Ezra 7:6

KJV

This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

This Ezra {H5830} went up {H5927} from Babylon {H894}; and he was a ready {H4106} scribe {H5608} in the law {H8451} of Moses {H4872}, which the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} had given {H5414}: and the king {H4428} granted {H5414} him all his request {H1246}, according to the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} his God {H430} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

this 'Ezra went up from Bavel. He was a scribe, expert in the Torah of Moshe, which ADONAI the God of Isra'el had given; and the king granted him everything he asked for, since the hand of ADONAI his God was on him.

Berean Standard Bible

this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.

American Standard Version

this Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Jehovah, the God of Israel, had given; and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of Jehovah his God upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezra 7:6 introduces Ezra, a pivotal figure in post-exilic Judah, as he embarks on a divinely appointed journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. The verse highlights his exceptional proficiency as a scribe deeply devoted to the Law of Moses, which God Himself had given. It powerfully underscores the sovereign hand of the LORD upon Ezra, enabling him to gain extraordinary favor from King Artaxerxes, who granted all his requests, thereby facilitating the spiritual and communal restoration of the Jewish people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezra 7:6 marks a significant transition in the book of Ezra. Chapters 1-6 detail the first return under Zerubbabel and Jeshua, focusing on the rebuilding of the temple, culminating in its dedication in [Ezra 6](/ezra/6 "Ezra 6 - Dedication of the Temple"). A substantial gap of nearly 60 years exists between the events of chapter 6 and chapter 7, during which the Jewish community in Jerusalem struggled with spiritual apathy and a lack of adherence to the Mosaic Law. Chapter 7 introduces Ezra as the new, divinely commissioned leader, shifting the narrative from physical reconstruction to spiritual reformation. His journey and mission, detailed in [Ezra 7:7-10](/ezra/7-7 "Ezra 7:7-10 - Ezra's Journey and Purpose"), set the stage for the reestablishment of the Law as the central guiding principle for the returned exiles, leading directly into the reforms described in the latter half of the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse is set during the reign of Artaxerxes I Longimanus (465-424 BC), a Persian king who ruled over a vast empire, including the province of Judah. Following the Babylonian exile, the Persian policy, initiated by Cyrus the Great, generally allowed conquered peoples to return to their homelands and practice their religions, often providing resources for temple rebuilding. This strategic approach fostered stability within the empire. Ezra's journey from Babylon (a major center of Jewish diaspora) to Jerusalem occurred in the seventh year of Artaxerxes' reign (458 BC). The cultural landscape was one where imperial decrees held absolute authority, yet God's providence often worked through these very decrees, as seen in the king's remarkable generosity towards Ezra. The Jewish community in Judah, though physically returned, faced the challenge of re-establishing their distinct identity and covenant relationship with God in a land still influenced by foreign customs and religious practices.
* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several crucial themes within Ezra and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **supremacy and divine origin of the Law of Moses**. By explicitly stating "which the LORD God of Israel had given," the text emphasizes that the Law is not a human construct but God's direct revelation, foundational for Israel's identity and covenant relationship, a theme echoed throughout the Pentateuch and later prophetic books (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:5-8](/deuteronomy/4-5 "Deuteronomy 4:5-8 - The Law as Wisdom")). Secondly, it underscores **God's sovereign providence and active involvement** in human affairs, particularly in the lives of His chosen servants. The phrase "the hand of the LORD his God upon him" signifies divine enablement and favor, ensuring Ezra's success despite formidable obstacles. This theme of divine empowerment is also prominent in [Nehemiah 2:8](/nehemiah/2-8 "Nehemiah 2:8 - Nehemiah's Prayer and God's Good Hand"), where Nehemiah similarly attributes his success to God's "good hand." Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the **importance of faithful leadership** and the **consecration of gifts for divine purpose**. Ezra's character as a "ready scribe" demonstrates the value of diligent study and expertise in God's Word, a commitment further elaborated in [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Dedication to the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ready Scribe (Hebrew, _sopher mahir'_):** The Hebrew phrase _sopher mahir_ denotes more than just a copyist. _Sopher_ refers to a scribe, secretary, or scholar, someone skilled in writing, recording, and interpreting. _Mahir_ means "quick," "skillful," "diligent," or "expert." Thus, Ezra was not merely proficient in transcribing the Law but was exceptionally adept at understanding, interpreting, and applying it. This implies a deep commitment to study and a profound grasp of its theological and practical implications, making him an authoritative teacher and expounder of God's Word.
