Ezra 7:6
this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "ready scribe" doesn't just mean he was a fast writer, but that he was profoundly skilled and knowledgeable in God's law, making him a respected teacher and interpreter. This expertise, combined with God's favor influencing the king, was the real reason he received everything he asked for.
Ezra, a skilled scholar deeply versed in God's law, journeys from Babylon to Jerusalem with royal backing. This verse marks his arrival and highlights his expertise, but the subsequent passage reveals that his "request" was actually a comprehensive commission from the Persian king to restore proper worship and governance in Jerusalem. This commission was granted not just by the king's goodwill, but by divine favor that influenced the king's heart.
When we hear 'scribe,' we might picture someone diligently copying scrolls. But what did it really mean to be a 'ready scribe' in Ezra's time?
The Hebrew word for 'scribe' in this passage doesn't just mean someone who can write quickly. It refers to someone deeply learned, an expert, a teacher, and an interpreter of God's Law.
A Doctor of the Law
Ezra wasn't just skilled in writing the Law of Moses; he was skilled in understanding and explaining it. Think of him as a leading scholar or a wise professor whose expertise was essential for the community.
His Role after Exile
After the Babylonian exile, the written Law became even more central to Israel's identity. The scribes, like Ezra, rose to prominence, helping the people understand and live by God's commands in a new context.
Ezra approached King Artaxerxes, a powerful foreign ruler. How could he possibly receive everything he asked for?
The verse explicitly states, 'the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him.' This is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to influence even the hearts of world leaders.
Divine Providence at Play
'The hand of the LORD' is a common biblical phrase indicating God's active involvement, His favor, and His protective care. It wasn't just luck or Ezra's eloquent speech that swayed the king; it was God working behind the scenes.
A Pattern of Favor
This divine favor wasn't random. It was because Ezra was devoted to the Law of the LORD and likely had a specific, God-honoring mission. God moved the king's heart to support Ezra's important work in Jerusalem.
Understand the original words
sopher · Hebrew Noun
A professional title for one who copies, preserves, and interprets the Law of God. In Israel, this role involved deep study and the authority to teach the Torah to the community.
torah · Hebrew Noun
A term referring to the Torah, the foundational revelation of God's will and covenant requirements for Israel. It encompasses the entirety of God's instructions given to Moses at Sinai.
yad · Hebrew Noun
A metaphor indicating divine favor, guidance, protection, and sovereign enablement. When God's hand is on a person, it signifies His presence empowering them to carry out His specific purposes.
Ezra's pivotal return to Jerusalem wasn't a spontaneous act of faith but a carefully orchestrated mission, empowered by the Persian king's decree and the evident favor of God upon Ezra.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus the Great allows Jewish exiles to return
Cyrus the Great issues a decree permitting the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks the end of the Babylonian exile.
c. 516 BC
Completion of the Second Temple
The Second Temple in Jerusalem is completed by the returning exiles, a significant event in the restoration of Jewish religious life.
c. 486-465 BC
Reign of Xerxes I
The reign of Xerxes I, son of Darius the Great, during which the return and rebuilding efforts continued, though perhaps with less royal enthusiasm.
c. 465-424 BC— this verse
Reign of Artaxerxes I
Artaxerxes I reigns as king of Persia. This period is crucial as Ezra receives royal authorization and support from him.
This passage shows Ezra's function as a scribe, publicly reading and expounding the Law of Moses, highlighting his role as an interpreter and teacher that the king's favor supported.
Psalm 119:97-105This psalm expresses a deep love for God's law, mirroring Ezra's dedication and skill as a scribe, and illustrating the profound value of the 'Law of Moses' that the Lord had given.
2 Chronicles 17:7-9This shows a similar pattern of godly leadership, where King Jehoshaphat sent out skilled teachers of the Law throughout Judah, demonstrating a historical precedent for Ezra's mission and the importance of teaching God's statutes.
Proverbs 3:5-6This proverb speaks of trusting in the Lord and acknowledging Him in all our ways, which aligns with the text's emphasis on 'the hand of the LORD his God was on him,' suggesting divine guidance and favor in Ezra's endeavors.
pulpitEzra 7:6: "This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him."
Verse 6. - This Ezra went up. See comment on Ezra 2:1, where the same expression — "went up" - is used. He was a ready scribe in the law of Moses. On the meaning of this phrase, and the new position occupied by "scribes" after the captivity, see Introduction to Ezra,' § 5.…
clarkeEzra 7:6: "This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him."
A ready scribe - סופר מחיר sopher machir does not merely signify a speedy writer or an excellent penman, but one who was eminently skillful in expounding the law. In this sense the word γραμματευς, scribe, is repeatedly used in the New Testament, and we find that both in t…
The phrase "ready scribe" doesn't just mean he was a fast writer, but that he was profoundly skilled and knowledgeable in God's law, making him a respected teacher and interpreter. This expertise, combined with God's favor influencing the king, was the real reason he received everything he asked for.
Ezra, a skilled scholar deeply versed in God's law, journeys from Babylon to Jerusalem with royal backing. This verse marks his arrival and highlights his expertise, but the subsequent passage reveals that his "request" was actually a comprehensive commission from the Persian king to restore proper worship and governance in Jerusalem. This commission was granted not just by the king's goodwill, but by divine favor that influenced the king's heart.
"this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him." — The phrase "ready scribe" doesn't just mean he was a fast writer, but that he was profoundly skilled and knowledgeable in God's law, making him a respected teacher and interpreter. This expertise, co…
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c. 458 BC
Ezra's Commission and Return to Jerusalem
Ezra, a skilled scribe and expert in the Law of Moses, receives a commission from King Artaxerxes I to travel to Jerusalem, teach the law, and oversee religious reforms. The king's favor, attributed to God's hand, is instrumental.
c. 445-433 BC
Nehemiah's Mission to Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to Artaxerxes I, receives permission and resources to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, further aiding the city's restoration.
