Ezra 7

1-10 The Coming and Work of Ezra

1-6 During the reign of Artaxerxes of Persia, Ezra, a priest and scribe, direct descendant of Aaron, comes to Jerusalem from Babylon, with the blessings of the king and the hand of God upon him. It’s not clear which Persian king this is; one commentary says all the Persian kings were called Artaxerxes, much like the Egyptian kings were called Pharaoh. I would guess he is the same one referred to in 6:14. It’s interesting that Ezra’s genealogy is listed in so much detail, as if to assure readers that he is a genuine Levitical priest.

7-10 With Ezra comes other temple officials and servants, in the 7th year and 5th month of the king’s reign, having left Babylon four months earlier. If this is “Esther’s king,” then it’s the same year she becomes queen (in the 10th month of the year, per Esther 2:16). Ezra comes with a purpose, the progression of which is a good example for us.

For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel.

11-28 The Letter of Artaxerxes to Ezra

11-14 “Artaxerxes, king of kings” decrees that Ezra and any who want to go with him can go to Jerusalem to “make inquiries.” Artaxerxes is “king of kings,” while the true God is “your God” and “the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem” (verse 15) Typical of pagans, who believed in territorial gods – and of pagan kings, who saw themselves as supreme.

15-20 They are to take silver, gold, freewill offerings and whatever they need from the king’s treasury to use in the their worship in the temple in Jerusalem.

21-24 Artaxerxes decrees that all treasurers “Beyond the River” [the Euphrates] give Ezra all he needs, within prescribed limits, “whatever is commanded by the God of heaven” for the temple and that none of the temple ministers be taxed. Here Artaxerxes does seem to place the true God above only a place in Jerusalem.

25-26 The king gives Ezra the authority, according to his “God-given wisdom,” to appoint legal officials to administer the “laws of your God.”

27-30 Ezra praises God for putting this “into the heart of the king,” for his steadfast love before the king and his officials, for the courage it have given him to gather leaders and take them to Jerusalem. Ezra’s devotion, sincerity and purpose are unquestioned. He has also obviously gained the complete trust of the king.