's use of heathen rulers to fulfill His purposes, offering encouragement and warning to the people of God. They may be frightened by opposition when God means them to go forward; they may be content with the standards of the pagan world; or they may have the faith of Ezra and the prophets.

Those who have put it all on the line for the glory of God are willing to do whatever it takes to carry out God's calling on their lives, regardless of the personal cost.