Many years later, during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, After these thingsThis phrase indicates a transition in the narrative, suggesting a passage of time and a shift in focus. The events of Ezra 7 occur after the completion of the temple in Jerusalem, as described in the earlier chapters. This temporal marker invites readers to consider the continuity of God's work among His people, emphasizing that His plans unfold over time and through various circumstances. during the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia
Artaxerxes I reigned from 465 to 424 BC, a period marked by relative stability in the Persian Empire. His reign is significant in biblical history as it provided a political backdrop for the return of more exiles to Jerusalem. The mention of Artaxerxes highlights the sovereignty of God over earthly kingdoms, using even foreign rulers to accomplish His divine purposes. It underscores the theme of God's providence and His ability to work through secular authorities to fulfill His promises to Israel. Ezra
Ezra is introduced here as a central figure in the narrative. His name means "help" or "helper," reflecting his role in assisting the Jewish community in their spiritual and social restoration. Ezra is a scribe and priest, deeply committed to the Law of Moses, and his leadership is pivotal in the religious reform of the post-exilic community. His life exemplifies dedication to God's Word and the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding God's people. son of Seraiah
Seraiah was the last high priest before the Babylonian exile, executed by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:18-21). By tracing Ezra's lineage to Seraiah, the text establishes his legitimate priestly heritage, reinforcing his authority and credibility as a leader. This connection to the priesthood underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises and the restoration of proper worship in Jerusalem. the son of Azariah
Azariah, a common name in the Old Testament, means "Yahweh has helped." This name reflects the divine assistance and favor that characterized the lives of those in Ezra's lineage. The mention of Azariah serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people across generations, highlighting the importance of godly heritage and the impact of faithful ancestors on future generations. the son of Hilkiah
Hilkiah was a high priest during the reign of King Josiah, known for discovering the Book of the Law in the temple (2 Kings 22:8). This discovery led to a significant religious reform in Judah. By linking Ezra to Hilkiah, the text emphasizes the theme of rediscovery and renewal of God's Word. It suggests that just as Hilkiah played a role in a past revival, Ezra is positioned to lead a new spiritual awakening among the returned exiles. This lineage underscores the enduring power of God's Word to transform and renew His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest, Ezra is a central figure in the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem. He is known for his dedication to the Law of Moses and his leadership in spiritual reform. 2. ArtaxerxesThe king of Persia during Ezra's time. His reign provided the political backdrop for Ezra's mission to Jerusalem. 3. SeraiahEzra's father, part of a priestly lineage. His mention underscores the importance of Ezra's heritage and his qualifications for leadership. 4. Azariah and HilkiahAncestors of Ezra, highlighting the priestly lineage that traces back to Aaron, the brother of Moses. This lineage is significant for establishing Ezra's authority and role. 5. PersiaThe ruling empire during this period, under which the Jewish people were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple and community. Teaching Points The Importance of Heritage and CallingEzra's lineage underscores the significance of heritage in God's plan. Our spiritual heritage and calling are vital in fulfilling God's purposes in our lives. Leadership in Times of RestorationEzra's leadership during a time of rebuilding and spiritual renewal is a model for leading with integrity and dedication to God's Word. The Role of Scripture in RevivalEzra's commitment to the Law of Moses highlights the transformative power of Scripture in personal and communal revival. God's Sovereignty in World AffairsThe reign of Artaxerxes and the Persian Empire's role in the return of the Jews to Jerusalem demonstrate God's control over world events to fulfill His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezra's priestly lineage prepare him for his role in leading the Jewish people? Reflect on how your own background and experiences have prepared you for your current responsibilities. 2. In what ways does Ezra's account illustrate the importance of Scripture in personal and communal revival? How can you prioritize Scripture in your daily life? 3. Consider the political context of Ezra's mission. How does understanding God's sovereignty over world events encourage you in today's global climate? 4. What qualities of Ezra's leadership can you apply to your own life, whether in your family, workplace, or community? 5. How does the account of Ezra inspire you to take action in areas of your life that need spiritual renewal or reform? What steps can you take this week to begin this process? Connections to Other Scriptures Nehemiah 8Ezra's role in reading the Law to the people and leading a revival in Jerusalem is detailed here, showing his impact on the spiritual life of the community. 1 Chronicles 6This chapter provides a genealogy that includes Ezra's lineage, affirming his priestly heritage and connection to Aaron. Exodus 28The priestly garments and duties are described, which relate to Ezra's role as a priest and his dedication to the Law. People Aaron, Abishua, Ahitub, Amariah, Artaxerxes, Azariah, Bukki, Eleazar, Ezra, Hilkiah, Israelites, Levites, Meraioth, Phinehas, Seraiah, Shallum, Uzzi, Zadok, ZerahiahPlaces Babylonia, Beyond the River, Jerusalem, PersiaTopics Artaxerxes, Ar-ta-xerx'es, Azariah, Azari'ah, Ezra, Hilkiah, Hilki'ah, Hilkijah, Persia, Reign, Seraiah, Serai'ahDictionary of Bible Themes Ezra 7:1-5 1350 covenant, with Israel's priests Ezra 7:1-21 7464 teachers of the law Library Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