* **Hand of the LORD (Hebrew, _yad Yahweh'_):** This is a powerful and frequently used idiom in the Old Testament, signifying God's active power, presence, and favor. When "the hand of the LORD" is upon someone, it indicates divine empowerment, guidance, protection, or enablement for a specific task or mission. In Ezra's case, it explains the extraordinary favor he received from King Artaxerxes, suggesting that God was supernaturally orchestrating events to ensure the success of Ezra's mission. It removes any doubt that Ezra's achievements were solely due to his own abilities or political maneuvering, attributing them directly to God's sovereign intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This Ezra went up from Babylon;":** This clause introduces Ezra, emphasizing his origin from Babylon, where a significant Jewish community had flourished during and after the exile. His "going up" signifies a pilgrimage, a journey from the center of the Persian Empire to Jerusalem, which, though geographically lower, was spiritually elevated as the holy city and the destination of the returnees. This movement symbolizes a return to the covenant land and a renewed focus on the spiritual heritage.
* **"and he [was] a ready scribe in the law of Moses,":** This crucial descriptive phrase defines Ezra's primary identity and expertise. He was not a warrior or a political leader in the traditional sense, but a scholar and expert in God's revealed will. The term "ready scribe" highlights his exceptional diligence, skill, and profound understanding of the Mosaic Law, positioning him as an authoritative interpreter and teacher, essential for the spiritual restoration of the community.
* **"which the LORD God of Israel had given:":** This parenthetical yet vital statement underscores the divine origin and authority of the Law. It explicitly attributes the Law to "the LORD God of Israel," reinforcing its sacred, non-negotiable nature as God's direct revelation to His covenant people. This divine authorship provides the ultimate basis for Ezra's authority and the Law's foundational role in the life of the nation.
* **"and the king granted him all his request,":** This clause highlights the remarkable favor Ezra received from the Persian monarch, King Artaxerxes. It indicates that Ezra's petition for resources, authority, and permission to travel and implement reforms was fully approved. This extraordinary concession from a powerful pagan ruler demonstrates a divine orchestration of events beyond human expectation or political negotiation.
* **"according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.":** This concluding phrase provides the theological explanation for the king's unprecedented generosity. It attributes Ezra's success and the king's favorable disposition directly to the active, enabling, and protective power of God. It is a clear declaration of divine providence, emphasizing that God was actively working through Ezra and even through the secular authorities to accomplish His purposes for Israel's spiritual restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Characterization** is central, as Ezra is immediately defined by his unique skill and devotion as a "ready scribe in the law of Moses," setting him apart as a figure of spiritual authority rather than military or political might. The most prominent device is **Idiom**, specifically "the hand of the LORD his God upon him." This powerful and recurring biblical idiom serves as a clear theological statement, attributing all success and favorable circumstances not to human effort or chance, but directly to God's sovereign intervention and enabling power. This functions as a form of **Divine Providence**, explicitly highlighting God's active orchestration of events, even through a pagan king, to fulfill His purposes for His people. The structure of the verse itself, moving from Ezra's identity to the king's action and then to the divine reason for that action, demonstrates a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship, with God's hand as the ultimate cause.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezra 7:6 serves as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His sovereign ability to raise up and empower individuals for specific redemptive purposes. It underscores the centrality of God's revealed Word as the foundation for national and individual life, demonstrating that spiritual restoration hinges on a return to and diligent application of the divine Law. Ezra's example highlights that true spiritual leadership is rooted in deep personal study and obedience to God's commands, coupled with a reliance on His empowering grace. The verse also illustrates how God can work through unexpected channels, even secular rulers, to achieve His divine will, reinforcing the theme of His absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers.

