Ezra 7:10

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Ezra 7:10 (KJV) provides a foundational insight into the character and mission of Ezra, a pivotal figure in post-exilic Judah. This verse succinctly describes his personal devotion and public ministry, serving as a timeless model for engaging with God's Word.

Context of Ezra 7:10

This verse introduces Ezra, described as a "scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6), who was about to lead the second wave of Jewish exiles from Babylon back to Jerusalem. Occurring around 458 BC, during the reign of King Artaxerxes I, Ezra's journey was divinely appointed to re-establish the Mosaic Law as the central authority for the returned community. His dedication was crucial for the spiritual and social restoration of Israel after generations in captivity.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Intentional Devotion: The phrase "Ezra had prepared his heart" signifies a deliberate, earnest, and deeply personal commitment. It wasn't a casual interest but a resolute setting of his will to align with God's purposes. This internal resolve is the bedrock of effective spiritual service.
  • Holistic Engagement with God's Word: Ezra's commitment encompassed a three-fold approach to the Law of the LORD:
    1. To Seek It: This implies diligent study, deep understanding, and earnest inquiry into God's commands. It's about truly knowing the Scriptures.
    2. To Do It: Beyond mere intellectual understanding, Ezra was committed to practical obedience and living out the Law. This highlights the vital connection between knowledge and action, echoing the wisdom found in James 1:22 to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only."
    3. To Teach It: Having personally sought and obeyed, Ezra was then qualified and compelled to impart this knowledge to others in Israel, instructing them in God's "statutes and judgments." This demonstrates the natural progression from personal transformation to public ministry.
  • Leadership by Example: Ezra's personal commitment to the Law preceded and empowered his public role as a teacher and reformer. His life was a living testament to the principles he sought to instill in the nation.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "prepared his heart" comes from the verb kun (כּוּן), which in its intensive form (Hiphil) means "to establish," "to fix," or "to make firm." It conveys a sense of firm resolution and steadfast purpose, indicating that Ezra's devotion was not accidental but a deliberate and unwavering choice. The word for "seek" (darash, דָּרַשׁ) implies a diligent, earnest search or inquiry, while "do" (asah, עָשָׂה) emphasizes performance and obedience. The term "teach" (lamad, לָמַד) in the Piel stem means "to cause to learn," underscoring the active role of instruction.

Practical Application and Reflection

Ezra 7:10 offers a powerful blueprint for believers today. It challenges us to cultivate a similar intentional devotion to God's Word:

  • Personal Study: Are we diligently seeking to understand the Scriptures, like Ezra sought the Law of the LORD? This involves consistent Bible reading, study, and prayer.
  • Obedience: Is our knowledge of the Bible translating into practical obedience in our daily lives? True spiritual growth involves not just knowing what God says, but actively doing what He commands.
  • Discipleship & Teaching: Are we prepared to share what we've learned and lived with others, guiding them in God's ways? Whether in formal ministry, family, or community, we are called to pass on the truth. This echoes the call to make disciples found in Matthew 28:19-20.

Ezra's example reminds us that genuine spiritual leadership and impact begin with a heart firmly devoted to God and His Word.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back