This verse from Ezra 7:6 is packed with information and significance. Let's break it down:
"This Ezra went up from Babylon": This establishes the identity of Ezra and his origin. He's coming from Babylon, where many Jews had been exiled after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. This sets the scene for Ezra's role as a leader in the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of Jewish society.
"He was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given": This highlights Ezra's expertise and authority. He's not just any person; he's a "skilled scribe." This means he was highly knowledgeable in the Law of Moses (the Torah, the first five books of the Bible) and capable of interpreting and teaching it accurately. The phrase "which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the Law of Moses. Ezra's expertise is therefore seen as divinely connected and legitimate. He is a key figure in preserving and promoting the Jewish faith.
"and the king granted him all his request, according to Yahweh his God's hand on him": This indicates divine favor and the influence Ezra had on the Persian King (likely Artaxerxes I). The king, a foreign ruler, granted Ezra "all his request." This implies Ezra had significant requests related to the welfare of the Jewish people and the restoration of their religious practices and temple in Jerusalem. The phrase "according to Yahweh his God's hand on him" is crucial. It suggests that God was working through Ezra and influencing the king to act favorably towards him. It's a clear statement of divine providence, indicating that Ezra's success was due to God's guidance and blessing.
In summary, the verse means:
Ezra, an expert in the Law of Moses who was living in Babylon, traveled to Jerusalem. He was not only knowledgeable but also favored by God, as evidenced by the fact that the Persian king granted all his requests, suggesting that God was working through Ezra to accomplish His purposes.
Significance:
Leadership and Religious Reform: Ezra is presented as a key leader in the restoration of Jewish life after the exile. His expertise and devotion to the Law of Moses were instrumental in the religious reforms and rebuilding of the community in Jerusalem.
Divine Providence: The verse emphasizes the role of God in influencing events and the lives of individuals. It suggests that God can work through both Jewish and non-Jewish rulers to fulfill His purposes.
Importance of the Law: The verse underscores the importance of the Law of Moses as the foundation of Jewish faith and practice. Ezra's role as a scribe highlights the significance of studying, understanding, and applying the Law in daily life.
Legitimacy of Ezra's Mission: The King's approval validates Ezra's mission. It is not just something Ezra came up with, but it has been approved by the highest human authority at the time.
Therefore, Ezra 7:6 is a critical verse for understanding Ezra's character, his mission, and the divine hand at work in the restoration of the Jewish people.
This verse from Ezra 7:6 is packed with information and significance. Let's break it down:
"This Ezra went up from Babylon": This establishes the identity of Ezra and his origin. He's coming from Babylon, where many Jews had been exiled after the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem. This sets the scene for Ezra's role as a leader in the return to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of Jewish society.
"He was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given": This highlights Ezra's expertise and authority. He's not just any person; he's a "skilled scribe." This means he was highly knowledgeable in the Law of Moses (the Torah, the first five books of the Bible) and capable of interpreting and teaching it accurately. The phrase "which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given" emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the Law of Moses. Ezra's expertise is therefore seen as divinely connected and legitimate. He is a key figure in preserving and promoting the Jewish faith.
"and the king granted him all his request, according to Yahweh his God's hand on him": This indicates divine favor and the influence Ezra had on the Persian King (likely Artaxerxes I). The king, a foreign ruler, granted Ezra "all his request." This implies Ezra had significant requests related to the welfare of the Jewish people and the restoration of their religious practices and temple in Jerusalem. The phrase "according to Yahweh his God's hand on him" is crucial. It suggests that God was working through Ezra and influencing the king to act favorably towards him. It's a clear statement of divine providence, indicating that Ezra's success was due to God's guidance and blessing.
In summary, the verse means:
Ezra, an expert in the Law of Moses who was living in Babylon, traveled to Jerusalem. He was not only knowledgeable but also favored by God, as evidenced by the fact that the Persian king granted all his requests, suggesting that God was working through Ezra to accomplish His purposes.
Significance:
Leadership and Religious Reform: Ezra is presented as a key leader in the restoration of Jewish life after the exile. His expertise and devotion to the Law of Moses were instrumental in the religious reforms and rebuilding of the community in Jerusalem.
Divine Providence: The verse emphasizes the role of God in influencing events and the lives of individuals. It suggests that God can work through both Jewish and non-Jewish rulers to fulfill His purposes.
Importance of the Law: The verse underscores the importance of the Law of Moses as the foundation of Jewish faith and practice. Ezra's role as a scribe highlights the significance of studying, understanding, and applying the Law in daily life.
Legitimacy of Ezra's Mission: The King's approval validates Ezra's mission. It is not just something Ezra came up with, but it has been approved by the highest human authority at the time.
Therefore, Ezra 7:6 is a critical verse for understanding Ezra's character, his mission, and the divine hand at work in the restoration of the Jewish people.