Ezra 7 –Divine favor and effective leadership ensure success

In Ezra 3-6, we read about the monumental task of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem led by Zerubbabel and Joshua. The building project, a pivotal event in biblical history, was paused for a period due to the opposition of Samaritans, and the discouragement, and apathy of the returnees.

The people only resumed the work and completed the temple after the significant challenges issued by the Prophets Haggai and Zachariah. The temple, a symbol of faith and resilience, was rebuilt and dedicated around 516 BC, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Jewish people.  

In Ezra 7, we see the return of the second group of Jews from the Babylonian exile. Ezra, a direct descendant of Aaron and a scribe, led this group back to reform the Jewish people. This expedition was set in the reign of the Persian king, Artaxerxes I. It took place in the seventh year of Artaxerxes I’s reign, which would place it around 458 BC.

Based on calculations, there would be a significant sixty-year gap between the temple’s completion and this trip led by Ezra. Interestingly, the events in the Book of Esther would have occurred during this period.

By the time of Ezra’s expedition, Zerubbabel, Joshua the priest, the Prophets Haggai, and Zachariah would all have died. As both a priest responsible for the religious affairs of the Jewish people and a scribe, a learned scholar, and an interpreter of the Jewish law, Ezra was well-qualified to lead the people back.

Besides his thorough knowledge of Jewish law, he was well respected in official circles in Persia. Hence it was not a surprise that King Artaxerxes readily approved when Ezra announced his plan to go to Jerusalem to reform the Jewish people.

Verses 11-20 tell us that the king gave Ezra funds from the royal treasury to carry out his program. Verses 21-24 reveal that he even assured Ezra of further funds from the Persian administration in Palestine should the need arise.  The king also gave Ezra the authority to appoint judges, set up courts, and carry out punishments when needed in verses 25-26. It’s crucial to note that God’s favor was unmistakably behind the support that Artaxerxes I had granted Ezra, a clear sign of divine approval in the narrative. This divine approval, evident in every step of Ezra's journey, filled him with confidence as he praised God in verses 27-28, making his mission a truly blessed one.

Apart from the importance of trusting God when we face obstacles in life, Ezra 7 shows us how effective leadership can inspire and guide people toward a great goal. It also shows us that it is critical to have divine favor and approval if we are to succeed in any effort.  

This account also highlights the value of knowledge and expertise in carrying out significant tasks. It reminds us of the role and support of influential figures we need to achieve our objectives. Most of all, Ezra 7 reminds us that it is most important to have God’s approval and that we must acknowledge and praise Him for our successes in life.