In the days when the Persian Empire stretched from the Indus River to the Nile, under the reign of King Artaxerxes, a man named Ezra rose to prominence. He was a scribe, a man of great learning and devotion, skilled in the Law of Moses. Ezra was not just a scholar; he was a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, and thus of the priestly lineage. His heart burned with a passion for the Lord and for the restoration of His people, Israel.
Ezra had spent years studying the Scriptures, meditating on the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that the Lord had given to Moses. He was not content to merely know the Law; he sought to live it and to teach it to others. His reputation as a man of wisdom and integrity spread far and wide, even reaching the ears of King Artaxerxes in the royal court of Persia.
One day, as Ezra was deep in prayer, seeking the Lord’s guidance for the remnant of Israel who had returned to Jerusalem, a royal decree arrived. The king had taken notice of Ezra’s devotion and had decided to send him to Jerusalem with a mission. The decree was written in the king’s own hand, sealed with his royal signet, and delivered by a trusted courier. Ezra unrolled the scroll and read the words aloud:
“Artaxerxes, king of kings, to Ezra the priest, scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Peace. And now, I make a decree that any of the people of Israel and their priests and Levites in my kingdom, who freely offer to go to Jerusalem, may go with you. For you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to make inquiries about Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand, and to carry the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem.”
Ezra’s heart leaped within him. This was no ordinary decree; it was a divine appointment. The king had not only granted him permission to go to Jerusalem but had also provided resources for the journey and for the service of the Temple. The Lord had moved the heart of a pagan king to support the work of His people.
The decree continued: “And whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold, you may do, according to the will of your God. The vessels that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, you shall deliver before the God of Jerusalem. And whatever else is required for the house of your God, which it falls to you to provide, you may provide it out of the king’s treasury.”
Ezra marveled at the generosity of the king. Silver, gold, and vessels for the Temple—all these were to be provided from the royal treasury. The Lord had indeed prepared the way. But the decree did not end there. It also granted Ezra authority to appoint magistrates and judges who knew the Law of God to govern the people in the region beyond the River. They were to teach the Law to those who did not know it, ensuring that justice and righteousness would prevail.
The king concluded with a stern warning: “Whoever will not obey the Law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be strictly executed on him, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment.”
Ezra rolled up the scroll and fell to his knees in gratitude. He knew that this was not the work of man but the hand of the Lord. The God of heaven had stirred the heart of King Artaxerxes to fulfill His purposes. Ezra’s mission was clear: to lead the people in obedience to the Law, to restore the worship of the Lord in Jerusalem, and to ensure that the remnant of Israel walked in the ways of their forefathers.
With the decree in hand, Ezra gathered the leaders of the people, the priests, and the Levites. He shared with them the king’s words and the provisions that had been granted. Together, they prepared for the journey. The silver and gold were carefully weighed and packed, the vessels for the Temple were secured, and the people who would accompany Ezra were chosen.
As they set out on the long journey from Babylon to Jerusalem, Ezra’s heart was filled with both joy and trepidation. He knew the challenges that lay ahead. The people of Israel had often strayed from the Law, and the task of teaching and leading them would not be easy. But Ezra trusted in the Lord, for he had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, to do it, and to teach its statutes and rules in Israel.
The journey was arduous, but the hand of the Lord was upon Ezra and his companions. They traveled through deserts and mountains, facing dangers from bandits and wild beasts. Yet, Ezra did not request a military escort, for he had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him, and the power of His wrath is against all who forsake Him.” He trusted in the Lord’s protection, and indeed, they arrived safely in Jerusalem.
When they reached the city, Ezra presented the king’s decree to the local officials and delivered the silver, gold, and vessels to the Temple. The people rejoiced, for they saw that the Lord had not forgotten them. Ezra then set about his work, teaching the Law, appointing leaders, and restoring the worship of the Lord.
Ezra’s story is a testament to the faithfulness of God. Through the obedience of one man, the Lord brought about the restoration of His people. Ezra’s devotion to the Law, his courage in leading the people, and his trust in the Lord’s provision serve as an enduring example for all who seek to walk in the ways of the Lord.
