Ezra 7 10

Ezra 7:10 kjv

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Ezra 7:10 nkjv

For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Ezra 7:10 niv

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.

Ezra 7:10 esv

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 7:10 nlt

This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the LORD and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.

Ezra 7 verses

Ezra 7 10 Meaning

Ezra 7:10 illuminates the profound dedication of Ezra, the scribe and priest, establishing the cornerstone of his ministry. It states that Ezra had set his heart on a threefold mission: first, to diligently inquire into or study the Law of the Lord; second, to faithfully practice and obey it himself; and third, to instruct the people of Israel in God's statutes and judgments. This verse highlights Ezra's deep personal commitment to God's revealed truth, showing that his authority and effectiveness stemmed from his diligent study, personal obedience, and passion for teaching others.

Ezra 7 10 Context

Ezra 7:10 is a pivotal verse within the book of Ezra, serving as the theological backbone for Ezra's subsequent actions and success. The broader historical context is the post-exilic period, roughly 80 years after the first return under Zerubbabel and Joshua (Ezra 1-6). The initial returnees had rebuilt the temple, but the spiritual and moral condition of the community in Jerusalem had deteriorated significantly. There was a lack of adherence to God's Law, mixed marriages were prevalent, and national identity was fragile.

Into this scenario, Ezra, a priest descended from Aaron and a "scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6), receives favor from King Artaxerxes of Persia. This chapter describes the king's decree, granting Ezra authority and resources to return to Jerusalem with other exiles. Verse 10 explicitly explains why Ezra was chosen by God and why he received such favor: his personal devotion and prepared heart. It reveals the divine preparation behind human activity, highlighting that God used Ezra because of Ezra's internal disposition toward God's Word. Ezra's task was not merely administrative but primarily spiritual: to re-establish the Law as the guiding principle for the Jewish community in Judah and Jerusalem, correcting their errors and re-educating them in the ways of the Lord.

Ezra 7 10 Word analysis

• For (כִּי, ki): This conjunction serves as a causal link, explaining why Ezra found such favor and why he was granted authority by the Persian king to embark on his mission. It reveals the underlying spiritual reason for his divinely appointed role.
• Ezra: The central figure. Identified as a priest and "scribe skilled in the Law of Moses" (Ezra 7:6), implying professional expertise and devotion to the study and interpretation of God's Word.
• had prepared (הֵכִין, hekin, Hiphil Perfect of כּוּן, kun): Signifies a deliberate, firm, and purposeful setting or establishing. It's not a fleeting interest but a resolute determination of the will. The Hiphil stem indicates causing something to be established, suggesting Ezra took active steps to make his heart ready and unwavering. It implies foresight, diligence, and complete commitment before action.
• his heart (לְבָבוֹ, l'vavo): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" encompasses the entirety of a person's inner being—their intellect, will, emotions, and moral character. Ezra's commitment was not merely intellectual assent but an alignment of his desires, purposes, and entire being. It speaks of a profound inner transformation and settled intention.
• to seek (לִדְרוֹשׁ, lidrosh, Qal Infinitive Construct of דָּרַשׁ, darash): Implies an earnest, diligent, and investigative search or inquiry. It suggests more than superficial reading; it means to search carefully, to diligently inquire, to meditate deeply, to devote oneself to understanding. It conveys active pursuit and deep study of the Law.
• the Law (תּוֹרַת, Torat, Torah): Refers to God's instruction, divine teaching, revelation, and covenant stipulations, encompassing the Mosaic Law, commandments, statutes, and judgments given by God. It is the comprehensive guide for living a godly life.
• of the Lord (יְהוָה, Yahweh): Emphasizes the divine origin and ultimate authority of the Law, establishing it as binding revelation from God Himself, not merely human tradition or legal code.
• and to do it (וְלַעֲשׂוֹתָהּ, v'la'asotah, Qal Infinitive Construct of עָשָׂה, asah): This denotes active obedience, practical application, and living out the Law in one's daily life. It signifies that intellectual understanding must culminate in practical living. There is no separation between knowing and doing; genuine seeking of the Law necessarily leads to its practice.
• and to teach (וּלְלַמֵּד, u'l'lammed, Piel Infinitive Construct of לָמַד, lamad): Means "to cause to learn," "to instruct," "to impart knowledge." After seeking and doing, Ezra committed himself to effectively communicating God's truth to others. This highlights the pedagogical responsibility of one who truly understands and lives by the Word. It completes the cycle of spiritual growth and influence.
• statutes (חֻקִּים, chukkim): Often refers to God's non-negotiable decrees or ordinances, sometimes pertaining to ceremonial or ritual laws, or fundamental principles established by divine authority.
• and judgments (וּמִשְׁפָּטִים, u'mishpatim): Refers to moral, civil, and legal precedents or decisions derived from God's Law, focusing on principles of justice, righteousness, and equity in community life. Together, "statutes and judgments" signify the comprehensive scope of the Law, covering all aspects of religious and social life.
• in Israel: The intended beneficiaries and sphere of Ezra's ministry. His goal was the spiritual restoration and instruction of the covenant community, ensuring God's standards were known and practiced among His people.

