6a Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the LORD, the God of Israel, had given

10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.

— Ezra 7:6a, 10

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

— Joshua 1:8

6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

— Deuteronomy 6:6-7

2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

— Psalm 1:2-3

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

God called Ezra, a priest descended from Aaron’s lineage, to lead a band of Israelites to return to Jerusalem and Judah. Even while in exile, Ezra diligently studied and sought to teach God’s laws to His people. Ezra’s saturation in God’s Word, will, and ways equipped him to lead exiles home-physically to Jerusalem and spiritually to reignited devotion, worship, and obedience. Ezra certainly demonstrated strong leadership and efficient planning, but his true success came because God’s hand was upon him.

Ezra carefully recorded the families who left exile with him. God brought key leaders and provided the Levites and temple servants needed to uphold this priority. Before the people embarked on their journey, Ezra led them to fast and pray, relying on God’s provision and protection rather than a military escort. He entrusted consecrated leaders to steward the dedicated gold, silver, and treasures. Reinstating sacrifices and commitment to God’s Word, Ezra honored God by faithfully leading His people back to Jerusalem.