Ezra 7:9

For upon the first [day] of the first month began he to go up from Babylon, and on the first [day] of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

For upon the first {H259} day of the first {H7223} month {H2320} began {H3246} he to go up {H4609} from Babylon {H894}, and on the first {H259} day of the fifth {H2549} month {H2320} came {H935} he to Jerusalem {H3389}, according to the good {H2896} hand {H3027} of his God {H430} upon him.

He began going up to Yerushalayim from Bavel on the first day of the first month and arrived on the first day of the fifth month, since the good hand of his God was on him.

He had begun the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was upon him.

For upon the first day of the first month began he to go up from Babylon; and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him.

Commentary

Commentary on Ezra 7:9

This verse marks a significant chronological and theological point in the book of Ezra, detailing the arduous journey of Ezra and his companions from Babylon back to Jerusalem. It highlights not only the duration of their travel but, more importantly, the divine protection and guidance they experienced.

Historical and Cultural Context

Ezra 7:9 describes the beginning and end dates of Ezra's journey from the Persian capital region (likely near Babylon) to Jerusalem. This was during the reign of King Artaxerxes I, approximately 80 years after the first wave of exiles returned under Zerubbabel and Joshua (as chronicled in Ezra chapter 2). The "first month" (Nisan) and "fifth month" (Av) refer to the Jewish calendar, indicating a four-month trek. This journey involved traversing hundreds of miles through potentially dangerous desert and mountainous terrain, underscoring the formidable nature of their undertaking. Ezra, as a priest and a scribe "skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6), was leading this second major wave of returnees, focused on religious and legal restoration in the post-exilic community.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Guidance: The central theme is encapsulated in the phrase, "according to the good hand of his God upon him." This emphasizes that Ezra's successful journey was not merely due to careful planning or human effort, but was a direct result of God's favor, protection, and active involvement. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to the promised land and enabling their spiritual and physical restoration. This concept of God's guiding hand is repeatedly stressed in Ezra and Nehemiah, notably in Ezra 7:6 and Ezra 8:18.
  • Perseverance and Dedication: The four-month duration of the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem highlights the commitment required from Ezra and his fellow travelers. It wasn't a swift trip, but one demanding endurance, patience, and unwavering faith in their mission to re-establish the Law and worship in Jerusalem.
  • Timing and Purpose: The specific dates indicate a purposeful and organized departure and arrival. Ezra's mission was divinely appointed, as he sought to teach God's statutes and ordinances in Israel (Ezra 7:10).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the good hand of his God upon him" (ื™ึทื“ึพืึฑืœึนื”ึธื™ื• ื”ึทื˜ึผื•ึนื‘ึธื” ืขึธืœึธื™ื•, yad Elohav hatovah alav) is crucial. The Hebrew word yad (ื™ึทื“) literally means "hand," but in this context, it signifies power, influence, help, or favor. The adjective tovah (ื˜ื•ึนื‘ึธื”), meaning "good," reinforces the benevolent and beneficial nature of God's intervention. This expression conveys divine assistance and protection, indicating that God was actively at work, ensuring Ezra's safety and the success of his mission despite the dangers of the journey.

Practical Application

Ezra 7:9 offers a powerful reminder for believers today that God's "good hand" is still at work in their lives.
  • Trust in Divine Guidance: Just as Ezra relied on God's favor for a challenging journey, we can trust God to guide us through our own difficult paths and transitions. His providence extends to every detail of our lives.
  • Acknowledge God's Favor: When we experience success or safe passage through challenges, it's vital to acknowledge that it is "according to the good hand of his God upon" us, rather than solely crediting human effort or luck.
  • Purposeful Living: Ezra's journey had a clear, God-given purpose. This encourages us to seek God's will for our lives and to embark on our "journeys" with a sense of divine calling, knowing that His hand will be with us.
This verse beautifully illustrates that when God calls someone to a task, He also provides the necessary protection and enablement to accomplish it.
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Cross-References

  • Ezra 7:6 (7 votes)

    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.

  • Nehemiah 2:8 (6 votes)

    And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which [appertained] to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

  • Nehemiah 2:18 (3 votes)

    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].