Ezra - The Man

	Little is known about most of the prophets in the Old Testament. Ezra however, was a man people can learn a lot about. Actually, he was a man Christians can learn a lot from. His character was one that was so consistent and so honorable that his captors held him in high regard. The king of Babylon noticed the quality of his life and recognized where it came from. Ezra possessed a character that men today would do well to develop in their own lives. 
	Ezra’s love for God went far beyond lip service and going to Synagogue once a week. He devoted himself to three things, studying the Law, observing the Law, and teaching the Law. The word “study” in Ezra 7:10 means to carefully seek. So Ezra was not simply reading the Law, he was digging for treasure and holding storing what he found in his heart. Though he was a priest and a teacher of the Law, there is evidence in the book that Ezra was not only studying the Word because it was expected, or because it was required, but rather, because he loved the Law.

	Notice Ezra 7:9-10, “He [Ezra] had begun his 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 the Lord was on him. For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” The LORD honored Ezra because he devoted himself to the study, observance and teaching of the Law. The word “devoted” is literally “had set his heart on.” Ezra lived what he learned and taught. This point was evidenced by king Artaxerxes. The king “had granted him everything he asked” (7:6). Also, the king wrote in his decree, “Now I, King Artaxerxes, order all the treasurers of the Trans-Euphrates to provide with diligence whatever Ezra the priest, a teacher of the Law of the God of heaven, may ask you” (7:21). For a king to trust a man that much there has to be evidence of integrity in the man’s life. Ezra had a godly integrity that could only come from a devoted study of the Word of God.
	Ezra was also a man of planning and organization. Everything he did seemed to have had a purpose. The king’s decree may have been Ezra’s idea because he knew he would have problems getting supplies or help from the vassal states. Even the listing of the returnees in chapter eight. Ezra lists the priests first, then the princes. This signifies that Jerusalem will be a religious community and not a political community. The rest of the book shows various areas where Ezra planned things out before he moved.
	Men today would be much better off in both their spiritual life and secular life if they would learn from the priest Ezra. Learn the “Ezra Principle” and gain honor and respect, not only from God, but from employers, co-workers, and others. Organize daily tasks and be surprised at how smooth life will flow.