1. The Greek word Apocrypha, hidden, that is, hidden or secret books, was early applied by the fathers of the Christian church to anonymous or spurious books that falsely laid claim to be a part of the inspired word. By some, as Jerome, the term was extended to all the books incorporated by the Alexandrine Jews, in their Greek version, into the proper canon of the Old Testament, a few of which books, though not inspired, are undoubtedly genuine. Another designation of the books in question …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the BibleReading the Law with Tears and Joy
'And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded to Israel. 2. And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Rome and Ephesus
Corinth as portrayed in the Epistles of Paul gives us our simplest and least contaminated picture of the Hellenic Christianity which regarded itself as the cult of the Lord Jesus, who offered salvation--immortality--to those initiated in his mysteries. It had obvious weaknesses in the eyes of Jewish Christians, even when they were as Hellenised as Paul, since it offered little reason for a higher standard of conduct than heathenism, and its personal eschatology left no real place for the resurrection …
Kirsopp Lake—Landmarks in the History of Early Christianity Authorship of the Pentateuch.
The term Pentateuch is composed of the two Greek words, pente, five, and teuchos, which in later Alexandrine usage signified book. It denotes, therefore, the collection of five books; or, the five books of the law considered as a whole. 1. In our inquiries respecting the authorship of the Pentateuch, we begin with the undisputed fact that it existed in its present form in the days of Christ and his apostles, and had so existed from the time of Ezra. When the translators of the Greek version, …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
BY JOHN BUNYAN PREFATORY REMARKS BY THE EDITOR This important treatise was prepared for the press, and left by the author, at his decease, to the care of his surviving friend for publication. It first appeared in a collection of his works in folio, 1692; and although a subject of universal interest; most admirably elucidated; no edition has been published in a separate form. Antichrist has agitated the Christian world from the earliest ages; and his craft has been to mislead the thoughtless, by …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Brave Encouragements
'In the seventh month, in the one and twentieth day of the month, came the word of the Lord by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2. Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, and to the residue of the people, saying, 3. Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing? 4. Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture General Account of Jesus' Teaching.
^A Matt. IV. 17; ^B Mark I. 14, 15; ^C Luke IV. 14, 15. ^a 17 From that time Jesus began to preach [The time here indicated is that of John the Baptist's imprisonment and Jesus' return to Galilee. This time marked a new period in the public ministry of Jesus. Hitherto he had taught, but he now began to preach. When the voice of his messenger, John, was silenced, the King became his own herald. Paul quoted the Greeks as saying that preaching was "foolishness," but following the example here set by …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon.
1. The Greek word canon (originally a straight rod or pole, measuring-rod, then rule) denotes that collection of books which the churches receive as given by inspiration of God, and therefore as constituting for them a divine rule of faith and practice. To the books included in it the term canonical is applied. The Canon of the Old Testament, considered in reference to its constituent parts, was formed gradually; formed under divine superintendence by a process of growth extending through …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
1. The Traditional Law. - The brief account given in vol. i. p. 100, of the character and authority claimed for the traditional law may here be supplemented by a chronological arrangement of the Halakhoth in the order of their supposed introduction or promulgation. In the first class, or Halakhoth of Moses from Sinai,' tradition enumerates fifty-five, [6370] which may be thus designated: religio-agrarian, four; [6371] ritual, including questions about clean and unclean,' twenty-three; [6372] concerning …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Historical Books.
1. In the Pentateuch we have the establishment of the Theocracy, with the preparatory and accompanying history pertaining to it. The province of the historical books is to unfold its practiced working, and to show how, under the divine superintendence and guidance, it accomplished the end for which it was given. They contain, therefore, primarily, a history of God's dealings with the covenant people under the economy which he had imposed upon them. They look at the course of human events on the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Influences that Gave Rise to the Priestly Laws and Histories
[Sidenote: Influences in the exile that produced written ceremonial laws] The Babylonian exile gave a great opportunity and incentive to the further development of written law. While the temple stood, the ceremonial rites and customs received constant illustration, and were transmitted directly from father to son in the priestly families. Hence, there was little need of writing them down. But when most of the priests were carried captive to Babylonia, as in 597 B.C., and ten years later the temple …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Ezra 7:1 NIVEzra 7:1 NLTEzra 7:1 ESVEzra 7:1 NASBEzra 7:1 KJV
Ezra 7:1 Commentaries
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