Question 1

Who is Ezra in this passage and why is his family line mentioned?

Accepted Answer

Ezra is introduced as both a priest and a trained scribe in the law that God gave through Moses. The passage traces his family line all the way back to Aaron, the first chief priest. This shows that Ezra has real priestly authority and is not just any teacher. His roots go through men who served in the temple before the exile, so his life connects the old worship in Jerusalem with this new stage of rebuilding and restoration after the people had been taken away to Babylon.

Question 2

What does it mean that Ezra was a "ready scribe" in the law of Moses?

Accepted Answer

Calling Ezra a “ready scribe” means he was skilled and well prepared in God’s law. He did not just know the words on the page. He had studied them deeply, understood them, and was able to explain them clearly. Later the chapter shows that he also lived what he taught and passed it on to others. So this phrase pictures someone whose whole work and calling is shaped by Scripture, both in learning it and in helping others to follow it.

Question 3

Why did Ezra travel from Babylon to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes?

Accepted Answer

Ezra went from Babylon to Jerusalem because the king sent him, and God’s good hand was on him. The decree told him to inquire about the state of Judah and Jerusalem according to God’s law, to bring silver and gold for temple offerings, and to make sure worship was carried on properly. Ezra also had authority to appoint judges and teach God’s law to those who did not know it. His trip was part of God’s work to restore right worship and right living among the people.

Question 4

What is the purpose of Artaxerxes’ letter to Ezra in this chapter?

Accepted Answer

Artaxerxes’ letter gives Ezra permission and support to go to Jerusalem. It allows any willing Israelites, priests, and Levites in the empire to join him. The king provides silver, gold, and supplies so sacrifices can be offered at the temple. He tells local treasurers beyond the river to give Ezra what he needs up to set amounts and removes taxes from those who serve in the house of God. He also gives Ezra power to appoint judges and to punish those who refuse the law of God and the king.

Question 5

What does "the hand of the LORD his God upon him" mean for Ezra?

Accepted Answer

When the passage says the hand of the Lord was upon Ezra, it means God was kindly guiding and helping him. Because of this, the king granted Ezra all he asked, the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem was safe, and the whole plan found success. It is a simple way of saying that behind every open door, every supply of money, and every bit of courage, God was quietly at work. Ezra himself sees this and thanks God for putting such thoughts into the king’s heart.

Question 6

Why does the king give so much silver, gold, and supplies for the temple?

Accepted Answer

The king gives silver, gold, and temple supplies for two main reasons. First, he wants the worship of the “God of heaven” to be carried out properly, with burnt offerings and other sacrifices at the altar in Jerusalem. Second, he does not want God’s wrath to fall on his realm and his sons, so he orders that whatever God has commanded for his house should be done carefully. His giving shows that God can move even a foreign ruler to support his people’s worship.

Question 7

What authority does Ezra receive over judges and the people beyond the river?

Accepted Answer

Ezra is told to use the wisdom of God’s law that is in his hand to appoint magistrates and judges over all the people beyond the river who know that law. These judges are to rule the people according to God’s commands. Ezra is also told to teach those who do not yet know the law. If someone refuses to obey the law of God and the king, Ezra is allowed to see that punishment is carried out, even up to death, banishment, loss of property, or prison.

Question 8

What does this passage show about God’s control over kings and governments?

Accepted Answer

This chapter shows that God rules even over powerful earthly kings. Artaxerxes is a Persian ruler, yet he speaks with respect about the God of heaven, sends a priest to teach God’s law, funds temple sacrifices, and protects the temple workers from taxes. At the end, Ezra blesses the Lord for putting this plan into the king’s heart. So we see that God can turn the hearts of rulers as he wishes and use their decisions to protect his people and build up true worship.

Question 9

How does Ezra’s example of preparing his heart to seek God’s law speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, to do it, and to teach it. The order matters. He set himself first to know God’s word, then to live it out, and only then to pass it on. For believers today, his pattern is a quiet but strong reminder. We should not rush to speak before we listen to God. We should not tell others to do what we refuse to do ourselves. Ezra shows a steady way of life: learn God’s word, obey it in daily choices, then share it with others.

Ezra 7:1

Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem

Artaxerxes’ Letter for Ezra

Ezra Blesses God

Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem

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Ezra 7:1

Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah,

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Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem

Artaxerxes’ Letter for Ezra

Ezra Blesses God

Ezra Arrives in Jerusalem

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