Ezra 7:10

KJV

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it], and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

KJV (with Strong's)

For Ezra {H5830} had prepared {H3559} his heart {H3824} to seek {H1875} the law {H8451} of the LORD {H3068}, and to do {H6213} it, and to teach {H3925} in Israel {H3478} statutes {H2706} and judgments {H4941}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For 'Ezra had set his heart on studying and practicing the Torah of ADONAI and teaching Isra'el the laws and rulings.

Berean Standard Bible

For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, to practice it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel.

American Standard Version

For Ezra had set his heart to seek the law of Jehovah, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:10 serves as a foundational statement regarding the character and calling of Ezra, a pivotal figure in the post-exilic restoration of Judah. This verse succinctly encapsulates his profound personal commitment to God's Word, detailing a three-fold spiritual discipline: a deliberate preparation of heart, diligent study and obedience to the Law of the LORD, and a faithful public ministry of teaching its statutes and judgments to the people of Israel. It presents Ezra as a model of integrated devotion, where internal resolve precedes and empowers external service, establishing the spiritual bedrock for the community's renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7 marks a significant shift in the book of Ezra, moving from the initial return and temple rebuilding under Zerubbabel and Joshua (chapters 1-6) to the second major wave of returnees led by Ezra. Chapter 7 specifically introduces Ezra, detailing his lineage, his expertise as "a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" ([Ezra 7:6](/ezra/7-6 "Ezra 7:6 - Ezra's Skill in the Law")), and the divine favor he received from King Artaxerxes I to undertake his mission. This verse, Ezra 7:10, acts as the theological linchpin, explaining *why* Ezra was chosen and *how* he was equipped for this crucial task of spiritual and social reform. It immediately precedes the detailed account of his journey to Jerusalem and the king's decree empowering his work. The preceding verses establish his credentials, while this verse reveals his inner disposition and divine mandate.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Ezra 7 occur approximately 60 years after the completion of the Second Temple (around 516 BC) and about 80 years after the first return from Babylonian exile. The Jewish community in Judah, though having rebuilt the Temple, was still spiritually complacent and struggling to fully re-establish their identity under the Mosaic Covenant. They lived under Persian rule, highlighting the need for a leader who could navigate both imperial authority and divine law. Ezra, a priest and scribe, was uniquely positioned within this context. Scribes in this era were not mere copiers; they were interpreters and teachers of the Law, holding significant religious and legal authority. His mission, sanctioned by Artaxerxes I, was to enforce God's law, purify the community, and restore true worship, reflecting the ongoing challenges of maintaining covenant fidelity in a post-exilic, multi-cultural environment.
* **Key Themes:** Ezra 7:10 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Ezra and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **Centrality of the Law of the LORD**, presenting it not merely as a set of rules but as the foundational blueprint for Israel's identity and flourishing. Ezra's personal commitment to "seek," "do," and "teach" the Law exemplifies this theme. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility**. While God clearly orchestrates Ezra's journey and secures royal favor ([Ezra 7:6](/ezra/7-6 "Ezra 7:6 - The Hand of the Lord on Ezra") and [Ezra 7:9](/ezra/7-9 "Ezra 7:9 - God's Good Hand on Ezra")), Ezra's personal "preparation of heart" demonstrates the essential human response of intentional devotion and obedience. Thirdly, the verse establishes a model of **Godly Leadership and Spiritual Reformation**. Ezra's leadership is rooted in personal integrity and a commitment to the Word, providing a template for effective spiritual renewal that moves from individual transformation to communal instruction and societal change, echoing the call for obedience found in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prepared (Hebrew, _kun'_):** The verb "kun" (כּוּן) in its Hiphil stem, as used here, means "to establish," "to fix," "to make firm," or "to direct." When applied to the "heart" (לֵבָב, _levav'_), it conveys a profound sense of deliberate intention, resolute determination, and steadfast purpose. Ezra's devotion was not accidental or fleeting; it was a conscious, unwavering setting of his will and affections towards God's Law, indicating a deep internal commitment that preceded and enabled his external actions.
* **Seek (Hebrew, _darash'_):** The verb "darash" (דָּרַשׁ) implies a diligent, earnest, and persistent inquiry or investigation. It goes beyond a casual reading; it suggests a profound desire to understand, to delve deeply into the meaning, and to inquire of God's will as revealed in His Law. This "seeking" is active, thorough, and implies a pursuit of truth and wisdom within the divine revelation.
* **Teach (Hebrew, _lamad'_):** The verb "lamad" (לָמַד) in the Piel stem means "to cause to learn," "to instruct," or "to teach." It denotes an active role in imparting knowledge and understanding to others. This highlights the progression from personal devotion and obedience to a public, pedagogical ministry. Ezra's teaching was not merely academic; it was aimed at cultivating learning and obedience within the community, ensuring the Law's practical application in Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Ezra had prepared his heart":** This opening clause reveals the internal disposition that undergirds Ezra's entire ministry. The "heart" (לֵבָב, _levav'_) in Hebrew thought encompasses the totality of a person's inner being—their will, intellect, emotions, and moral core. Ezra's deliberate "preparation" signifies a conscious, intentional act of aligning his entire being with God's purposes, setting his will firmly on the path of divine obedience. This foundational spiritual discipline is presented as the prerequisite for all that follows.
* **"to seek the law of the LORD, and to do [it]":** This phrase outlines the first two, interdependent aspects of Ezra's engagement with God's Word. "To seek the law of the LORD" emphasizes diligent study, deep understanding, and earnest inquiry into God's commands and principles. It speaks of intellectual and spiritual pursuit. Crucially, this seeking is immediately paired with "and to do [it]," highlighting that Ezra's pursuit of knowledge was never merely academic. His commitment extended to practical obedience, demonstrating that true understanding of God's Word must translate into lived experience and faithful action. The bracketed "it" in the KJV clarifies that the object of "doing" is the Law itself.
* **"and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments":** This final clause describes the natural outflow of Ezra's personal devotion and obedience into public ministry. Having personally sought and obeyed the Law, Ezra was then qualified and compelled to impart this divine wisdom to others. "Statutes and judgments" are specific terms for God's laws, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his instruction. This teaching was not just theoretical but aimed at practical application within the community of Israel, ensuring that the entire nation would understand and live by God's covenant requirements. This reveals the progression from personal transformation to communal instruction.