Words-group analysis:

• "had prepared his heart": This phrase underscores the internal, deliberate, and profound personal commitment of Ezra. It highlights the volitional aspect—it wasn't accidental or imposed but a conscious choice of dedication that originated from deep within his being. This inner disposition was the fount of his actions.
• "to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and judgments": This presents Ezra's threefold life mission, outlining a clear sequence of spiritual engagement:
  1. Seeking/Studying (Inward Discovery): Diligent, heartfelt pursuit of understanding God's revealed will.
  2. Doing/Obeying (Personal Application): Faithful adherence to what is learned, making it integral to one's own life and character. This demonstrates integrity and validates the seeking.
  3. Teaching (Outward Proclamation): Sharing the learned and lived truth with others, instructing them in God's ways. This reflects the outward flow of true spiritual commitment. This sequence underscores the completeness and integrity of Ezra's spiritual dedication: it moved from personal conviction to practical obedience, and then to impactful public instruction.

Ezra 7 10 Bonus section

Ezra 7:10 stands as a significant testament to the principle that God blesses and empowers those who diligently align their lives with His Word. Ezra's internal readiness facilitated God's providential hand working through King Artaxerxes to enable his mission (Ezra 7:6, 9). This verse explains why Ezra was divinely appointed and why his mission succeeded: his profound commitment to God's Law formed the bedrock of his authority and effectiveness. His leadership was therefore rooted in spiritual integrity rather than mere human credential. Ezra's approach ultimately revitalized a flagging spiritual community and laid crucial groundwork for Israel's post-exilic religious life. He modeled for all future generations that true impact in God's service flows from deep personal engagement with, and embodiment of, His truth.

Ezra 7 10 Commentary

Ezra 7:10 is a foundational verse that beautifully encapsulates the character and mission of a true servant of God. Ezra's distinguishing feature was not merely his skill as a scribe but his heart's preparedness—a profound, deliberate resolve. This preparation involved setting his entire inner being, his will and intellect, on a lifelong journey with God's Law. His purpose was threefold, sequential, and essential: he first sought the Law, which means he diligently studied and meditated upon God's word with an earnest desire for understanding. This deep intellectual and spiritual pursuit was not an end in itself; it immediately led to the second stage: doing the Law. Ezra exemplified the truth that true knowledge of God's Word must result in personal obedience and practical application in one's own life. Finally, as a consequence of this personal seeking and doing, he was equipped and committed to teaching God's statutes and judgments to others in Israel.

This verse therefore presents Ezra as a divine pattern for spiritual leadership and for every believer. His dedication serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual authority and fruitfulness spring from a heart wholeheartedly devoted to God's Word—not just knowing it intellectually, but living it authentically, and then faithfully proclaiming it to others. Ezra's example encourages believers to root their faith in deep study, manifest it through consistent obedience, and multiply it by intentional instruction of others in the ways of the Lord. For example, a student of the Bible is called not just to read, but to understand its precepts; not just to understand, but to apply them daily; and not just to apply, but to share their truth and its transformative power with their community.