* [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Dedication to the Law")
* [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord")
* [Nehemiah 2:8](/nehemiah/2-8 "Nehemiah 2:8 - Nehemiah's Prayer and the Good Hand of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezra 7:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, emphasizing the transformative power of God's Word and His active involvement in our lives. Like Ezra, we are called to cultivate a deep and diligent engagement with the Scriptures, not merely as an academic exercise but as a foundational discipline for spiritual growth and obedience. Ezra's commitment to being a "ready scribe" challenges us to move beyond superficial knowledge to a profound understanding and eager application of God's truth in our daily walk. Furthermore, the verse reminds us that our effectiveness in God's service is not solely dependent on our own skills or efforts, but on the "hand of the LORD" being upon us. This encourages a posture of humble reliance on divine favor and empowerment, trusting that God will open doors and provide resources when we are faithfully pursuing His will. It also inspires us to recognize that God can work through any circumstance or authority, even those seemingly opposed to His purposes, to accomplish His redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I become a more "ready scribe" in God's Word in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding "the hand of the LORD" being upon Ezra encourage my trust in God's providence in my own circumstances?**
* **What specific gifts or skills has God given me that I can consecrate for His purposes, trusting in His enabling hand?**
* **How might I pray for or engage with secular authorities, recognizing that God's hand can work through them?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Ezra being a "ready scribe" in the Law of Moses?**

Answer: The significance of Ezra being a "ready scribe" (Hebrew: _sopher mahir_) is multifaceted. Firstly, it highlights his exceptional expertise and diligence in the Mosaic Law. He was not just a copyist, but a profound scholar, interpreter, and teacher of God's Word. This deep understanding allowed him to accurately expound the Law to the returning exiles, which was crucial for their spiritual reformation. Secondly, it underscores the importance of the Law itself as the divine revelation given by "the LORD God of Israel." Ezra's role was to re-establish the Law's authority and centrality in the community's life, guiding them back into covenant faithfulness. His readiness implied not only intellectual mastery but also a heart prepared to "seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments" as further detailed in [Ezra 7:10](/ezra/7-10 "Ezra 7:10 - Ezra's Dedication to the Law"). This made him uniquely qualified to lead the spiritual revival of the post-exilic community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezra, as a "ready scribe in the law of Moses," foreshadows the ultimate and perfect interpreter and fulfiller of God's Law, Jesus Christ. While Ezra diligently taught and sought to restore adherence to the written Law, Jesus perfectly embodied it, living a life of complete obedience that none other could achieve ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our High Priest")). Christ is not merely a scribe of the Law but its very author and living embodiment ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Became Flesh")). He came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")), perfectly upholding its righteous demands and ultimately bearing its curse on the cross for humanity's sin ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law")). Furthermore, just as the "hand of the LORD" was upon Ezra, empowering him for his mission, the full power and authority of God rested upon Jesus, enabling His miraculous works, authoritative teaching ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")), and ultimately His resurrection from the dead ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Jesus from the Dead")). Through Christ, the Law's demands are met, and its spiritual intent is written on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant")), establishing a new and better covenant that far surpasses the reformation Ezra sought to achieve.

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

Ezra 7:28

And hath extended mercy unto me before the king, and his counsellors, and before all the king's mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the LORD my God [was] upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me.

Ezra 8:22

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God [is] upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath [is] against all them that forsake him.

Ezra 8:31

¶ Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth [day] of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

Nehemiah 2:18

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for [this] good [work].

Matthew 28:20

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.

Ezra 7:11

¶ Now this [is] the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, [even] a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.

Ezra 7:12

Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect [peace], and at such a time.