#### Literary Devices
Ezra 7:10 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Most notably, it exhibits a clear **Triadic Structure** or **Progression**, outlining three distinct but interconnected stages of Ezra's engagement with the Law: to "seek," to "do," and to "teach." This progression emphasizes a holistic approach to divine revelation, moving from intellectual understanding (seeking) to practical application (doing) and finally to communal dissemination (teaching). This structure is not merely descriptive but prescriptive, offering a model for how individuals and communities should interact with God's Word. The verse also uses **Emphasis** through its concise yet weighty declaration, placing Ezra's internal disposition ("prepared his heart") as the foundational element, thereby highlighting the primacy of the heart in spiritual matters. The phrase "Law of the LORD" functions as a **Metonymy** for the entire revealed will of God, encompassing all His commands and principles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:10 offers profound theological insights into the nature of true devotion and effective spiritual leadership. It establishes a timeless principle: genuine engagement with God's Word begins with an intentional, internal commitment of the heart, which then naturally progresses to diligent study, practical obedience, and ultimately, faithful instruction of others. This sequence underscores that spiritual authority and impact flow from personal integrity and a lived experience of God's truth, rather than mere intellectual knowledge or positional power. It highlights the dynamic interplay between divine grace (God's hand on Ezra) and human responsibility (Ezra's prepared heart), demonstrating that God uses those who earnestly commit themselves to His purposes. The verse implicitly teaches that the health of a community is directly tied to its adherence to God's Law, and that committed individuals are instrumental in fostering such adherence.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law Diligently")
* [Psalm 1:2](/psalm/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the LORD")
* [James 1:22-25](/james/1-22 "James 1:22-25 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:10 provides a powerful and enduring blueprint for every believer and leader today. It challenges us to move beyond superficial engagement with God's Word to cultivate a deep, intentional, and transformative relationship with it. The call to "prepare our hearts" is a summons to conscious spiritual discipline, to set our will and affections on seeking God's truth with earnestness. This preparation is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of humility and openness to divine instruction. From this prepared heart flows the diligent "seeking" – a commitment to consistent study, meditation, and prayerful inquiry into the Scriptures. Yet, knowledge without action is incomplete; Ezra's example compels us to "do" what we learn, translating biblical principles into practical obedience in every area of our lives. Finally, the progression culminates in "teaching," reminding us that our personal transformation is meant to bear fruit in the lives of others, whether through formal ministry, informal discipleship, or simply living out our faith authentically before a watching world. Ezra's life is a testament that genuine spiritual impact begins with a heart wholly devoted to God and His Word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways can I "prepare my heart" to engage more deeply with God's Word this week?**
* **Am I equally committed to "seeking" (studying and understanding) and "doing" (obeying and living out) God's commands in my daily life? Where might there be a disconnect?**
* **How can I more intentionally "teach" or share the truths I've learned from God's Word with others in my sphere of influence, whether formally or informally?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my knowledge of Scripture translates into tangible acts of love, justice, and righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for Ezra to have "prepared his heart"?**

