In brief
Ezra is a priest and scribe descended from Aaron, skilled in the law of Moses. Under Artaxerxes, king of Persia, he leaves Babylon for Jerusalem, because the hand of Yahweh is on him. The text sums up his life in one verse: he had set his heart to seek the law of Yahweh, to do it and to teach it. He weeps over the sins of the people, then reads the law publicly before the assembly. He is remembered as a teacher who first lives what he passes on.
What does the name Ezra mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew idea of “help” or “God helps,” though the Bible gives no explanation of it. The text first introduces him through his genealogy, son of Seraiah, which goes back to Aaron the chief priest (Ezra 7:1-5).
The story of Ezra
A scribe of Aaron’s line
Ezra 7:1-6In the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, Ezra comes forward, son of Seraiah. His genealogy goes back to Aaron the chief priest. He goes up from Babylon, and he is a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh had given. Because the hand of Yahweh his God is on him, the king grants him all his request.
The journey to Jerusalem
Ezra 7:7-10Ezra leaves Babylon on the first day of the first month and reaches Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, the good hand of his God being on him. The text gives the reason for this success: he had set his heart to seek the law of Yahweh and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.
The king’s letter
Ezra 7:11-28King Artaxerxes gives Ezra a letter, copied in the book, which describes him as a priest and a scribe of the words of Yahweh’s commandments. Ezra answers with praise: “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify Yahweh’s house which is in Jerusalem.”
Prayer over the sins of the people
Ezra 9:1-15Ezra learns that Israelites have mixed with the peoples of the land, contrary to the law. He tears his garment, sits down confounded, then at the time of the evening offering he falls on his knees and prays. He speaks in the name of the people, admits confusion and shame, and acknowledges the righteousness of Yahweh.
The reading of the law in Jerusalem
Nehemiah 8:1-12Later, the people ask Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses. He reads it in the wide place before the water gate, from early morning until midday, and all the people are attentive. Ezra blesses Yahweh, and everyone answers, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands.
What Ezra teaches us
- Study the Word, put it into practice, then teach it: the order of Ezra 7:10 is a method for every believer.
- What God accomplishes in your life is the work of his good hand, not only the fruit of your efforts.
- Facing sin, true prayer begins with grief and humility, without excuses.
- Reading the Bible in public and making its meaning understood gathers the Church in worship.
Key verses
This verse sums up the life of Ezra: a heart set to study the law of Yahweh, to do it and to teach it. Teaching comes after study and obedience.
Ezra prays: “My God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God.” He identifies with the people instead of judging them from afar.
“They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.” The Word is read, then explained.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Ezra in the Bible?
Ezra was a priest and scribe, a descendant of Aaron, skilled in the law of Moses. He went up from Babylon to Jerusalem in the reign of Artaxerxes to teach the law of Yahweh. He appears in the book of Ezra and in Nehemiah 8.
What does the name Ezra mean?
His name is generally linked to the Hebrew that evokes God’s help or aid, but the Bible does not explain it. It insists instead on his genealogy, which goes back to Aaron, and on his heart set to study, practice and teach the law (Ezra 7:10).
Where can I find the story of Ezra in the Bible?
It is found in the book of Ezra, especially chapters 7 to 10, which tell of his journey, his mission and his prayer. He appears again in Nehemiah 8, where he reads the law before all the people gathered in Jerusalem.