Ezra 7 Devotional

The Gracious Hand Upon Ezra

“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.”Ezra 7:10 (BSB)

Ezra enters the story with a family line reaching back to Aaron (7:1-5) and a reputation as a scribe skilled in the Law the LORD had given. The king grants him everything he asks, because the hand of the LORD his God was on him (7:6). The phrase returns when his long journey ends safely (7:9) and again in Ezra's own words (7:28). In between we learn what Ezra had set his heart on: studying the Law of the LORD, practicing it, and teaching it in Israel (7:10).

The chapter sets these side by side, God's gracious hand and Ezra's devoted heart. When the king's generous letter is finished, Ezra does not congratulate himself. He blesses the LORD, who put it into the king's heart to honor his house and who showed Ezra favor (7:27-28). Because God's hand was on him, he took courage (7:28). Studying and obeying God's word are good to pursue, and the strength to do it comes from the same gracious hand.

To think about: What step toward studying, practicing, or sharing God's word could you take today, trusting his hand rather than your own resolve?