Answer: To "prepare his heart" (Hebrew: _kun levav_) signifies a deliberate, resolute, and unwavering commitment of one's entire inner being—will, intellect, and emotions—to a specific purpose. It's not a casual interest but a conscious act of setting one's mind and affections firmly towards God's will as revealed in His Law. For Ezra, this meant a profound, intentional devotion to understanding, obeying, and teaching God's commands. It implies a disciplined spiritual posture, free from distraction or wavering, ready to receive and respond to divine instruction. This internal readiness was the foundation for his effective ministry.

**Is Ezra's three-fold commitment ("seek, do, teach") a model for all believers today?**

Answer: Absolutely. Ezra's three-fold commitment provides a timeless and universal model for every believer's engagement with God's Word. First, we are called to "seek" the Law of the LORD, which for us means diligently studying, meditating on, and understanding the Scriptures ([Psalm 1:2](/psalm/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the LORD")). Second, this seeking must lead to "doing" – applying what we learn in practical obedience and living out God's commands in our daily lives ([James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")). Finally, having personally experienced the transformative power of God's Word, we are then equipped and called to "teach" or share these truths with others, whether through formal ministry, discipleship, or simply by living a life that exemplifies Christ's teachings ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). This progression from personal devotion to outward influence remains foundational for spiritual growth and effective ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ezra 7:10 describes a man utterly devoted to God's Law, its ultimate fulfillment and deeper significance are found in Jesus Christ. Ezra's diligent "seeking" and "doing" of the Law foreshadow the perfect obedience of Christ, who declared, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Jesus embodies the Law in its purest form, living a life of flawless devotion and obedience that no human, not even Ezra, could perfectly achieve. Furthermore, Ezra's commitment "to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" finds its ultimate expression in Jesus, the supreme Teacher and Word Incarnate, who perfectly revealed God's will and truth ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")). He taught with unparalleled authority, not merely interpreting the Law but fulfilling its spirit and bringing its ultimate purpose to light. For believers today, the "preparation of heart" and the ability to "seek, do, and teach" are no longer achieved through human effort alone but are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live out the righteousness of the Law through faith in Christ ([Romans 8:4](/romans/8-4 "Romans 8:4 - Righteousness of the Law Fulfilled in Us")). Thus, Ezra's exemplary devotion points us to the One who perfectly fulfilled the Law and empowers us to live in its truth by grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:2

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

Matthew 7:24

Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Malachi 2:7

For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

John 13:17

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

Psalms 1:2

But his delight [is] in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

Ezra 7:25

And thou, Ezra, after the wisdom of thy God, that [is] in thine hand, set magistrates and judges, which may judge all the people that [are] beyond the river, all such as know the laws of thy God; and teach ye them that know [them] not.

Psalms 19:7

¶ The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple.