Topical Bible: Seeking God: Ezra

◄ Seeking God: Ezra ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Ezra, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a paragon of seeking God with a devoted heart. As a scribe and priest, Ezra played a crucial role in the spiritual reformation of the Israelites during the post-exilic period. His life and actions provide a profound example of what it means to seek God earnestly and lead others in the same pursuit.

Background and Context

Ezra was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and thus belonged to the priestly lineage. He lived during the time of the Persian Empire, under the reign of King Artaxerxes. The Book of Ezra, which bears his name, details his journey from Babylon to Jerusalem and his efforts to restore the spiritual and religious life of the Jewish people who had returned from exile.

Ezra's Devotion to God's Law

Ezra's commitment to seeking God is evident in his dedication to the study and teaching of the Law. Ezra 7:10 states, "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." This verse highlights three key aspects of Ezra's devotion: studying, practicing, and teaching God's Law. His heart was fully committed to understanding God's commandments and ensuring that they were observed by the people.

Prayer and Fasting

Ezra's pursuit of God was also marked by prayer and fasting. Before embarking on the journey to Jerusalem, Ezra proclaimed a fast to seek God's protection and guidance. Ezra 8:21 records, "And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions." This act of humility and dependence on God underscores Ezra's reliance on divine providence rather than human strength.

Confession and Repentance

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra was confronted with the people's unfaithfulness, particularly in intermarrying with foreign nations, which was against God's commandments. Ezra's response was one of deep sorrow and intercession. Ezra 9:6 captures his heartfelt prayer: "I am ashamed and humiliated, my God, to lift up my face to You, because our iniquities have increased over our heads and our guilt has grown up to the heavens." Ezra's confession and repentance on behalf of the people demonstrate his earnest desire for reconciliation with God.

Leadership in Spiritual Renewal

Ezra's leadership was instrumental in the spiritual renewal of the Israelites. He gathered the people and read the Law to them, leading to a national confession of sins and a renewed commitment to follow God's commandments. This public reading and explanation of the Law, as described in Nehemiah 8, was a pivotal moment in re-establishing the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Legacy of Seeking God

Ezra's life and ministry left a lasting impact on the Jewish community. His unwavering dedication to seeking God through the study of Scripture, prayer, and righteous living set a standard for future generations. Ezra's example encourages believers to prioritize their relationship with God, seek His will through His Word, and lead others in faithful obedience.

In summary, Ezra's life is a testament to the power of seeking God with a sincere heart. His devotion to God's Law, commitment to prayer and fasting, and leadership in spiritual renewal serve as enduring examples for those who desire to draw near to God and lead others in His ways.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Spiritual Revival
... It was in the providence of God that those who returned with Ezra had had
special seasons of seeking the Lord. The experiences through ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 51 a spiritual revival.htm

Prayer and the House of God
... that they, together with himself, should be instructed out of God's Book concerning
God's Law. When Ezra, returned from Babylon, was seeking the reconstruction ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xiv prayer and the house.htm

The Return of the Exiles
... be restored, and brought again unto the temple which is at Jerusalem." Ezra 6:3 ... like
Daniel, had been studying the prophecies, and had been seeking God for His ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 45 the return of.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... even until the reign of Darius." Ezra 4:4, 5 ... of Medo-Persia to show disfavor to God's
people, angels ... wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

"The Kingdom of God is at Hand"
... In going to Galilee, Jesus was not seeking seclusion or ... time is fulfilled, and the
kingdom of God is at ... by the decree of Artaxerxes Longimanus (see Ezra 6:14; 7 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 23 the kingdom of.htm

A Dialogue with God
... that prevailing in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah ... curt, self-complacent brushing
aside of God's merciful threatenings ... the crowning proof of the seeking love of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a dialogue with god 2.htm

The Charge of the Pilgrim Priests
... character and his own faculties, and seeking sedulously to ... Ezra said, in effect,
'Not all the cohorts of ... in wait for them.' His confidence was: 'God will bring ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the charge of the pilgrim.htm

Reformation
... exiles, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah ... from truth and
righteousness, are seeking to restore ... are the foundation of the kingdom of God. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 57 reformation.htm

The Fall of Judah
... indictment brings out the patient love of God seeking, in spite ... They are the first
words of the Book of Ezra. ... It is an Old Testament version of 'God hath not ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the fall of judah.htm

The Doctrine of God
... Religion existed before argument; in fact, it is the preciousness of religion that
leads to the seeking for all possible ... Ezra 9:15""0 Lord God of Israel ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm