Ezra, 7
8. Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month of that seventh year of the king.
8. Ezra came to Jerusalem in the fifth month of that seventh year of the king.
In Ezra 7, the book presents Ezra, a priest and scribe who receives a commission from the Persian king to lead a group of Jews back to Jerusalem and restore worship to God. Ezra is presented as a religious and civil leader who is skilled in the law of God. The verses below are related to leadership themes, obedience to the law of God and the grace of God that allows restoration.
Nehemiah 8:1-3: "The whole congregation ... asked Ezra, the scribe, who brought the book of the law of Moses ... and he read in him, before the square before the gateway, since Alvah to noon before men and women, and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. " Ezra leads the congregation back to God's Word, and they gather to hear the law of Moses being read aloud.
Nehemiah 8:8: "They read in the book, in the law of God, clearly, giving explanations, so that they understood what was read." Ezra and other leaders explain God's Word so that the people can understand and apply it to their lives.
Psalm 103:10-11: "It does not treat us according to our sins, nor rewards us according to our iniquities. For as heaven is elevated above the earth, so its mercy is great for those who fear it." God's grace is an important theme in Ezra 7, since it is the grace of God that allows Ezra and the Jews to return to Jerusalem and restore worship to God.
James 1:22: "And thirst for the word and not just listeners, deceiving you with false speeches." Ezra and the people of Jerusalem are called to obey God's Word and not just hear it.
Nehemiah 8:9: "Do not mourn or cry; for all the people cried, listening to the words of the law." God's Word brings conviction to the people, and they cry and repent of their sins.
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